re: Thailand Trip--Recs, places/things to avoid?

I enjoyed two days in Bangkok but wouldn't do more than that.

Chiang Mai was easily my favorite stop. Spent 3 days there but would stay more next time.

We spent one day in Phuket but would probably skip it for more time elsewhere. Thailand has loads of islands to stay on. We stayed on Koh Phi Phi which i enjoyed, one side of the island is quiet paradise and the other side is euro techno party nonstop.

Don't ride elephants or support a place that allows it. We did and the place we went to preached about how well they treat them and you ride skin on skin where it doesn't bother them...all seemed good and then when we finished i watched them chain the creatures by their ankles. I WOULD NEVER DO IT AGAIN and would never recommend that to someone. Ignore the BS they feed. If you can ride an elephant I guarantee you they are mistreating them.