Winter is the coldest time of the year, and who doesn't want to soak up the warm sand under the scorching sun and a light, warm breeze. Many Russian tourists fly to the islands, spend winters there, not worrying about the weather in their home country. It's good that there are enough places like this in the world.
Beach holidays are the most widespread in the world. Most people prefer the sea and the beach over the bustling cities and mountains.
Vietnam
This is one of the best places to relax in winter abroad by the warm sea.
Advantages: very cheap, delicious food, nice people, unique culture, great hotels (even for $ 10), abundance of attractions, good beaches.
Cons: public catering sanitation is a weak point of the Vietnamese. However, this applies to almost all of Southeast Asia. If you disdain to eat with locals in street cafes, choose more expensive establishments.
Winter weather. During the winter months we lived in all regions of the country: in the center (Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An), in the south (Phu Quoc, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Nha Trang, Dalat, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet) and in the north (Hanoi, Halong).
So, it is best to have a rest in the south of Vietnam in winter, because the rainy season is there in summer: Phu Quoc, Con Dao, Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. The air and water temperatures are approximately the same + 25 … + 28 ° С. Nha Trang is fine too, but in December some days are rainy and windy, and there are waves at sea.
Things to do. Tourists devote the first days to a lazy beach vacation, and then go on excursions. There are a lot of them, from short sightseeing ones to two or three days to the north of the country. We rent a bike and ride around the neighborhood.
Beaches. Vietnamese beaches are good, but they can hardly be called paradise - for these, go to the Maldives or Seychelles. However, there are white sand beaches here too: Bai Sao in Fukuoka and Zoklet in Nha Trang.
Visa. A visa for 15 days is not required. For a longer period, it is drawn up online, it will be pasted at the airport. We always do it for three months at once.
Thailand
From December to April, the concentration of tourists is off scale.
Pros: it's warm in winter and you can swim, interesting excursions, varied leisure, low prices.
Cons: many tourists, noisy, expensive in some resorts. However, there are many resorts and beaches in Thailand - it is easy to find quite secluded places (even in the popular Phuket).
Winter weather. In December, Phuket is still quite humid and there may be rains - usually in the evening or at night. January and February are dry and hot, the sea is calm and clean. The air temperature is about + 32 ° С, the water temperature is about + 28 ° С.
Things to do. In Phuket, take excursions to the islands: Phi Phi, Similan, Racha. In Pattaya - excursions to the River Kwai, to Ayutthaya, to the islands. Visit entertainment shows, temples, zoos and active sports. If you have a driver's license, rent a bike and ride around the area.
Beaches. In Pattaya, the beaches and the sea do not make you want to swim - take a ferry to neighboring Ko Lan, where it is clean and there are fewer tourists. In Phuket, the choice of beaches is huge, but the distance between them is decent. An excellent beach option is Patong, a lot of parties, a variety of restaurants.
Visa. Russians in Thailand can stay for 30 days without a visa.
Goa
Goa is the smallest, most Europeanized and most tourist state in India.
Pros: Clean sea and wide sandy beaches, mild and comfortable climate - such reviews about Goa are left by tourists.
Tourists speak of local residents as welcoming, sincere, good-natured. They like to come up themselves, often ask to be photographed. As a rule, everyone speaks English, and some master Russian. Exotic, tasty and inexpensive food.
Cons: - Attractions - the weak side of the holiday in Goa, there are not very many of them. Much more interesting in other states. In 2018 reviews, tourists recommend visiting the Dudhsagar waterfall, Hampi and the statue of the god Shiva in Karnataka. Fishing and boat trips are inexpensive.
- The annoying sellers bother them, and local men pay close attention to women.
- The beauty of the landscapes is spoiled by the smell of garbage. Some are embarrassed by locals sleeping on the ground and cows lying imposingly on the beaches.
The best time to travel to Goa is from November to March. The peak season, when the state is overcrowded with tourists and prices skyrocket, is December-February. The weather is ideal: almost no precipitation, the humidity is comfortable. Water temperature + 28 … + 29 ° С, air temperature during the day + 33 … + 34 ° С, at night about + 22 … + 24 ° С.
Do Russians need a visa to Goa
Yes, you need a visa. You can get it online, upon arrival (if you fly on a tour), or order it in advance. According to reviews, most tourists apply for an e-visa to Goa online - this is the simplest and most convenient solution. You send the documents and pay the fee, and a document will be sent to you by e-mail, which must be printed and shown to the officer at the airport. Valid for 60 days. Price - $ 100 + $ 2 for payment by card.
South or North Goa - which one to choose?
South Goa: an expensive and relaxing holiday. South Goa is almost 2.5 times larger than its northern counterpart in area and 3 times in length of the coastline. There are excellent sandy beaches, clear water and mountains.
North Goa: budget and party holidays. In the north of the state, there are beaches with grayish sand of volcanic origin, not as beautiful as in the south. The infrastructure is better developed here, the choice of housing is greater - from luxury hotels to cheap guesthouses. And if the south is preferred by lovers of secluded relaxation, then in the north noisy parties and nightlife are in full swing. Generally unpretentious audiences come here, their goal is entertainment. This part of the state was once chosen by hippies in the 60s of the last century.
The prices in Goa pleasantly surprise tourists, they are so low here: a portion of soup costs 50-60 rupees, rice with chicken 100-150 rupees, shrimp - 150 rupees, tea - about 30 rupees, juice - from 50 rupees. True, you will have to pay at least 1200 rupees for the lobster.
The main catering establishment is a beach shack (shek). Kitchen-shed with everything you need, in front of it there is a terrace and tables for visitors. So primitive, but how delicious! There are dishes of Indian, Chinese, European cuisine, necessarily seafood, chicken, rice, juices.
India also has excellent sunsets.
Choose your vacation to your liking!
