Darker cells are stronger weather or travel-fit months. The second row is crowd pressure.
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Darker cells mean a higher score for this topic on that metric.
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Quick answers
When is the best time to go?
Start with November, December, January & February. Choose September only with a written reason.
Is this a good honeymoon pick?
Romance score 84/100 sits next to crowd 55/100 — read both.
How crowded does it get?
On red months, empty midday or change region.
What should I budget per day?
Use bands in THB. Mid is the baseline. Not a live fare.
Do I need a visa?
E-visa or visa-on-arrival is common — still apply before you fly.
How many days do I need?
Countries breathe at 7–12 days, honeymoon islands at 5–8. Continents: pick one region.
The table starts at pad thai.
A short phrase (sawasdee) is the door to etiquette.
Food
- pad thai — pad thai is a coordinate on the Thailand table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- som tam — som tam is a coordinate on the Thailand table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- khao soi — khao soi is a coordinate on the Thailand table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- mango sticky rice — mango sticky rice is a coordinate on the Thailand table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
- boat noodles — boat noodles is a coordinate on the Thailand table. Prefer markets to tourist menus.
Etiquette
- Greeting — sawasdee — hello
- Sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees; read no-photo signs before the caption.
- Tipping — Tipping customs differ; read whether service is already on the bill.
- Queues — Skipping a queue is not a time save; it is a scene you cannot unshoot.
Festival notes
- Songkran — Songkran lands in April — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Loy Krathong — Loy Krathong lands in November — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- peak dry season — peak dry season lands in December — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
- Chinese New Year towns — Chinese New Year towns lands in February — transport and beds move together. Lock dates first.
Phrases
- sawasdee — sawasdee: hello. Timing beats accent.
- wai — wai: greeting gesture. Timing beats accent.
- mai pet — mai pet: not spicy. Timing beats accent.
- tuk-tuk — tuk-tuk: three-wheeler. Timing beats accent.
Culture is a speed, not a checklist. Slow is more accurate.
When to goPlacesHow to travelCultureCostHoneymoon notesToday