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A detailed review of our first independent trip to Thailand

19 May 2011 • Travel time: with 14 May 2010 on 29 May 2010
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Hello dear travel lovers!

A year after visiting this blessed country, I finally decided to write my review about it. When we were going on a trip, detailed reviews helped a lot to organize and plan our vacation, so I am writing too.

This story is for those who for the FIRST TIME are going on an INDEPENDENT TRAVEL in THAILAND.

So, let's start ...Tired of Turkey, Tunisia and other countries with organized 3.4, 5-star holidays, we decided to embark on an independent trip, that is, not to buy a ticket from travel agents that includes flights, transfers, accommodation, insurance, excursions, but order everything yourself on the Internet and partially on the spot.

The hotels were chosen on the website of the Thai tour operator Ivan Susanin, there is a separate song about him - they worked great. Hotels corresponded in price and quality to what was offered. Transfers arrived on time.

Advised on any issue on the Internet. In general, all the reviews that they write on the official website are true.


As for prices: for 7 nights in Pattaya (3 stars), 8 on Koh Chang (4 stars), 1 in Bagkok (4 stars) paid 25 thousand rubles.

The flight took the cheapest - Turkmen airlines. Cost for two (from Moscow) 35 thousand rubles.

Insurance was taken separately at Ingosstrakh for 600 rubles. for two (thank God it didn't come in handy).

They spent about 40 thousand rubles there. without denying yourself anything.

In general, of course, now we are smart, and we would never have spent so much on hotels. Condominium for 5 - 7 thousand rubles. per month, that's a lot! And we will definitely use it next time if we are in Pattaya, and on the islands the bungalows are a little more expensive, of course, but also, compared to hotels, not money. This is where the practical part ends and the romantic-emotional part begins (there will be all the most interesting : ))

My name is Oksana.

We went on a trip with my husband. We ourselves are from Syktyvkar. We flew to Moscow, stayed for a couple of days with friends. We started our trip on 14.05. May 2010.2010. The departure of the Turkmens was from Domodedovo. We arrived by Aeroexpress. 300 rub. and comfortably, quickly and calmly you reach the airport (45 minutes from Paveletsky railway station). Express runs every 30 minutes. Drinks are sold on the train (for those who did not have time to have breakfast, all sorts of snacks, beer, newspapers, in general, everything is like in a real train).

Since the flight was not a charter, but a regular flight, they checked in very quickly, without two-hour queues. When considering the option of flying with Turkmens, they read a bunch of all sorts of nasty things in the reviews that they would not be served on the plane, they would sit in the last rows, etc. Far from everything turned out to be true. We actually sat on the penultimate row, but this did not affect our well-being in any way. The plane is clean and new. They fed very well.


True, there was no hot choice for our row, and my husband and I got different sets, but this also has advantages - we tried both : ) They didn’t give a blanket. I must say that I asked for a blanket on 4 flights, but they always ran out, and the last time I got on the plane, almost the first, they honestly admitted that they were only for business class passengers. Then everything fell into place.

The flight Moscow - Bangkok is carried out with a transfer at the Tashkent airport (parking for 3 hours).

Judging by the standing planes, only Turkmen planes are allowed into the airport in Turkmenistan: ) The airport has a proud name: the name of the First President of Turkmen-bashi.

The airport, of course, struck. Large and almost completely empty room. Soldiers are standing at the door (not at all scary: the soldier tried 10 times to release a swallow that flew into the airport. By the way, it is a symbol of Turkmen Airlines). Instead of a scoreboard, an aunt works.

When it's time to board a flight, she just comes out and announces it loudly. The uniform of the female customs officers is floor-length skirts, which surprised me greatly. Like 90% of women in national clothes. This is Central Asia. I even got nostalgia for the Soviet times. Although I really did not have time to live in them : ) At the airport, in the waiting room, there is nothing but a seedy bar and a souvenir shop where everything is made of carpets. Prices are high as expected. Despite the paucity of the scenery, the three hours flew by quickly. Yes! The toilet was also amazing. There are NO locks on the cabins AT ALL!

They let us in for landing with liter bottles of fanta and cocktails poured into plastic cups at the bar. For comparison, in Domodedovo they forced to throw out 125 gr. yoghurts : ).

Flight to Bagkok

The Boeing 757-200 is very old. The seat handles are sealed with tape. Unpleasant, but the savings of 20 thousand compared to Aeroflot and 30 thousand compared to Thai Airways should be expressed in something.

The food was again very good.

Arrival in Bangkok


Upon arrival, we went through passport control and filled out migration cards without any problems - there are samples at the counter. At the greeting of "Sawadi kaa", the customs officer broke into a wide smile. I was also smiled at the fact that he has SUCH a tight shape. I can’t imagine our pot-bellied customs officers in this. I was also surprised that an airport employee met us and showed us where we needed to go. And the airport is so unrealistically huge. 4 times, and maybe more times more than Domodedovo!

There are exchange offices at the airport. We changed the money and gave us a magnet. So cute!

Transfer to Pattaya

We did not order a transfer from Susanin, which I personally regretted. Those who were met were dressed in garlands of flowers. It is so beautiful and immediately creates a feeling of relaxation and that they are waiting for you. But that's not the point. The first bus had to wait two hours.

According to our time, it was already 4 am in the yard, and given that we had to get up at 5 am the previous day, a specific coma began. At 6.30 local time we bought bus tickets. Buses depart from the first floor of the airport (the little blue desk is on the left when you look outside) Thais don't really speak English. Difficult. We sit and hope that they will pick us up. We twitch a little. Now I understand that it's useless. At the appointed time, a guy came out and loudly announced that he was boarding Pattaya, and then he escorted him to the right bus. We drove for about two hours. Our hotel Ambassador Сiti Jomtien is located far from the center of Pattaya. I had to leave somewhere in the center. Let's take it here. We pay 200 baht. We understand that we overpay, but there is no strength to bargain. I tell you, it was necessary to order a transfer from Susanin. But nothing, we got there.

The territory of the hotel is simply gigantic. 5 buildings from three to five stars.


We are economical tourists, so we ordered a three-star room. Came in and I was blown away. Yes, 3 stars in Thailand and 3 stars in Turkey are really different. Not for Tai. On the basis of fatigue and a shabby number, I even wanted to cry. But when my husband offered to move to another room, having paid extra, I realized that I was not going to be in the room and therefore there was no need to overpay. I was right. It was just a residual symptom after a "civilized" holiday. They threw things and immediately went to swim in the sea. On the way we saw a small market on the territory of the hotel with the necessary things, knick-knacks and fruits ready to eat (ie, washed and cut). Everything is cheap! Then we saw two giant pools. And then the same huge and deserted beach on the occasion of the end of the season. And here it is - the sea ..... No, I have never seen such a sea. Moreover, this is the ocean  I went in and was stunned. It's fresh milk.

And, that in the afternoon, that in the evening. Since this is not the center of Pattaya, the sea is clean, the beach is perfect. In the sea and the pool you can swim day and night (it is highlighted). It's an incredible thrill after a day of sightseeing, shopping, etc. to lie flat in almost hot water and just ride the waves. Listen to the sound of the ocean and look at the stars. As I write, my breath hitched with memories.

There are many Russians in Pattaya. In. language is not needed at all. You feel absolutely comfortable. There are 4 cafes across the road from the hotel, where the food is sooo tasty. The so-called stationary makashnitsa. The view is unpresentable, but really very tasty and everything is very cheap. Massage parlor nearby. The hotel breakfasts are tasteless (we are in 3 stars, remember this). Only the Chinese are comfortable. Fortunately, my husband and I eat spicy, sour and strange : ))) But you can eat. Well, they didn’t have time to get bored with us in 5 days (two of which we were on Kwai). And so I would have to have breakfast elsewhere.

There is no hair dryer in the room. You have to ask at the reception. But what they brought, I did not see even in Soviet films. He is 40 years old! And the next day, the cleaning lady takes it away and you need to ask again. We understand that he is the only one for the whole hotel. Dull, of course, so it's better to take it with you if you're not too lazy or to dry like that.

But on the territory of the hotel there are 4 swimming pools, fountains, paths, gardens, playgrounds. Territory well-groomed. From the beach there is a beautiful view of the islands. There is a bar and cafe on the beach. There is a macaroon that grills fish, shrimp, and sells boiled corn. Everything is very cheap. There is a massage parlor on the beach.


In general, if you want to relax in Pattaya and not go to the islands (although this is a big stupidity), then it is quite possible to relax in this hotel without even leaving the territory - there are such lovers, but the review is not for them, we remember : )

We traveled around Pattaya by tuk-tuk. 20 baht and you are there. This is the travel system. Tuk-tuks for 20 baht go only in a straight line.

If you need to go straight and then left (towards the center, to the embankment, for example), then you will need to transfer to another tuk-tuk that runs along a perpendicular street. These are tuk-tuki buses (they are white). But if you take blue, you pay like a taxi and go wherever you want.

There is an amazing Lotus supermarket on Sukhumvit, where there are cafes (the whole floor) with delicious food for every taste, clothes, household appliances and food. Clothes, of course, only summer, but worth a penny. For example, a good quality blouse or T-shirt for 300 rubles. Leatherette bag for 200. Leather is more expensive, but also a real price. In Pattaya there are supermarkets with children's clothing. The people cheered a lot. Cheap and high quality. But we weren't there.

Were in the electronics supermarket Tuk Com. Bought for 2700 an analogue of the i-pod. You can't tell without special training. Worked for a year, let's see what happens next. Bought this to pamper my teenage daughter. Brands are much cheaper than ours.

Honestly, I was stunned.

We went to the survey and did not regret it.

1. Visited the Buddha Temple

2. Visited Big Buddha Temple (really big : ) ),

3. Observation platform with a gorgeous view of Pattaya

4. Chinese temple of the Buddha. Very beautiful!

5. Well, and in the end, a jewelry factory. Someone has to pay for the free pleasure for us. There is a good museum of stones and an interesting excursion. Then in the trading pavilion they stared at the tsatski, thanked them and drove home. Everyone is very polite and unobtrusive.


They also offered a latex factory, but we refused : ) We didn’t plan to bring a pillow or mattress with us : ) The guide didn’t really insist. What a lovely people compared to the Arabs. The only minus is our guide didn't speak Russian very well, but I guess two friendly people will always understand each other. Since the tour was free, we were not particularly offended.

After the sightseeing tour, we somehow did not walk up and went with the same guide to

Nong - nooch

Nong Nooch is a beautiful park spread over 800 acres. It is looked after by 1500 people, every 2-3 years it is updated. There are many gardens there: an orchid garden, a bonsai garden, a cactus garden, a European garden, a butterfly garden, a turtle garden. Also on the territory there are mini-zoos with goats, deer and parrots, which will delight both children and adults.

The tour includes a visit to two shows: a national show, with a very beautiful production and an elephant show (what smart animals they are! ).

I advise you to wear something that covers your shoulders for the tour, because it is very easy to burn out. The sun is beating down mercilessly. And of course it is better to go not to the hell.

Day 3 and 4 Kwai

Kwai, for those who do not know, this is such a river. Excursion to Kwai two days. We traveled with The Raft Group. Organization is five. Everything was according to plan. But the guide was not very good. He's a shady Russian.

Like Anatoly or something. All the way, instead of talking about the country, he played films about Thailand on TV in the minibus. We met a guide at a teak factory ...as he said! we've been listening.

The tour includes several stops:

1. Coconut farmer's house. Here you can see how wealthy Thais live, climb a coconut tree and buy souvenirs.

2. Floating market. Souvenirs there are wildly expensive - everything is designed for tourists. Bargain to the last. The price can be thrown off 4-5 times. But in general, it makes a very exotic impression. You can take colorful photos. On it you swim in very low boats. Keep your hands out of the water - our fellow travelers said they saw a small crocodile in the water. I don’t know, maybe they got it, but why take the risk.

3. Teak factory. Prices are quite reasonable for paintings and teak furniture, but how to drag it with you? ? ?

Perhaps there is a delivery service.


4. Elephant village. Elephant riding is included in the price. Honestly? I wasn't impressed. High and uncomfortable, it goes unevenly (whether it's the smooth soporific movement of camels - this is relaxation). But certainly worth a try. We even sat on the head of an elephant instead of a driver. That was really scary : )

5. "Road of death" in Kanchataburi. A sad story about thousands of Thais and prisoners of war who died on the construction of the road. And amazing scenery all around.

7. Monkey Village. Feeding fruits of monkeys walking in the wild in dozens will amuse children and adults to glory.

8. Rafting on the River Kwai in life jackets. If you don’t want to, no one pushes you into the water - swim on a raft to the waterfalls, where everyone else will be fished out of the river.

I don’t know how safe this rafting is (while I was swimming, I thought at least someone wouldn’t bite my leg), but in general it’s awesomely pleasant after a hot day for 40 minutes without even waving your hands to go downstream in the cool water of Kvai and contemplate the landscape. Then at the waterfalls you can take wonderful photos.

9. Overnight on the river. We spent the night in a hotel located on the pantone. Before that, there was dinner and a gorgeous massage. Yes, and more dancing for drunken vacationers at dinner (well, this is not for everyone: ) )

10. After breakfast, we set off on our way back. The first stop is radon springs. Be careful - it's not for everyone. I almost threw my skates away: my heart was beating wildly, my head ached on the way, etc. In general, my increased intracranial pressure is probably a contraindication. And the husband went crazy and splashed in all the sources - they are of different temperatures from 25 to 42 degrees.

11. Another beautiful waterfall

12. Two pharmacies with Thai elixirs.

People, buy Thai balms for massage and rubbing - this is a thing! They really help. As well as anti-cellulite cream (at as needed: )), and milk from burning. But noni juice, in my opinion, garbage. We also bought a clay pot with Thai rice moonshine. A heavy contraption, but they did not regret that they sent him home. For a birthday in nature, friends tried it with such pleasure - it is not strong and drinking it through a clay tube is very cool. Cool souvenir.


In general, one piece of advice, go to Tai with a huge and EMPTY! suitcase. You will have something to bring from there. Rest assured! But there, apart from slates, shorts and T-shirts, you really don’t need anything. Yes, and it can be purchased locally. I read such advice before leaving and did not believe it, and then I was convinced myself.

Day 5 in Pattaya just relaxing on the beach. It would be better if we didn't do it : ). It was raining lightly and we relaxed.

I walked for two hours with a camera and a camera, smeared with sunscreen only once. In the evening we were like boiled crayfish. So appreciate the power of the local sun. Even under thick clouds and rain, we managed to burn out completely. So take the cream in Tai with maximum protection.

In the evening we went to the famous Walking Street. Well, so much has been written about him that I, perhaps, will no longer go into details. The only thing I want to say. If you are a respectable family man and are afraid that Pattaya - the sexual capital of the world will corrupt you, do not worry. It will only happen if you want it to. Otherwise, it's just a myth. Walking Street is about 2 blocks in size and it's up to you to go there or not. We went once to understand what so many people are talking about. In Tai everyone finds what he is looking for.

If you are looking for sexual entertainment, you will certainly find them, and if you want to see the exotic and beauty of this country with its beautiful temples, delicious food and, most importantly, wonderful people, you will definitely not be disappointed. As I am writing this review, it is raining outside. It's +5 outside, it's cold and dank even in the house. And I understand how good it is that I had Tai, which has been warming me for a whole year.

Day 6 visited the tour "Temple complex Wat Yan". Good excursion. Includes a visit to the village of long-necked women, a Chinese temple complex-museum, a stop near a mountain with a 140-meter Buddha image made of gold plates, a visit to the Wat-yan temple (it has a very beautiful architecture), a pagoda with an imprint of the foot of the Buddha (to By the way, she needs to go through 300 steps - a difficult task in such heat, but for this a stunning view of the entire bay and Pattaya opens up) and. The tour lasts about 4 hours.


The temples are located very close to Pattaya, so you can also ride a bike, the entrance to Wat Yan is only 50 baht, but it seems to me more interesting with a guide, especially since it is quite inexpensive. If memory serves, 450 baht per person. It was 600 if we were traveling together, but we found two fellow travelers from our hotel and paid 1800 baht from four.

In the evening we went to the show of transvestites "Alcazar". All within the bounds of decent. Many even came with children. No depravity. Fun, great. Reminds me of a carnival. It was a cool point, or rather an exclamation mark, in visiting Pattaya. The next day we left for the island.

If you are going to rest only in Pattaya, this is a big mistake. The real Thailand is located outside the big cities (we realized this only when we got to the island). In Pattaya, the nice Thais are no longer so welcoming and don't smile as often.

There is no such unusual, kind attitude towards people - the tourists apparently tried their best. Without seeing the "village", quiet, peaceful, unhurried island Thailand, one can hardly be satisfied. And how many interesting things are probably in the north! So what do we read next? : )

“Ko” in Russian is an island, “Chang” is an elephant. Elephant Island. These are its outlines on the map. That's where we arrived. We drove from Pattaya by general transfer through Susanin. Paid something like a thousand. The journey took about 4 hours. We traveled in an empty minibus. Actually, I slept lying down for 4 hours, as there were empty seats.

Then the ferry for 40 minutes and ...we are there.

By the time we arrived, settled down, it was already evening. Let's go swimming. Sunset began. We went into the ocean and turned around. From admiration as much breath stole. Sunset, light jazz pouring from cafes, the ocean. And the coast is a narrow strip of sand, a row of houses and a giant green mountain in thick clouds. This is beyond words.

I thought: I'm in heaven. At least it would be difficult to wish for more : )

To say it's relaxing is an understatement. Complete separation from reality. As if time has stopped. At first, I didn’t even want to pick up a camera, it’s impossible to convey it anyway. A huge green island with a narrow strip of beach. You can look at the ocean for hours and do nothing else. And it's not boring : )

Ko-Chang Kacha Resort & Spa


In a small area covered with dense vegetation, there are small two-story bungalows and villas. Across the road there are two two-story buildings (there is a swimming pool). In the large building, the rooms are two-room and mostly Europeans rest there (in general, there are few Russians on Chang).

The hotel is located on White Sand Beach. Here rests the soul and body. There are not a lot of people, but no one interferes with each other.

The care of the hotel staff is simply amazing. Everything is done unobtrusively and at the right time.

You want to lay out the mattress on a sun lounger (previously rolled up when it rains). The boy immediately runs up, lays it out and wipes it with a towel. In the restaurant, when it rains, the windows are hung with shields, but in order for vacationers to enjoy the ocean during breakfast, they move one shield and drag tables there. There are umbrellas in the room. What would the Russians do if we had a rainy season? There would definitely be no umbrellas in the room, and in the area they would be sold at a speculative price.

And on the road there is a hotel traffic controller - he helps the guests to cross the road : ) On the territory of the hotel, low-hanging tree branches are painted white so that they can be seen at night and no one gets hurt. How cute, right?

The first day on the island, we just relaxed, watched the sunset - this is the best sight on the island.

On the second day, they climbed the street where the hotel stands. Realized that all the best is on the beach.

In the evening on the shore they did a massage for 250 baht. My husband is Thai (dotted), I am backs and heads. Same price.


The third day they went around the whole bay - cool houses. In the evening we went to the fishing village of Ban Bao. We admired the boats, the sailors, the lighthouse. Bought all sorts of goodies. And then we sat in a wonderful restaurant. There are 50 of them. But if you want not only to have a delicious dinner with fish delicacies, but also to see beautiful paintings and have a wonderful conversation, look for a sign with a lot of wooden arrows (there is only one road to the lighthouse in Ban Bao - you won’t miss it), next to the sign is a bench. When you see this sign, go to the restaurant - this is it. On the walls are paintings by the owner - Honk Barracuda. His wife Si-toi is a wonderful cook. Charming people. Honk even gave us one pastel. I wanted to buy, but he did not sell to anyone. He said that he draws for himself. Now these palms keep me warm at home.

Evening, sunset, the restaurant stands on stilts, water splashes below, boats quietly rustle, on which you can ride. Stunning landscape. We lie on mattresses on the floor near low tables. Thai hosts are having dinner in a nearby restaurant; no visitors came to them today. Honk talks about his life (they live right here in the restaurant), shows us his paintings. I watch the water splash down below. The soul separates from the body and takes flight. It is unlikely that I will ever forget it. Such a state of peace and happiness is engraved in memory forever.

The fourth day was spent on the beach: swimming, sunbathing, having lunch in a restaurant on the beach, doing massage on the beach, meeting the sunset on the beach, having dinner on the beach : )

The fifth day in the morning we went to the Klong-pliu waterfall. A tuk-tuk costs 100 baht there and 100 baht back. Entrance to the reserve for 200 baht from the nose. Beautiful waterfall. While we were hanging out at the waterfall, three excursions came and went, all on the run.

We were taken to Ban Bao (moreover, the late Chinese from our hotel were waiting for 30 minutes, so you can not be afraid that they will sail away without you). The boat is big - 50 people fit. Feeding, drinking, heaps, so you don’t need to take anything. They even give pills and packets for motion sickness.

All you need to take with you is bread and feed the fish. The boat ride is long. Who gets sick, it's better not to eat. Many felt very bad. Oddly enough, mostly adults. They appear to have been drinking alcohol the day before. In no case should you before such a trip.

According to the plan, the tour included landing on two islands (a picnic was planned on one of them), as well as stops near two islands for swimming with a mask and snorkel (snorkeling). Corals are well visible at the bottom. The fish are eaten straight from the hand. In general, charm. The island on which they landed is beyond praise. Bounty ...It's a pity they gave little time.


But we were going to one of the most beautiful islands of the archipelago, where we were supposed to have a picnic. But… there was a storm. It was very scary and cold. It seemed like it would never end. True, the sailors crowded into the toilet (there were no waves) and neighing. From which I concluded that this is not the worst storm in their lives. In mine, I hope, the most.

In the evening we went to Buffalo bill cafe. The food is excellent, the cocktails are even better. Sat for 1200 baht. Fed up with a belly. Really need to order either a steak or a salad. It is impossible to overpower at the same time. There is a charming waiter there. Most likely non-traditional sexual orientation. But he's so much fun! He really does great service. I remember and smile.

On the seventh day it rained almost the whole day on Koh Chang. But in the morning it was dry and we made a farewell sortie along the entire coast. We found a wonderful secluded White Sand Beach Resort at the end of the beach. Big but very comfortable.

My husband bought me an elephant with "Tai" written on its sweater. I was happy. We flew away. Goodbye Thailand!

What to say to people who are still thinking where to go. Visit Thailand or some other closer and "calm" country? Leave your fears! Thailand is the country to go to! Thailand - turns life, turns the worldview. I don't want to go anywhere else. Only there. At least the next 7 years : ) Thailand loves you and waits and you will definitely love it just like me.

Thanks to all who read. I really hope that I managed to convey at least a little Thai warmth and mood : ). If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer

Translated automatically from Russian. View original
To add or remove photos in a story, go to album of this story
Закат на Ко-Чанге
Сплав на плоту по реке Квай
тропический сад Нонг Нуч
Паттайя. Амбассадор
Изображение Будды на холме
Китайский храм-музей
Ват-ян
шоу трансвеститов
Паром на Ко-Чанг
Баунти. не правда ли?
Плавучий рынок
Тиковая фабрика
Храм Большого Будды в Паттайе
Квай
Маяк в Банг бао на Ко-Чанге
Хонк Барракуда
Стрелочки к месту, где отдыхает и тело и душа.
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