[Chgogal]

Sorry to butt in. Try Mae Hong Son a little northwest of Chiang Mai close to the Burma border. You can stay in a little rustic resort (by my standards) along the Pai River and as the morning mist evaporates, elephants will meander down and take their morning bath.

On a sadder note, I saw Ao Nang on the tube. There is damage. Koh Phi Phi isn't even recognizable. I hope the Similian National Park has survived. I still haven't managed to find time to dive there. Hopefully you will go someday in search of the Whale Sharks that swim the waters there.

[Central Scrutiniser]

I've done liveaboards for days in the Similans, I pray that the dive masters that sometimes spend weeks out there at a time are OK, I got to know a few from repeat trips.

I didn't spend much time on Phi Phi, but have dove all around the islands, its a special place.