Let's first decide why you decided to go to Thailand on your own? Many people think that they go to Thailand on their own only because it is cheaper. But it is not so.

I will reveal to you a few reasons that they do not like to talk about. independent travelers.

People travel to Thailand on their own in order to:

1. To have a rest not "herd", and individually. To avoid the crowds and relax in a peaceful environment.
2. Stay in Thailand for more than the standard 10-14 days.
3. Stay at good hotel. Really good! But at the right price. Many tourists do not even suspect what luxurious accommodation independent travelers are able to settle in at an incredibly low price. In Thailand, you can rent a house from $300 a month or a villa with a pool from $800 a month - none of the travel agencies will offer this. And this is especially convenient if you travel with a child. You can rent an apartment with a kitchen or a villa with a sea view. In this post below I will give a link to excellent inexpensive apartments with a kitchen in Phuket.
4. They go to Thailand on their own when they want not only to wallow on the beach all day, but to travel to different places. For example, 3 days in Bangkok, 5 days in Phuket, then drive around the islands.

If you just want the cheapest prices in Thailand, and living conditions are absolutely not important for you, and you are traveling for no more than a week, then it’s better to buy the most cheap tour on sale in the summer.

But for those who want to get the most out of their holidays in Thailand, read on.

Step-by-step instructions: how to travel to Thailand on your own, without a travel agency

Russians do not need a visa to Thailand for trips up to 30 days. If more, then you need to do it, however, for the first independent trip to Thailand, 30 days is quite enough. Therefore, plan your trip in these terms. Please note that the day of arrival is the first day, and the day of departure is the last.
Passport is required. English is not required.

How to buy a ticket to Thailand cheap

It is better to start looking for tickets 6 months before the trip. If you want to buy a ticket to Thailand inexpensively, then it is better to use a comparison of prices for different airlines, for example,.

Where is the best place to book a hotel in Thailand

By prices: on holidays - expensive, in the off-season - cheap. Most low prices May 1st to October 30th. The highest is from December 15 to January 15, as well as the Chinese New Year.
To avoid unpleasant surprises, book through trusted sites. I like Booking the most - the lowest price guarantee, honest reviews, convenient filters for finding a hotel, and the hotel will definitely be like in the photo. I choose a rating of at least 8.5 and look at the reviews.

Prices for hotels in Thailand:

Do you need travel insurance in Thailand?

Definitely needed. Insurance is not required to cross the border, but tourists go to the hospital much more often than in other countries (exotic viruses, poisoning, fractures) and are very surprised when they find out that the cost of medicine is more expensive than in Europe. When tourists receive a bill for 1000 euros in a day in a hospital, this greatly spoils the rest. And before entering the hospital, the price is not called. Usually they say “well, about 300 dollars”, and then they roll out a bill for 1000 - a common situation. You cannot leave Thailand without paying a medical bill - there are already too many such cases. Therefore, it is better to buy insurance right away and drive calmly.

What is the best insurance to take?

This has already been written about more than once, I will not repeat myself - read (at the end of the post).

That's it - it's that simple!
However, I know that for the first time many are afraid and often ask for help to buy tickets and hotels from intermediaries. Do not do that! In order not to run into scammers, do not trust anyone with your money and do everything yourself.

Let's look at the specific easiest route, how to go to.

First time in Thailand. Independent route number 1 for a beginner - we go to Phuket

So, how to go on vacation to Thailand, to Phuket on your own.

1. Buy tickets to Thailand on your own

To find tickets for best price, use the search for airlines. We find the necessary tickets and buy. Tickets will be sent by e-mail - you need to print.

2. Book a hotel

If you have never been to Phuket, then when booking a hotel, first select or view.
No time to figure it out? Then see Kata Beach or Karon Beach. Kata is an inexpensive good beach, Karon is a beach with white creaky sand. However, they are close by and walking from one to the other will take about 20 minutes. And you can take a few days on one and a few - on the other. We are independent now!

Very good inexpensive hotel The Beach by Glitter House:

This hotel has more than just rooms apartment with small equipped kitchen, where there are dishes, a kettle, a microwave, a stove and a refrigerator. The rooms have a balcony with excellent open views (which is rare in Phuket for budget hotels). However, the hotel is located in quiet place, no evening noise. The beach is about 3 minutes walk.

There are many good hotels in Phuket. Here are the discounts and specials:

Choose and book a hotel.
Hotel reservations will come by e-mail - you need to print.

3. Insurance

We buy insurance - if we want reliable insurance with a 10% discount, then we are looking for a discount.
The insurance will come by e-mail - you need to print it out and always carry it with you on vacation in Thailand.

4. Mobile connection: you need a local SIM card

In order to always stay in touch with friends and family in Thailand, you need to take care of an inexpensive mobile communications. Here's a life hack for you: 3 days before the trip, order a Thai 4G SIM card online - - discounts up to 50%!
Simka for 8 days, so if you rest longer, then order 2-3 pieces at once, otherwise you will have to buy on the spot at full price.

Upon arrival, at Phuket Airport (Terminal 2), go to the first floor to the kiosk of the DTAC provider. Show the employee a printed (or on a smartphone) voucher with a QR code and get a Thai sim card. The dtac kiosk is open 24/7.

5. What else to take with you to Thailand

On the day of departure, we take a passport and printouts of air tickets, insurance, hotel reservations, and, of course, bank cards and money (depending on your plans). The rest is optional.
You should not take a fur coat and felt boots with you to Tai - it is better to get to the airport by taxi in light clothes. It is always hot in Thailand, so there will be enough trousers and a sweater, everything else for relaxation can be upon arrival.

6. Upon arrival in Phuket

Upon exiting the plane, we move along with everyone. After passing customs, we follow to the exit from the airport. The airport in Phuket is small, it is impossible to get lost. Before going outside, we do not miss the kiosk where tickets for the transfer to the beaches are sold. We are looking for the inscription "Minibus".
In the photo on the left are the prices for a taxi, on the right are the prices for a minibus (3-4 times cheaper). If you are traveling with four, it is better to take a taxi.

We show the hotel reservation to the aunt at the box office (she needs the address and name of the hotel, where to take her), she will sell the ticket. Then we go outside with a ticket in hand. Then people immediately run up, show the ticket and get into a taxi or minibus, which will be shown. We specify: “Karon?”
Minibus looks like this:

In the photo: minivan at the exit of Phuket airport

Minibus will take you to the hotel. If the hotel is small, then the bus may not drive directly to the door, but drop off nearby. Therefore, it is better to determine in advance on the map or by determining exactly where the hotel is located.
It will be enough to show your passport at the hotel and you will be accommodated.

7. How to communicate? Where to buy excursions?

In Phuket, there are restaurants with a menu in Russian everywhere, and excursions where everything is in Russian - there will definitely not be any problems with the language. We just leave the hotel, walk down the street and see what we like - signs are everywhere, it's impossible to miss. However, it would be nice to remember a couple of dozen words in English for the trip :)

Perhaps there is no better country for a debut independent trip. Having traveled to Thailand for the first time, you will realize that it is incredibly hospitable, smiling people surround you everywhere, and the infrastructure is extremely comfortable for the traveler. However, you will have to plan your itinerary and budget in advance. Our article will serve as a support in this difficult matter.

Planning a route

First, study the information about Thailand and decide what exactly you want to see. Sketch a short travel plan, distributing the waypoints by day. Do not forget to take into account the rainy season - it can seriously disrupt your well-thought-out scheme if you intend to go to Thailand as a savage on your own.

What to visit in Thailand:

1. Bangkok (do not regret it for 3-4 days);
2. Phi Phi Islands. A stunningly beautiful archipelago, it is worth devoting at least three days to it.
3. Krabi province. Carve out at least five days to rest in this region.
4. The north of the country is also of interest. Take a look at the cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai - this is where the real Thailand is.
5. Island voyage. Include Koh Chang, Koh Phangan, Phuket and Koh Samui in your itinerary.
6. Khao Sok. A very interesting national park.

Flights to Thailand

First of all, look for a ticket. You need to do it ahead of time - about three months before vacation. Purchase round trip tickets to Bangkok. If you want to get to Phuket right away, please note that an extra transfer will be added. Here is a list of major Russian cities from which you can fly:

• Moscow;
• St. Petersburg;
• Novosibirsk;
• Yekaterinburg;
• Vladivostok;
• Omsk.

Airlines periodically arrange ticket sales, try to keep track of them. Take a look at the "Low Price Calendar" - there are very tempting offers.

Thai visa

The good news for the Russians is that they can enter the kingdom without a visa. You just stamp your passport and relax for 30 days. If you have a desire to stay with the Thais longer, apply for a double-entry visa. Or (as most do) cross the border and revisit Thailand.

But the residents of fraternal Ukraine and Belarus will have to stand in a long queue at the airport in order to get the long-awaited document. You can read more about that in a separate post.

Travel budget

It is made up of several factors. Firstly, an air ticket (about 20,000 rubles). Secondly - accommodation (about 300 rubles a day with minimal amenities). Suppose you are going to rest for 2 weeks. Then prepare 4200 for accommodation.

Now about tasty. In expensive restaurants in Phuket, you will lose a lot, so move to folk macarons and cafes (prepare 3.5 thousand rubles for 14 days). You'll need another thousand for the bus. Total - 28 700 native rubles. Plus entertainment expenses. Read more about that in a separate article.

Required vaccinations for travel to Thailand

Health is above all. Let's talk about vaccinations that you may need in an exotic kingdom. And not just useful, probably saving a life.

Here is a list of vaccinations that you need to do before traveling to Thailand:

1. For tetanus and diphtheria. In a Thai clinic, you will definitely be asked about the availability of this vaccination. In theory, you should have been given it in childhood, and then revaccinated every ten years. Remember that tetanus can enter the blood even through a minor wound.
2. From typhoid fever. In Southeast Asia, intestinal infections are quite common. When heading into abandoned places or the countryside, it's best to play it safe. Typhoid is transmitted through contaminated food and water.
3. From hepatitis. Another one intestinal infection. WHO recommends that all tourists flying to Thailand protect themselves from it.
4. from Japanese encephalitis. Thai mosquitoes not only breed in rice fields, but also carry the mentioned infection. The local population is completely vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis. The most dangerous period of time is from May to October. Encephalitis rages mainly in the north of the country.
5. From rabies. There are many dogs in Thailand, so do not neglect vaccination. You will not receive the maximum guarantee, but the chances of coming home healthy are significantly increased.

Hotel booking

If you are not going to get stuck in one place (the notorious Phuket, for example), you should think about staying in hotels along the entire travel route. It is best to pre-book rooms according to your plan.

In the case of a long stay in one place, it makes sense to rent a room for the night - what if you don’t like the hotel? If you like your stay, extend your booking.

There are tourists living for about three weeks in one city. In this scenario, it makes sense to rent a house. Arrange a promenade around the neighborhood, peering at the “For Rent” signs (there are enough of them) and fixing the numbers of the owners in a notebook. Call, negotiate and live for your own pleasure, without being tied to the hotel regime.

Insurance in Thailand

Without health insurance you can get by - if you are one hundred percent confident in your body and exclude annoying accidents. But we still advise you to draw up this useful document. Medical services in Thailand are terribly expensive, and if you are also traveling with children, the lack of insurance can cause serious difficulties.

In Thailand everything is about money. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, without extra funds and insurance, you risk not getting high-quality and timely assistance from local doctors.

The language barrier

Now let's discuss what language is in Thailand. Local residents communicate with each other in 70 languages ​​and dialects. The most common ones are - Thai, Isan and Yuan. It is unlikely that you will have the desire to learn all this. Therefore, going on an independent journey, be prepared for linguistic problems.

English won't help here. Most people in the kingdom don't understand him. So you have to figure out a lot of things without anyone's help. Thais smile and nod, but at the same time, believe me, no one understood you.

Be in touch

Mobile communication in Thailand is at a fairly high level. The most popular among our tourists are two mobile operators: DTAC (offering the Happy Tourist tariff) and True Move (also the largest Internet provider). When leaving the migration zone, you can absolutely get a local sim card for free. On the account you will find 7 baht - enough for 2-3 short calls.

winter trip

When planning a winter trip, do not overload your luggage with warm clothes. One sweater is enough, because Thailand is warm country. The wardrobe of the Thai wanderer will consist mainly of summer clothes. Try to choose light shades, because in the dark it will be more difficult to endure the heat. T-shirts, shorts, swimming trunks and swimwear, light (and practical) shoes - this is what should be given priority.

Traveler Reviews

Learned information about how to fly cheap to thailand. We will tell you how much a ticket to Thailand costs, when it is better to buy it and how to get to Thailand on your own without spending a lot of money.

The article is written primarily for travelers who plan to fly to Thailand on their own, and not go on a tour. It will be useful both for those traveling one way and for those who are interested in round-trip tickets.

Let's start!

To search and compare prices, we personally use flight search engines - Aviasales and Skyscanner. There are enough of them to find the lowest prices for tickets to Thailand, in addition, both sites have convenient functionality that facilitates the search (price calendars, ticket price statistics, etc.)

1. Where is the cheapest place to fly?
2. Overview / pricing examples
3. Life hacks and tips for finding tickets
   • Tickets through a third country
   • Tours and tours
   • Airline sales and promotions
   • Price Tracking

Photo: temple in Bangkok © Selda Eigler / flickr.com

1. Where to fly the cheapest

Direct flights from Russia to Thailand are carried out only in two directions - to Bangkok and Phuket. It is to these cities that it is cheapest to fly - both direct flights and flights with transfers.

Airplanes fly to Bangkok more often and, as a rule, tickets are cheaper. Phuket, in general, is more expensive to get to, but there are often options for flights with the approximate same price as to Bangkok.

What if I want to go to another resort?

Some Thai resorts can be reached by purchasing a separate ticket for domestic flight- so you can fly to Koh Samui, Krabi, etc.

Other cities can be reached by land (for example, a transfer from Bangkok to Pattaya takes only 2 hours).

2. The cost of tickets to Thailand from Moscow and St. Petersburg

The cheapest tickets to Bangkok usually fall on January-May, and to Phuket - from February to June.

2.1 Direct flights

Direct flights between Moscow and Phuket are operated by Aeroflot, Azur Air and Nordwind Airlines, and only Aeroflot and THAI Airways to Bangkok.

At the same time, it is unlikely that it will be possible to fly to Thailand inexpensively: direct flights are usually 20-30% more expensive than flights with transfers.

From Moscow to Bangkok

Prices for flights from Moscow to Bangkok start at 24,500 rubles, but most options start from 26,000-27,000 rubles.

From Moscow to Phuket

Tickets for direct flights to Phuket cost at least 29,000 rubles.

From Saint-Petersburg

It is impossible to fly to Thailand on a cheap direct flight from St. Petersburg: tickets to Bangkok cost from 40,000 rubles and, in general, appear on sale infrequently. Prices for a flight to Phuket start at 56,000 rubles.

2.2 Flights with transfers

For those who are looking for a cheap way to get to Thailand, the best option would be a flight with transfers. This is how most airlines fly, and finding such tickets is easier.

The following companies fly with transfers:

• Qatar Airways - with a transfer in Doha (Qatar);
• Etihad - change in Abu Dhabi (UAE)
• Emirates and Flydubai - fly through Dubai (UAE)
• China Southern - via Guangzhou (China)
• Turkish Airlines - with a transfer in Istanbul (Turkey)
• Finnair - Helsinki (Finland)
• and some others

When choosing flights, pay attention to the duration of the transfer: sometimes you come across good-priced tickets, but with a travel time of 35-40 hours.

From Moscow

The cost of a flight from Moscow starts from 20,900 rubles, but the duration of the flight is not the most convenient (16-30 hours). At a price of 22,800 rubles, you can find options with a flight to Bangkok in 13-15 hours. Flying to Phuket will be 1000-2000 rubles more expensive.

From Petersburg

Tickets from St. Petersburg to Bangkok with transfers cost from 24,500 rubles, but for such a price, the flight time will be 18-20 hours or more. Prices for short flights start from 27,000-28,000 rubles.

You can find even cheaper tickets to Phuket (from 22,000 rubles), but good options cost about the same as to Bangkok.

For a more visual search for cheap flights, use the calendar:

1. Look for tickets in advance- it is advisable to buy them 2-3 months before departure, and the search can be started even earlier. The closer to departure, the higher the price.
2. Experiment with departure dates: a ticket for neighboring dates can sometimes be one and a half times cheaper.
3. View airline promotions There are some good deals out there. You can see them.
4. Check tickets to other locations– cities in Thailand or nearby countries. Alternative option- watch tickets not from your city (even if there is an airport there), but from a nearby larger one (for the central part of Russia - from Moscow and St. Petersburg, for the regions - from Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, etc.). S7 Airlines has direct flights to Thailand from many cities in Siberia and the Far East.
5. Keep track of ticket prices on the desired dates or range of dates through the aviasales service - as soon as the price drops, a notification about this will be sent to your mail. It is relevant if you started searching in advance and are ready to wait some time with the purchase.

A few nuances worth paying attention to:

• a round-trip ticket usually costs 30-40% less than separate round-trip tickets
• if you still decide to fly to Thailand with one ticket and return with another, remember that without a return ticket, Thai border guards may simply not let you into the country
• the cost of the flight is usually higher when the tourist season is in Thailand - that is, in late autumn and winter
• tickets for New Year's dates are always the most expensive of the year

Photo: © Rushen / flickr.com

3.1 Tickets through a third country

Sometimes you can fly to Thailand cheaper if you look for tickets through a third country - for example, Malaysia or Vietnam. The method often works for one-way tickets, but sometimes there are good round-trip options.

Low prices for tickets to a third country may be associated with the seasonality of holidays in it or with airline promotions for certain flight destinations.

In this case, you can fly cheaply, for example, to Kuala Lumpur, and from there get cheap tickets to Phuket through a low-cost airline. In total, such a flight can be cheaper than a direct ticket to Phuket.

In our experience, low-cost flights are easier to find on Skyscanner, but there are options on Aviasales.

Where to look for flights:

• Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam)
• Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
• Hong Kong
• Singapore

The last time we saved money in this way: we flew to the north of Thailand and the flight to Bangkok cost more (22,000 rubles) than a ticket to Hong Kong (14,000 rubles) + a ticket from Hong Kong to Chiang Mai (6,000 rubles). In addition, we had the opportunity to see Hong Kong.

Image: ©melenama / flickr.com

3.2 Tours and packages instead of tickets

Another tricky way to fly to Thailand cheaply is to buy not an air ticket, but a ready-made tour in the desired direction. Sometimes the cost of a ticket (especially a last minute one) can be significantly lower than the price of a ticket for a regular flight. There are times when a ticket is cheaper than a one-way ticket.

The very first thing is to take care of the flight. This is the most expensive item on a trip to Thailand. It is best to start looking for tickets six months in advance. You can run into serious discounts and buy tickets immediately back and forth. Save some decent money. Now about housing. Easily for two in Bangkok, in a decent place, you can rent a studio apartment for $ 27 per day for two. It will be a room of 20 meters, with a double bed, a shower and a closet, where a small refrigerator, microwave, sink with a nightstand and that's it. Basically, what else do you need. The balcony will also be present, on which only the two of us can accommodate.

Now about the nuances. First of all, look where the apartment is located. Hotels will definitely be more expensive. Better take a studio. Cheaper and cheerful. Like our one-room apartment. I don’t see the point of taking an apartment with a separate bedroom if you are traveling alone or together.

It is advisable to look at the location of the apartment near the main attractions. Spend less time moving around and the like.

Now the main thing. Be clear that the price includes utilities water, internet, television, cleaning. In principle, you can refuse cleaning. What are you littering there for a week then? But the price can rise significantly. Also, upon arrival, our tourists are often surprised that having already paid for a room, they begin to extort money from them, saying that this is without water, light, cleaning, bedding, and the like. And such housing will cost a pretty penny. Therefore, immediately when booking, specify everything and save the letter so that you can present it.

By the way, no problem to rent a house at a cheaper price if you're straight from the wheels. Any taxi driver will take you. Also use the Internet in the port. And there are a lot of options. On the islands, just any local will take you and offer you accommodation. You can generally take a scooter and drive up to any house, even if they do not rent, ask if there is an apartment or a room? Any local will immediately offer you options. They have a mutual guarantee there. That is, if he rented someone a place to live, he knows who to stay with. And it will be twenty percent cheaper than through a real estate agent. Prices are very, very. For example, renting a studio in Bangkok, with a communal apartment, internet, cleaning, for a month will cost no more than 32,000 rubles. These are prices for the month of August. There is no need to be particularly afraid. Thailand is a country that lives off tourists. But we want to warn you right away that you should not chase cheapness. And then friends rented a house like that. They were met, taken to the darkness by cockroaches, practically to the jungle, kilometers from the sea. There were cows and insects. For that it is very cheap. So, read the reviews, see what you shoot. Or rent a room for a day to spend the night and start looking for housing already in place. It will be much cheaper. But you don't have to go for a week. Preferably at least two weeks. Keep your passport and some money with you in a safe place. And a card for every fireman in such a place that you don’t have to leave it with things on the shore. Thieves, like everywhere else in tourist meccas enough here. By the way, interestingly, there is less of this on the islands. There are more in the capital. And I do not advise walking at night in the suburbs. It's better to stick to the tourist routes.

How to travel to Thailand.

From the notes of an experienced traveler.

Maybe this article will seem a little boring, but I will try to describe at least the basics of the mentality and culture of the Thais. And I want to point out that this is not step-by-step instruction, type,

Item 1: When you get off the plane in Bangkok, Smile;

Item 2: When meeting a girl on Walking Street - Remember! Isn't it

surprise?!

By the way, about the pricing of stores, the prices for some kind of tours or excursions, if I don’t forget, I’ll give a few paragraphs. Such information, I think, will not interfere with those who visiting Thailand for the first time.

Before travel to Thailand on your own, you need to understand the difference of this country
from other countries described on this site, I don’t know how, well, not in a nutshell, but at least somehow in general I will try to describe Thailand. Probably, only after three flights to this country, you will be able to have a different understanding of this land.

Your own experience of Thailand will certainly depend very much on your expectations.

What do you hope to gain from this visit? I
I will try to highlight some of the pros and cons of this country of smiles, so to speak, a small guide to the provinces and resorts of Thailand.

Firstly, until now, like Thailand, it is still a good choice for tourists to explore, after all, it is mainly mass tourism that exists now. This is really the key thing to understand it. You can imagine Thai as an unexplored and exotic place. While here, make no mistake: this place is one of the top 10 places in the world, which is crowded every day with crowds of tourists from every corner
peace. If you want to retire on the beach, then be prepared to be disappointed. If you are looking for some kind of gems, then do not consider this option. There are precious stones in the country, but not enough. How do you want it? You are at the resort! Are there fewer vacationers in Turkey?!

But this does not mean that it is bad to rest here. You see, here, ... well, just an awesome vacation! Tropical beaches in the south, with all water sports sports, great opportunities for snorkeling. And in the north of the country, you can go into the jungle altogether, visit old Buddhist temples or relax in the hot healing springs.

Thailand stands on tourist map on so firmly, so that you can give him a lot of advantages.

Firstly, everything is easy for a traveler here. And in the case of your little experience of staying in another country, here the journey from point A to B will be the easiest. For example, what may seem difficult to you are stages such as purchasing a ticket for bus flights, on the same day to cross to one of the islands in a boat to take a walk in the park. In fact, it will turn out to be an easy task, thanks to convenient schedules and always available tickets.

And remember, the real Thailand opens up for tourists not on the beach, but in completely different places. Just that, the main crowds of tourists rest by the sea. But I always ask: “I don’t understand! Why fly 10 hours for three nine lands to wallow like a flounder by the sea??? With the same success, you can stand in a traffic jam for two hours, and also relax with your grandmother on Klyazma, swimming and sunbathing.

Don't worry about anything.

I remember the first time, taking a ticket with a friend, we flew to Phuket (Phuket). Bangkok airport, customs, a slight hangover after a plane, a lot of our tourists. It seems as if we are still somewhere in Domodedovo. And it began - to fill in some papers, I want to note, on English language. I only remember German from films. But as always, the environment of the Russian unshaven booth helped us, by the way, we flew in the company of a very nice and intelligent company. Well, everyone just went on vacation.

An hour flight from Bangkok to Phuket, there is no customs there. We are already in Thailand! Of course, our Russian ranks thinned out, and at the exit from the airport we were left alone.

Remember - our tour operators, in my opinion, they are there somewhere, ... They just are! Because no one met us with a screaming inscription on the sign: “Boys! You are in Phuket! It's Tai!"

As elsewhere in the airport there is a taxi service. There are private traders, and there are officials or state - taxi service. Private traders can heat up a little for money, but you can also heat them up. It’s just that we don’t know British, and they don’t understand Russian, whoever utters the most strange words wins. Approaching the officials, this is such a stand, similar to the one where the microphones stand when the president speaks, only it is plastered with all sorts of bright advertising booklets. Behind the counter there was a nice Thai girl or girl... I think there was a girl. On the counter is a neat price list and a map of Phuket. Why do we need English? Our documents listed our specific hotel,
in English.

800 baht and we are already in a taxi. And I still didn’t understand why private traders weren’t so accommodating, rolling out the amount of 1500 Baht. It then dawned on me when we drove and drove and drove around Phuket, to our hotel. The driver, who stopped smiling, called the smiling operator, specifying the address. It turns out that where we were going, such addresses, like two, they differed in some way, but somehow we didn’t care.

Indeed, I would pay for such a long journey, all two thousand. But it only cost us
800 Baht.

Well, yes, the taxi operator is cool and sweet, she smiled very beautifully!

Well, here's what to worry about. Here's a banal example for you, we reached the hotel at half the price.

And yet, never look for a freebie in Thailand, just relax, and the freebie will find you by itself. Respect what is happening around you. Smiling Thais, you understand, they are at work, you, that is, tourists, you brought them some money.

Free breakfast at the hotel.

Oh, of course yes! We crossed half of Russia, India on a plane - when I woke up near the window, and I had a salad in my sneaker, we crossed the whole Indian Ocean, well, definitely not in order to wake up at eight in the morning for breakfast, which is included in our stay in hotel. Imagine a picture - such a cool restaurant at the hotel, all in palm trees and monkeys, aunts in sundresses, some men with them, fussing with full trays, you can only hear: Valya - bring Valera - wrap Sasha in a bag. Lord, are we really on our beloved Klyazma !?

This was our first and last free breakfast. On the following days, we had breakfast and lunch at different hours or outside the hotel, for money. On vacation, it’s better to do everything for money: eat, swim, drink, revel, hang out. But for money! Let for big money or small.

Speaking of money in the country of smiles.

Remember - here you are bred, smiled and bred for money. But in reality - this is quite normal, it looks very nice, funny and very cultural, and so, you know, unobtrusively. Therefore, always smile too, but do not pay money yet.

First, first, for yourself, understand whether you need it. Why pay 100 Baht when you can pay 50. But in Thailand, as elsewhere, not everything is measured in money. Although for some service you can pay not fifty, but three or ten more, and you turned out to be a permanent
a client, some kind of salon or grocery store in the bazaar and the whole subsequent vacation you will be served simply for free. Even this word "Free" somehow sounds insulting to our Thai friends, probably the expression "Without money" is more suitable. For example, I really liked Thai girls with their inner “I”, they are beautiful, sexy, there is no debauchery in them, they are very simple, and the most important thing that struck me was that they are true to the marrow of the bone.

My friend and I lived in different rooms. After walking once on Bangla Road, we made our first friends and two lovely girlfriends. My friend had his own beauty, I have another. At night we
hung out with the girls in the bars of Phuket, slept until late in the morning. This is what I'm leading up to. Their women are loyal, for example, my friend’s girlfriend didn’t go to my room for any money. I certainly appreciated it!

So what am I talking about?

About cultural divorce for money in Phuket.

Wind up. By the way, representatives of our tour operator, even the third day of stay on the island, were somewhere around here. On the fourth day, a slick, tired tie appeared with a folder in his hands; half asleep, I listened to him. What he said was somehow not interesting. Maybe due to the fact that he, too, was ill and sad. He handed us a price list with prices for all kinds of entertainment, such as: unforgettable fishing on the high seas and everything else, everything is as it should be - at the lowest "cosmic" prices. Do you hear? Never take excursions from your tour operator. It is better to buy souvenirs for relatives with the difference in money.

Good on the streets

Phuket, every twenty meters there are shops selling various entertainments and three times cheaper.

And one day before that, we took a ride on a free sightseeing tour, such, you know, introductory, so to speak, for the tourist's start.

The tour included: the observation deck of Promthep Cape (Promthep Cape) - very beautiful place, it is better to go there not during the day, but either at dawn or at sunset; then to Wat Chalong temple, too interesting place, you can take a lot of photos of ancient buildings. And then, at the next stage of the tour, the funniest thing happened. They took us to the snake farm. I have the impression that these farmers, when they see another bus full of tourists, begin to smile more than usual. And you smile the same. But after the snake show, you have to throw money at these poisonous guys, sort of, and it's not convenient to refuse.

And I liked the show!

Then, one good Russian woman took us to some large office, seated us and began, smiling (excuse the expression), to write in our ears about alternative Thai medicine, about the benefits of dried snake organs infused in alcohol. All of course tried 50 grams. It is good that the purchase of such organs was not part of our duties. Then they took us to another crazy farm where they made orthopedic pillows out of something. Let's miss it, they also offered to buy it, because without this pillow, well, it's just impossible to live. That's what they said.

Further stop, our completely free tour, was "the cheapest shop" of souvenirs, which supplied all the souvenir shops on the island. Well, yes, we looked like we looked at all sorts of shells, figurines, trinkets. I bought a couple of trinkets that fit into my pocket and did not interfere, because, like the rest, I did not want to carry these shopping bags.

Guys!

The same knick-knacks I bought were in souvenir shops in downtown Patong for five times the price. Fun huh!?

But that's okay, we're tourists.

Let's go back to Wat Chalong. At the temple there was an urn where papers were thrown, I also threw it, having previously written something (I don’t remember), on reverse side I had to write down my coordinates.

A day or two later, the phone in my room started working, and someone on the receiver said that I "Win!". The voice said they would pick me up in the morning. And it began. I did not say goodbye to my sidekick, promising to return. Indeed, in the morning an expensive foreign car drove in, they put me in and took me. The voice spoke, but I could see it now, the typical slick office tie, patent leather boots, feet that must have been sweaty.

And the Voice took me to all the chic hotels, and what they just didn’t feed and water me. In short, they offered to join the club, I’ll miss any crap, they brought me to a chic office building, took them from office to office, told how cool they were, and everything around was so expensive, starting with the wooden bridge in the hall, thrown over the pond. In short, to join the club, you had two thousand dollars. I immediately remembered the taxi drivers at the Phuket airport. They fooled me from morning to afternoon. Of course, I didn't join the club. But! At the beginning of the conversation in the morning - it turns out that I won, according to them, a ticket for Phi Phi, and it was even possible to go with a friend.

In principle, I endured these office ties only because of Phi Phi. Another Thai chic freebie!

And yet, don’t buy leather products: garbage from stingray skin, belts from cobra or crocodile. All this is cheap consumer goods and money down the drain. All good leather products in an hour's flight, in Indonesia. If you find really quality in Thailand, it will cost more than in Moscow and Europe. All leather in Thailand is from Indonesia. If you want quality - then you are in Bali.

Indeed, in case you want to wander around the country where you usually have at least some basis, then Thailand is an excellent choice. To find accommodation, you just need to turn around, it is anywhere, cheap or expensive, but it is there.

Don't speak English? That way people will still understand you.

Do you want to know more about security in Thailand? This place is probably safer than our cities in Russia.

Due to the popularity of the country, sometimes during the peak season it is not always easy to find a free bungalow if you are traveling on your own. The overall ease of travel to Thailand also has independent travel . In fact, this country occupies not the last place, among ordinary countries, which allows tourists to move freely. Stay in cheap hotels you are guaranteed to meet interesting fellow travelers.

So everything is very positive.

What about the negatives?

The popularity of Thailand is pushing prices up, which in certain areas may also delay some hikes until the budget is replenished. Beaches and islands in the south are rising in price at the level of a middle-income country.

Bangkok and other big cities are becoming more and more high class.

But one place in Thailand to this day remains a relic of true low-budget camping trips, this is the north of the country. Here you can travel 2 times cheaper. By the way, this is really a very large part of Thailand, which has something to see.

The north of Thailand is a unique place.

(for example, the temple in Bangkok) are simply inundated with tour offers and tourists. Tourists are not only from the West, but also a lot from China and other Asian countries. Despite the masses of tourists, it remains one of the best countries for mountaineering, give it a try, even if you don't have much experience. In the next I will not describe
attractions of popular holiday destinations, and I will try to highlight some other unique travel destinations.

Never avoid street food. Believe me - it is very tasty, and not expensive.

Climbing steep cliffs, here many get their first experience in mountaineering. It's safe, cheap and easy. With such skills, it will be easier for you to move through the mountainous terrain.

The splendor of cities and night streets.

Walking in Bangkok or exploring the night markets of Chiang Mai, you will be captivated by great interest, especially if this is your first visit. South-East Asia. You will immediately feel that you are in another world.

Rest in paradise.

Why wander from crowded beach to the beach. Go to Pai in the north of the country, where the bustle will leave you big city where you will be met by rice fields and bamboo huts.

Another great selection for a party.

If you are young, then you will find more energetic leisure - this is Phi Phi, night life on Khaosan Street in Bangkok (not for the faint of heart), this level of partying can be described as post-apocalyptic.

Good beaches.

As good beaches I would recommend the Philippines (they are much less crowded). However, Thailand has some great beaches and islands, many of them with beautiful karst rocks and blue lagoons. Very well suited for beach activities, snorkeling and elementary swimming.

Delicious food in the world.

I always thought that I was always familiar with Thai cuisine , from our Russian version of a Thai restaurant. Believe me, for some 100 baht, under a faded umbrella on the Phuket waterfront, an elderly Taika will feed you something that you will never try in expensive restaurants of your hometown, even if the chef is Thai.

Center of Chiang Mai.

There you can relax in the company of the most beautiful waterfalls.

In popular guidebooks, only the main attractions of Thailand are listed, with short descriptions to get some idea. Of course, the bulk of tourists go on vacation for an average of two weeks. And where is there, after your hometown, make anyone climb palm trees, beat your knees on rocky ledges and go along hard-to-reach paths in the jungle. But, if you know such paths, then you can get such relaxation at the “exit”, near any waterfall or mountain lake. And no beach can compare with such a holiday.

In the north of Thailand around Chiang Mai, the mass of ancient Buddhist temples, hiking in the mountains will give you new acquaintances with the hill tribes of the indigenous peoples.

Chiang Mai itself is considered the perfect place to explore the northern region, it is located next to the Golden Triangle - this is the intersection of three borders: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. Starting your journey from Chiang Mai, there is no chance that you will get lost. Ultimately, traveling on any road, you will again return to it through some of the more remote areas of Thailand. Recommend this if you want to see the north of the countryside.

The town of Soppong on this route is a great collection of exciting tourist adventures, while Pai is both a huge hike destination and a great night out destination.

In the interior of the country, the mass of archaeological sites of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. In Kanchanaburi you will see the famous bridge over the River Kwai. The other bank of the river is only 3 hours drive from the capital and is considered quite famous place for tourists.

About the beaches and islands of the south.

For recreation, you can consider a group of islands in the Gulf of Thailand, and popular resorts on the island of Koh Samui, in the Full Moon Party on the island of Phangang, and Koh Tao became one of the cheapest and the best places in the world where you can take good diving courses.

And in the west of the Adaman Sea there is Krabi province for you, known for its gorgeous karst limestone cliffs. This area has become a kind of Mecca for climbers, where you can climb a rock under the ocean waves.

The neighboring islands of Ko Phi Phi are more party places, which became famous thanks to L. DiCaprio; the islands of Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta are more laid-back. You can also find more small village islands, deprived of civilization and banal electricity.

From point of view independent route, as a rule, it makes sense to have the direction to the north of the country. And if we move south, then we get straight to the lazy beaches, and we lose all motivation to look for another place to relax.

In the north more leisure, unique nature and cultural historical sites, so it's a great place. It's like at home: All week in a stuffy city, and on Friday we stand in traffic jams, just to retire from the city noise in the country. So the north of Thailand is a great idyll to be alone with nature.

Places in Thailand that are not mentioned in the tourist guide.

In my opinion, these are some places that are worthy of the attention of a tourist:

֊ Walk through the markets of Bangkok and visit Chinatown. Rent a bike, visit the bustling Chatuchak Sunday Market, and take a ride to parts of Chinatown where you can get lost in the endless labyrinth of its narrow streets. You will see how they cut the fish, which will be prepared for you right there, all sorts of strange and unfamiliar products. By walking, you will have a wonderful opportunity to explore some of the hidden streets of Bangkok.

Master Thai cuisine, it is incredibly delicious.

Thai cooking courses can be found in many places in popular cities. I spent some time relaxing at a local farm outside of Chiang Mai where you will be ordained local cuisine. You will learn how to make a real Thai curry to take this knowledge home.

Muay Thai boxing.

Having visited such a match, you will see dizzying tough and beautiful fights. Thai boxing is performed in many places in Thailand and the islands.

Koh Tao island.

By purchasing profitable tours to Thailand, on this island you will receive a diving certificate. This place has become one of the top places in the world for scuba diving and training. Diving prices are the lowest here, because there is very tough competition among a dozen internationally accredited diving schools. True on the reefs, you will see more other divers than undersea world, and yet - this is one of the most comfortable and safe areas in the world.

Scooter rental in Pai.

Pai is an amazing and relaxing place in northern Thailand. Scooter rental is always available here, and you can rent a scooter even without a license. On a scooter, you can go away from the bustle to beautiful countryside, to waterfalls or lakes.

Bright tours of Pai.

Visit ancient Buddhist temples.

A grand palace in Bangkok with golden glittering statues, of course, this attraction will seem a little busy due to the large flow of tourists. But there is an alternative - this is Doi Suthep, built on a hill in Chiang Mai, or the ruins of an ancient Ayutthaya temple a little north of Bangkok.

Koh Lanta is often characterized as an exceptional paradise for honeymooners and families with children. Koh Lanta is large enough to cater to the tastes of different kinds of tourists. If Ko Phi Phi is noisier and famous for its loose parties, then Ko Lanta is the absolute opposite, there is no hurry here, time goes by for a long time, a lazier rest with a glass of beer in the bar in the evenings, and dancing to reggae.

Railay is a godsend for tourists who are eager to climb rocks, it is located on the peninsula. There are few interconnected roads, but the place is spectacular with its surrounding high karst cliffs, an amazing sight. Climbing here is very popular even for beginners, because the rocks are easy to climb. And if you are here for the first time, then refer to the guidebooks, because some rocks lend themselves only to experienced climbers. Climbing the cliffs will give you an amazing dose of adrenaline, and from the top of the cliffs you will enjoy fantastic views of the turquoise bay and Railay itself. Most tourists relax on Ton Sai Beach, which is popular for its low cost of service.

Festivals in Thailand.

Songkran, running from April 13-15, is a water festival in which everyone participates with a water pistol and water balloons. By the way, foreigners are often a favorite target, therefore, in order not to be shot with water, it is better to arm yourself with a water barrel.

Na Yi Peng is the Thousand Lantern Festival held in Chiang Mai every November.

Well, that seems to be all for now. The next acquaintance with Thailand will be a little later. Better get to know yourself.

Break stereotypes -