Prior to that though, and since April / June last year, when still frowned upon, out a wee bit, just between Krung Thep & Chumphon. Then July when restrictions were relaxed, we were out at least once every month. Actually around most of the country. First trip up to Kanchanaburi province. Loveliest that I've ever seen, as apparently I've only been there during smog season. Could see multiple ridges of the hills, instead of maybe 1 through the grey haze.
Mostly other outings were visits to points south of PKK, a few times to Phuket & Krabi (Andaman Sea side). Came back up through Phang-nga / Ranong one time. Others via Khao Sok, testing out different routes from Phuket & Krabi.
Swung down the Gulf coast a couple times, looping around NST, Phattalung, Songkla, Satun, Trang. Didn't ignore the N & NE. Made a trip up to Udon Thani, to sell our house, with return a month or so later to sell some land. While at it, looped over far side of Chiang Mai. Very nice visit to Doi Inthanon, unplanned stay there, as was going to drive through to Mae Chaem area, but stopped midway 'in' the park, taking in the terraced rice fields for a few days. Big plus since unplanned, got to stay and see the waterfalls in the park without paying park fee.
Will need to do that one more time, as still having a parcel of land to sell.Returned down via north side highways. Made a return visit to N again, for a funeral at Kamphaeng Phet. Not the best reason for an out & about, but made the best of it. Got to see lots of family, there and previous visits to Bangkok, Udon Thani, NBLP, Kamphaeng Phet, as wife's large family and high school friends are scattered all over.
Really some of our best holidays at Phuket & Krabi, since going during 'high season', and total lack of tourist, and tourist pricing. A time of year I would never consider visiting a touristy destination. Stayed in much better accommodations for much less than we ever paid during off season. I know it's selfish, and I feel for many of the vendors, but I hope the tourist never return. At least in the 10 - 20 - 30 - 40 mill numbers. Think it will be a few years before Thailand sees 1 million tourist, let alone 5-10 million returning.
Since self driving, never a problem finding food, abet, driving a bit further than usual, though beach front roads on Phuket & Krabi (Ao Nang) were ghost towns. Couple favorite vendors of the past were operating, as catered to locals as well as tourist, and actually doing well, as they always have. Others catering only to tourist, and places we never visited anyway, because of, all shuttered.
Phuket beaches were lovely: http://tiny.cc/h232uz
