the Destination
Thailand is a land of smiles and breathtaking contrasts: the jungles covering the islands and noisy buzzing cities dotted with quiet temples. Service in Thailand is high, the sand is soft and white, the sea is warm and clear, with impressive opportunities for diving and sailing.
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island in the Andaman Sea, where tropical scenery and white sand beaches, an abundance of sports facilities, entertainments, bars, restaurants and nightclubs make it a destination where no one will be bored.
facts & figures
Capital: Bangkok
Population: 70,187,000
Language: Thai
Currency: Thai baht
Best places to visit: Phuket, Samui, Pattaya.
Best time to visit: November – April.
What to do
Swimming in the crystal-clear sea, sailing on long wooden boats, tasting spicy local dishes, experiencing traditional Thai massages or fast tuk-tuk riding – all this will easily help anyone to plunge into the local flavor and enjoy the special atmosphere of this hospitable country. Romantic sunsets at Cape Phromthep, a zoo with crocodiles, stunning orchid flowers at the special orchid farm, a great number of beaches, one more beautiful than another, ample opportunities for shopping, gastronomic discoveries and vibrant nightlife – all this you can see and try in Phuket.
Interesting Traditions
Thai New Year - Songkran · April, 13th, 15th
The holiday symbolizes the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy one. In the morning of New Year’s Day, Thais go to temples to pray and wash the Buddha statues with water, thereby undergoing a rite of purification. The main tradition of Songkran is a mass dousing one another in water from bowls and water guns when walking, ridig hoses or driving cars. They douse each, even the strangers, with water from head to toe. Thais believe that water gives well-being, and by pouring it on a person, you wish him happiness.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival · October
The founders of the festival are the Chinese, who have been holding the festival since 1825. They eliminate meat, alcohol and swear words for 9 days in order to get karma points and gain good health. Phuket restaurants offer a wide variety of gourmet vegetarian dishes during the festival.
Loy Krathong · November
Loy Krathong is celebrated on the night of the full moon in November. Thais make baskets decorated with flowers and candles, called “krathongs”, and float them across the rivers, ponds, and canals. This ritual is believed to ward off anger and all bad things. And at the same time these baskets are gifts to the gods for the harvest.
Festival of sky lanterns · November
The Yi Peng Lantern Festival coincides with Loy Krathong. As night falls, thousands of burning lanterns made of thin rice paper take off into the sky.
Gallery
Looking for inspiration? View our photo gallery of Thailand!
