Many people may have wondered or had questions in their minds before deciding to visit Russia, asking themselves, “Why should I travel to Russia?” “What interesting things or discoveries are there?” Even I, myself, couldn’t escape the questioning, as before making the decision to travel to Russia (or even upon my return), I was bombarded with numerous inquiries from people. For example,

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“How did you think about traveling to Russia? What inspired you?”

“Is Russia safe? Is transportation convenient?”

“What are the interesting things about Russia? What did you gain from your trip?”

“How is the cost of living there? Is it expensive?”

“I rarely see Thai people traveling to Russia. Did you genuinely find it beautiful and appealing?”

“I often hear that Russians have a bad attitude. Was your trip enjoyable?”

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Upon considering these questions, it becomes evident that they all lead to the reasons behind my decision to visit Russia. It was almost as if they were perfectly aligned with my motivations. Before I finally resolved to use my hard-earned vacation days to embark on an adventure in the land of the white bears, I delved deep into research and did my homework extensively. I gathered enough information to draw the following conclusions as to why I chose to visit Russia:

1. The unique cultural heritage of Russia

Due to Russia being a country with Eastern Orthodox Christianity as its dominant religion, with over 75% of the population adhering to this Christian denomination, it stands out as the largest country in Eastern Europe and the most populous country in the region where Eastern Orthodox Christianity prevails. Therefore, religious sites or significant landmarks designed according to the beliefs of Orthodox Christians merged with the former governance system of Russia, which revolved around monarchs and dynasties, exude grandeur and opulence. It is evident in numerous places throughout Russia that have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. With only a handful of countries being predominantly Orthodox, Russia acquires a distinctive and remarkable identity, fueling curiosity and a fervent desire to witness firsthand the magnificence and enchantment that captivate people’s imaginations.

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2. The intriguing meaning behind the phrase “Iron Curtain.”

Throughout history and various transformations, Russia has traversed numerous eras, starting from the monarchy of the Tsars, then the overthrow of the monarchy by the Communist regime, leading to the Cold War era, and culminating in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the formation of the present-day Russian Federation. The people of this country have experienced tumultuous events and drastic changes time and time again. Yet, they have managed to endure as a powerful nation, captivating the world with their majestic presence over the course of thousands of years of transformations. It is almost as if Russia had secluded itself from the outside world, earning the epithet of the “Iron Curtain.” This land, often elusive and veiled behind a thick, impenetrable curtain, presents a backdrop that many find challenging to access, but when glimpsed, reveals a scene of dense and formidable tapestries constructed to conceal its identity. However, in the past couple of decades, Russia has unveiled itself to the outside world, officially opening its doors to tourists and visitors. Since then, the world has had the opportunity to witness the culture and beauty of this long-hidden land. The land, whose culture has been preserved beneath layers of changing eras, has blossomed into an art form of breathtaking magnificence that defies description. It is no wonder that these stories ignite the wanderlust of those captivated, inspiring them to embark on a journey and personally witness the enchanting beauty with their own eyes.

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3. Thai passport holders can enter Russia without requiring a visa!

Russia has gained a reputation for being stringent in granting visas to foreign passport holders. The Russian government has been cautious about allowing foreign visitors into the country. Obtaining a Russian visa typically requires numerous documents and evidence, such as an invitation letter issued by an approved entity in Russia, accommodation and travel documents, and a health certificate for the traveler (including an HIV test result). It can be quite a complex process. However, Thai passport holders do not have to go through the visa hassle. Thanks to an agreement and exemption between Thailand and Russia, if the purpose of the visit is for tourism and does not exceed 30 days, Thais can enter Russia without a visa. Similarly, Russians can visit Thailand without a visa. However, if one stays in Russia for more than 7 days, it is necessary to have the hotel or the host in Russia register and provide a visa support document. Otherwise, there may be fines imposed upon departure. This privilege of visa-free travel to Russia is enjoyed by only a few countries, even for passport holders of powerful nations like Americans or Europeans, who can travel to most parts of the world without a visa. They still need to go through the visa application process before entering Russia. It’s as if the majestic Russian wants to be friends with us so much that they make it easy for us to enter their country. Such opportunities are not easily obtained, especially for countries that are cautious about the entry of foreign nationals like Russia.

 

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4. The value of the Russian ruble has significantly weakened

During the period from 2013 to 2015, the value of the Russian ruble significantly weakened, nearly depreciating by 100% or almost twice as much compared to the Thai baht. At the beginning of 2013, 1 ruble could be exchanged for approximately 1 baht. However, by mid-2015, only 0.55 baht could be obtained for 1 ruble. This means that the value of the Thai baht increased almost twofold compared to the ruble. Consequently, we were able to purchase goods, services, admission fees, hotel expenses, domestic travel, and other expenses paid in rubles at a significantly reduced cost, almost half the price. For instance, if we wanted to visit a museum with an admission fee of 500 rubles, in 2013, we would have to pay around 500 baht when converted. But in 2015, we would only pay approximately 275 baht for the same amount. This translates to substantial savings for both luxury travelers and backpackers alike. The weakened state of the Russian ruble was a result of economic conflicts between the Russian government and Western countries, particularly the European Union and the United States. These conflicts were complex and unresolved, leading to the continued depreciation of the ruble. It is expected that this situation may persist for years to come. Therefore, it is a golden opportunity not to be missed to visit Russia with relatively low expenses due to the currency exchange rate.

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5. The weather and temperatures in Russia are comfortably cool throughout the year

With the nickname “Land of the White Bear,” Russia is often associated with being a cold country, as one would expect polar bears to reside there. However, it doesn’t mean that Russia is snowy and freezing all year round. Russia also has seasons that are suitable for tourism. The ideal time to visit Russia is generally from March to October, which falls within the tourist season or the high season. During the summer months, from May to September, the landscapes are vibrant with lush greenery, and some places even have flowing fountains accompanied by lively music, creating a delightful atmosphere for tourists. However, despite being known as the hot season, the weather in Russia is not as hot as in Thailand. The temperatures during the Russian summer range from approximately 10 to 20 °C, providing a comfortable climate similar to the cool season in Thailand.

On the other hand, the early and late winter seasons in Russia are not devoid of attractions. In the early winter (late October and November) and late winter (March and early April), although the lush greenery of trees and plants may not be present at tourist destinations, there is light snowfall that replaces the greenery. Tourist sites and walking paths are covered with a light layer of white snow, which enhances the beauty of the surroundings and the scenic views. The white snow on the walking paths adds a romantic and enchanting ambiance, reminiscent of scenes from a romantic movie. Moreover, the temperatures during the early and late winter seasons in Russia range from approximately -5 to 5 °C, which is not overly cold for us Thai people.

From the information above, it is evident that Russia is suitable for year-round travel. Whether it’s exploring during the warm season with its clear skies or experiencing the romantic atmosphere of the winter season with its temperature and weather conditions, Russia has something to offer that will surely captivate the hearts of Thai travelers.

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6. Convenient travel is facilitated by a comprehensive and affordable public transportation system

Russia has been recognized as a country with the best public transportation system in the world. Particularly in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, the metro system, known as the “Metro,” covers every corner of the urban area. Simply relying on the subway in these cities allows you to explore almost every important attraction, with only a few places requiring an additional transfer. This eliminates the hassle of accessing various tourist destinations, which differs from some countries where public transportation is not yet comprehensive, requiring alternative methods such as expensive taxi services that may encounter language barriers with drivers. Furthermore, the metro in Moscow and St. Petersburg offers remarkably affordable fares, approximately 50 rubles per trip in Moscow and 30 rubles per trip in St. Petersburg. Moreover, purchasing multi-trip tickets provides even lower prices per trip.

In addition to the metro, Russia has high-speed trains (SAPSAN), intercity trains (RED ARROW TRAIN), and suburban trains (SUB-URBAN TRAIN) that serve the entire country. There are numerous train types to choose from, with multiple passenger classes available to cater to individual preferences. This makes Russia’s rail transportation system highly convenient. One can witness the world’s longest train routes in Russia, famously known as the Trans-Siberian Railway, highlighting the completeness of the country’s rail travel. Most importantly, Russian passenger trains are punctual, adhering to their departure and arrival schedules displayed when purchasing tickets.

Therefore, planning and familiarizing oneself with Russia’s rail system before visiting will significantly enhance the convenience and cost-effectiveness of your travel. It also solves the issue of communication with locals, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.

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7. Russian Lady is renowned for being “extremely beautiful”

This is something that many people have probably heard about Russia, as it is known for its beautiful women. This can be seen in various industries, such as beauty pageants, modeling, sports, and even Hollywood actresses. It might be because Russian women have captivating features, sharp and beautiful eyes, and a radiant complexion. These qualities have become a trademark of Russian women (including Eastern European women) that distinguishes them from women in other Western countries. However, when encountering the reality and real-life situations, it must be said that “it’s not entirely true.” Some may argue that Russian women, despite their beauty, have the drawback of not often smiling or appearing approachable. And this is indeed true. However, even though they may not appear welcoming on the outside, if we approach them with a problem, like when we couldn’t find our way out of the metro station, they would be more than willing to help, even if there’s a language barrier. They would make gestures and point us in the right direction until we can find our way. This shows that their seemingly unsmiling demeanor is only surface-level, and deep down, they are genuinely kind-hearted.

At this point, many women who are interested in traveling to Russia might ask, “Are there only beautiful women in Russia? What about handsome men?” To this, I must answer that Russian men, for the most part, are also good-looking and not inferior to Russian women. Most Russian men have a good appearance, thanks to their Slavic heritage, characterized by sharp facial features and eyes, impressive physiques, and their tendency to not smile as much. This gives them a mysterious and charming aura, which is unique to Eastern European people. But as the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” To truly understand this, one must see it with their own eyes, as no matter how much I try to describe it, it will never compare to what one can see with their own eyes.

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From all the reasons mentioned above, it can be seen that it is beneficial for those who want to travel to Russia for tourism. This includes the uniqueness of Russia, rooted in its Orthodox Christian religion, which sets it apart from others. The ease of entering Russia without a visa (for Thai passport holders), convenient public transportation that provides access to all major attractions, comfortable weather suitable for a chill and relaxed vacation, and affordable expenses compared to other European countries. Therefore, there is no need to hesitate when it comes to packing your bags and taking a trip to visit the land of the white bears at least once in your lifetime.

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Written By : SHIPY SIWARIT TIASUWATTISETH

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