Many tourists from Russia have long appreciated Thailand as one of the most interesting Asian pearls with a peculiar culture, unique attractions, beach holidays and the famous Thai massage. What else attracts this country even to sophisticated travelers?
The location of Thailand seems to be remote from Russia only at first glance. For example, from Moscow to Bangkok there are only about 7,000 kilometers, despite the fact that all 9,000 kilometers will reach Vladivostok. Airplanes fly from the capital of Russia and some other cities of our country to Bangkok. The largest airport in Thailand, Suvarnabhumi, is located just near the Thai capital.
Capital of Thailand Bangkok
The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is located on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea. At the same time, the city is not suitable for a beach holiday, since the coast is occupied by one of the largest ports in Asia. Modern Bangkok is a rapidly developing city. However, its roots are deep enough.
The city began to grow in its present place since 1782, when the first king of the Chakri dynasty, Rama I, established his residence on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River (Chao Phraya, Menam), near its confluence with the Gulf of Thailand. This is how Bangkok became the capital of the kingdom. After all, where the king is - there is the main city of the state. Skyscrapers here coexist with historical buildings. Therefore, tourists here can admire the national architecture, unusual for the European eye.
For example, the magnificent residence of the King of Thailand with buildings in traditional Thai style is always popular. The monarch's family does not live in it, but the huge complex is used for some ceremonies and as a tourist attraction.
Emerald buddha
Not far from the luxurious Grand Royal Palace is the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. It contains an important Buddhist shrine - a statue of Buddha, who sits on a golden altar. In fact, the figure is carved from the green mineral jadeite, not from emerald. The exact origin of this 15th century statue is unknown, and therefore is shrouded in legends. They say that once the sculpture was covered with either gold, or, like a nesting doll, was inside a clay statue. The sculptural Buddha is always richly dressed and is so revered that the king himself takes part in the ceremony of his disguise.
Wonders of Thai food
Thailand is located in a zone of tropical monsoon climate, so it is not surprising that there you can try national Thai cuisine from exotic products for us: from fried insects to fruit with a terrible smell, under the name durian, which is not very harmonious for the Russian ear.
Some Thai dishes are considered to be the national cultural heritage of the country. For example, Som Tam green papaya salad and Pla Ra fermented fish. The Thai government has nominated them as applicants for inclusion in the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List from Thailand. Som Tam salad, according to the Loneyl Planet guide, ranks fifth in the ranking of world culinary masterpieces.
The film "Anna and the King" is banned
Until 1939, Thailand was called Siam. Under this name, the state appears, for example, in the well-known film Anna and the King. True, the film was filmed in neighboring Malaysia, since the Thai authorities refused to shoot in their country. They considered many of the episodes unreliable in relation to the history of Thailand and the image of the fourth king of Siam, Mongkute, who ruled under the name of Rama IV. Therefore, the screening of the film "Anna and the King" is prohibited in the country.
The fact is that Thais treat the king with great reverence and do not allow anything that, in their opinion, would cast a shadow on his person. In Thailand, a tourist can see such a picture: a hymn in honor of the king is broadcast right on the streets and people respectfully freeze while it sounds.
Fireballs of Nagas and Thai rafts that carry away all sorrows
In Thailand and some other countries located on the banks of the great Mekong River, there is an inexplicable phenomenon called the "Nagi Fireballs". Luminous balls soundlessly fly out from the depths of the river, fly up to a height of 10-30 meters and disappear. They can be of different sizes and rise from the water in different places and quantities. No smoke or odor emanates from the burning balls. Scientific research has failed to explain anything about the nature of this mysterious event.
The first information about the phenomenon appeared many centuries ago, but not only generations of local residents saw them. Fireballs are mentioned in the accounts of British soldiers in the 1860s. Mystery balls most often appear at the end of October, when Thais celebrate the religious festival of Phaya Naga. To the period of the appearance of balloons in the city of Nong Khai in the north-east of the country, a festival is held, which attracts many tourists.
If you missed this October festival or you have a reason for sadness, then you can try to get rid of it if you fly to Bangkok in November. This month, the Loy Krathong (Loy Krathong) holiday is held - people make small rafts-kratkhongs from banana leaves, attach candles to them and, decorating them with flowers, let them go downstream of the Chao Phraya River. It is believed that, together with the rafts, all sorrows float straight to the Gulf of Sinai.
However, Thailand at any time will help get rid of the blues. It is always warm and bright, shining with the gilding of ancient temples and glass of the capital's ultra-modern buildings, filled with sights and a variety of entertainment, a mixture of oriental exoticism, past and present. He is hospitable, like a good friend who is always happy to see you.
