Lake Baikal is the coldest I can remember.

I haven't gone anywhere these past two years. It's because of Covid that many people want to travel. Longing and missing the atmosphere of traveling to different countries and cities, seeing people, encountering food or new cultures that have never been encountered before

Baikal is another unforgettable place. This place It is reputed to be the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world. Located in southern Russia

A good time to visit is winter in February-March. This is the time when the water in the lake turns into thick ice. Let us walk or drive past. If we have a chance, we'd like to try it at least once.

Plan your trip first

“Baikal” is a deep lake in Siberia, with a length of 650 kilometers, an average width of 50 kilometers, and a deepest point of 1642 meters. It is located in southern Russia

Starting point of the journey. It will begin in Irkutsk, which is the main city for anyone who will visit Baikal. You must stop by and set up your base here first. If anyone is already traveling in Russia You can take the train or fly from a domestic airline to get here. There are plenty of options. But if starting from Bangkok I'm looking for a flight. You can fly directly to here as well

The high season here is during the winter. Around February-March You will see tourists from all over the world stopping by to visit continuously. Because the water in the sea will reach the freezing point. Temperatures can be as low as -20 degrees, making this vast lake Can drive past To easily see the beautiful scenery as far as the eye can see

The money is cheap, the food is comfortable

Russia is a country that Thai people can visit without applying for a visa. And you can stay there for no more than 30 days, which is enough for general tourism. But there is a rule that if you stay longer than 7 days, the accommodation or hotel will give it to you who are foreigners. You must register with the authorities as well. Which is not difficult

The currency used in Russia is the ruble. The value does not require much calculation. Whatever you pay, divide the number by 2 to easily calculate the price in Thai baht. Food and accommodation here are not too expensive. Compared to other tourist cities If you could travel to Phuket or Japan. Spending and traveling in this city is considered "cheap" especially for cooling drinks and local food. which are easily found everywhere

Russian food has a rather bland taste. About hot soup If anyone likes spicy flavour. You can carry seasonings or ground chili

You can go yourself or go with a tour.

People here use Russian to communicate. But like other tourist cities English usage There are also a lot. Especially for hotels or accommodations that receive foreign tourists. You can use English to communicate easily. Because there will be both a guide and Reception staff and tour staff can communicate without interruption. But if anyone is not well versed in using sign language or a language translation tool, carrying it with you is not difficult. Going on a tour or traveling on your own is very comfortable

Preparing for sub-freezing temperatures like this A sweater that is warm enough Socks that retain heat well Including windproof earmuffs It's a necessary piece of equipment and don't forget to carry it with you. Because if you get there, let me tell you, it really is extremely cold

Listvianka Gate to Baikal

Not far from the city. Heading towards a small village called List of Wienka This place is like the gateway to Baikal. Because the location is right at the beginning of the lake. Come here, you can't miss tasting Omul fish, a local fish that can only be eaten in Lake Baikal

This place is a small village that is starting to get more and more tourists. If in winter the lake freezes There will be many activities to choose from here. Both sitting in the cable car and looking at the view Dog sledding ice skating Or walk around the market and museum, choose according to your preference

Go to Irkutk and set your sights on Olkhon Island

Most of the goals of the visit to Irkutsk are: Most of them head to eat and sleep in the middle of Lake Baikal. One of the most popular locations is Olkhon Island, which is approximately 300 kilometers from the city, approximately a 4-5 hour drive

Staying on an island amidst a negative atmosphere. It was quite a good experience. Here you can buy daily tours. To travel around the island There will be vans of tour companies or accommodations available. There are either rental plans or you can ask to share with others. If there are empty seats

Take a ride on the frozen sea

Most of the activities are Traveling by car on the lakes on both the North and South Islands We had to choose our own tour, which day it would head in which direction. Because the driver cannot take you to travel in both directions. Can be completed within one day The lake area is very large

The local man is a driver who is quite skilled in the area. Manage all routes Including preparing food to cook and eat together on the sea. Driving cannot be done blindly. Because there aren't any signs on the sea to tell you the way. There is only a blank white area as far as the eye can see

He will have a familiar driving route. Also know which area. Cars can pass by. Or where you can't pass through? It's definitely safe to ride along (don't forget that the car travels on the sea, not the road). So before going, you need to check carefully that month. Has the ice formed a thick sheet yet? Otherwise it will be very dangerous

Beauty created by nature

The highlight of visiting Baikal is Watching the ice in the lake condense into a thick, clear glass-like sheet throughout the entire area. Therefore, it is not strange that people from different countries or tourists When I came to see I couldn't resist the opportunity to walk, lie down, or take photos next to this large piece of water. which is below some freezing point You could still see the clear bubbles that had been frozen there. It is beautiful in the middle of the sea. That nature created for you to take lots of photos to show off to your friends

Another highlight that cannot be missed is Looking at ice holes that have clumped together like stalactites and stalagmites equally beautiful It is a huge ice cave. Which way do you go? It all looked beautiful. Those who like to take photos should not miss

Frown but kind

Russian people, even though their faces appear grim and not smiling, if they go and ask for help. People here are very willing. Especially with Thai people Communication is not a barrier. Just use sign language. Beaming indicates friendliness Respect each other He will be of great help.