Landmarks of Thailand

According to Ethnicityology, Thailand is rich in various attractions. In Bangkok, you should visit the historical center of the city, which is located on the island of Rattanakosin. The main attraction of which is the Grand Royal Palace. Next to the palace is the main temple of Thailand – the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), connected to the royal residence by a gate. One of the Thai shrines is kept here – a statue of a seated Buddha, carved entirely from one large piece of jade. On the other side of the river is a no less famous temple – Wat Arun. Not far from the Royal Residence, you can hire a boat and ride through the many canals of Bangkok, which used to be called the “Venice of the East”. In the business center of Bangkok – Silom, you can walk through large shopping centers, where goods of all world brands are presented. In Samut Prakan, that 30 km southeast of Bangkok, is the largest Crocodile farm, which has more than 40 thousand freshwater and porous crocodiles. 30 km south of Bangkok is the famous floating market, where nimble traders sell their goods directly from the boats. At 86 km. north of the capital is the ancient capital of Siam – the city of Ayutthaya, famous for its ruins of ancient temples. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many attractions are located in the north of the country. The largest city in northern Thailand is Chiang Mai, the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom and the second largest and most important city in Thailand. There are many temples in the city and its environs, the most famous of which are: Wat Doi Suthep, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Sing, Wat Umong. Mount Doi Suthep is located in the western part of the city. on top of which there is a temple, from which a beautiful view of the city opens. In the vicinity of Chiang Mai there are many national parks, the most famous of which is Doi Inthanon Park, named after the mountain of the same name, which is the highest in Thailand. Northern Thailand is rich in waterfalls and hot springs where you can take a dip. Chiang Mai and the surrounding areas are inhabited by many tribes and nationalities. The most popular among tourists are the long-necked Karen tribes, who are famous for the fact that girls wear rings around their necks, as a result of which the neck has an unnatural length. The southern provinces of Thailand are popular for their natural attractions – islands, magnificent beaches and underwater life. The most popular beaches among tourists are on the islands of Phuket, Koh Chang.

Kitchen

Thai dishes have a strong flavor and are known for their spiciness. Thai cuisine has a balance of five fundamental tastes: spicy, sour, sweet, salty and sometimes bitter. Common ingredients include garlic, chili peppers, lime juice, and fish sauce. The main product in Thai cuisine is rice, in its value, it is comparable to bread and its significance for Russian culture. There are over 5,000 varieties of rice in Thailand. Perhaps the most famous Thai dish is Tom Yam Khung, a spicy Thai shrimp soup that is prepared in every restaurant.

Transport

Thailand has an extensive intercity bus network. The fare depends on the bus class and distance. The simplest buses do not have air conditioning and travel quite slowly, VIP buses have comfortable seats and air conditioning and move faster. The average fare for luxury buses is 1 baht per kilometer. It is customary to move around the city by taxi or rented transport (car or motorcycle). In Bangkok, a taxi is considered an inexpensive mode of transport, landing costs 35 baht, and then according to the meter about 5 baht per kilometer. The average trip around Bangkok costs 50-100 baht. There are more exotic modes of transportation called “tuk-tuk” – this is a small three-wheeled motorcycle with a body for transporting passengers. You can also use the services of a motorcycle taxi,

Currency exchange

The local currency is called baht, the exchange rate for April 2011 is $1 = 30 baht. All payments in the country are made in baht. Foreign currency can be exchanged everywhere, especially in tourist places.

Health

Thailand is one of the most prosperous countries in Southeast Asia from a medical point of view. No vaccinations are required to enter the country. However, it is necessary to take into account local specifics and observe hygiene. It is necessary to refrain from drinking raw water, and only bottled water should be used for drinking. The most severe threat to the health of tourists is the country’s climate itself, in which sunburns and heat strokes are possible. Medical care is at a high level thanks to a developed network of public and private clinics. Treatment is paid and the cost of services is close to the cost of treatment in clinics in Europe and the USA. In public clinics, prices are usually several times lower than in private ones. Before entering Thailand, it is recommended to take out international travel insurance.