re: which do you prefer the beach or the mountains?

Enjoy Chiang Mai. We just returned from Thailand. Bangkok, then down to a little island near Ranong. We got there pretty early before the season really gets going. We booked flights to Chiang Mai, but looked at each other and said, "Do we really want action in the north, or complete chill and nature here?" So we cancelled the flights and stayed for 3 weeks. Got home yesterday to cold, rainy Bavaria. To be on subject: there were a couple of mountains, but have fun getting up there with a machete. Good hiking, nice beach, great food and beer. Weed is legal. Would go back tomorrow...