Not been, but I have been to relatively nearby Seychelles and that was bonkers. The locals told us, in order of expense it goes Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius. Local 330ml beer in a shop was around £1.30, same bottle in a bar 3x - 5x depending on how close to a beach you were. A pint of draught £7+. Wines and spirits, forget it, you need a mortgage. Buy it at the duty free going in. We have friends in Seychelles and went out with them a lot, so then got locals prices which was half what they charge tourists or less. None of these islands are wallet friendly but I'd go back if I can ever afford it, amazing beaches and swimming.
Off back to Thailand in a bit. £2 a pint, £3 for cocktails, on stunning beaches surrounded by paradise.
We’re doing North and South. Starting in Chiang Mai in the north. Absolutely amazing city. Then down to Krabi/Koh Lanta in the south.
I was there in 1973, flying in on an RAF Hercules. Lovely spot but the island we landed on was called RAF Gan.
I spent a month in Thailand many years ago. Started in Bangkok and went to Kanchanaburi, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, spent some time sleeping in the jungle near Burma (!) and end up flying down to Krabi/Kho Phi Phi. I'd say the Chiang Mai (cooler, hippier) and far south (Kho Phi Phi) are generally the more relaxed places and if you just have a couple of weeks spending a week in each is perfect.
It's weird I sleep with my feet in bed because I'm terrified Jaws will bite them off lol. Sumat about the sea.
Phi Phi has just been wrecked by over tourism now. I wouldn’t recommend to anyone personally. We went to Ko Lanta last year and it was absolutely beautiful. Totally agree about Chiang Mai. Has such a cool vibe about it.
