SuperCheap

SuperCheap is a Thai chain from Phuket, about a hundred stores across the south of Thailand. Phangan has one, north of Thong Sala by the District Office.

From outside it looks like an ordinary small supermarket, but behind the tills there is a big warehouse with shelves set out rather at random. You can find almost anything, from a needle to bicycles and fridges, and people come for the big shop: drinks by the pack, cleaning products in large sizes, rice by the sack.

• Make a shopping list first: finding something particular in the warehouse is not easy
• By the exit there is a fruit stall, about half the price of elsewhere; you need to know how to pick
• There is a decent public toilet at the side of the shop
• Sources disagree on the hours: the name says 24/7, the map listing says until 22:30