During the recent Songkran festival in Thailand, a study by travel platform 12Go.asia tracked over 100,000 travel transactions, revealing distinct travel behaviours among 106 nationalities. The data showed that whilst tourists flocked to popular island destinations, locals preferred to travel across the country, highlighting two separate celebrations.
The analysis uncovered unique patterns, such as the Chiang Mai to Pai route, where 60% of travellers were from the UK, typically booking just one to two days in advance. In contrast, the Koh Chang to Koh Kood ferry saw 63% of its passengers from Germany, who generally planned their trips up to two weeks ahead. Meanwhile, 40% of Israeli tourists favoured the Koh Samui to Koh Phangan route.
Thai nationals, on the other hand, exhibited different travel habits, utilising 951 bus routes and seldom opting for ferries. This divergence in travel preferences underscores the cultural nuances in how different nationalities approach travel during the same period.
Jorge Miranda, CEO of 12Go.asia, commented on the findings, stating, “100,000+ travel transactions across 106 nationalities revealed what surveys rarely capture at scale: human behaviour is far more predictable, and far more cultural than most ever admitted. The data doesn’t just show where people go, it shows what each traveller needs.”
The full breakdown of these travel patterns, including details for each nationality, is available on the 12Go.asia website. This comprehensive analysis offers valuable insights into the cultural influences on travel behaviour during one of Thailand’s most celebrated festivals
This story was selected and published by a human editor, with content adapted from original press material using AI tools. Spot an error? Report it here.
