Thailand in shoulder season — best decision I made

Visited Thailand in shoulder season deliberately and the decision paid off completely. Wat Phra Kaew without peak crowds is a totally different experience. Krabi felt lived-in rather than touristy. Found a small place doing the best pad thai I've ever tasted — something that would have been invisible in high season when everything fills with visitors.

affordable luxury was particularly magical with fewer people around. The weather was fine. The prices were better. If you have flexibility, avoid peak season.