On the island of Kho Phi Phi, there is the usual town that greets you with bars, restaurant and easy-to-get lodging if you didn't plan ahead. However, if you are so inclined, on the far side of the island there is a veritable Smurf village that awaits you. You can hike 45 minutes through the trails to get there, or take a long tail boat, but either way it's worth discovering Phi Phi Relax Resort! This enchanting little gathering of hut houses is made by hand from the locals with materials only from the surrounding jungle. There is no hot water, but it's also not cold, and it's extremely refreshing after being in the sun all day and swimming in the ocean. And the electricity is only turned on at night so you can navigate your way among the village's stepping stone trails. I mean, I know we wanted 'off the grid,' but we didn't expect it to be literally. This place was green before it was cool to be green.

Waking early to the loud morning chorus of the Thai rainforest is an amazing experience. Whooping gibbons, honking hornbills and buzzing insects compete to fill the air waves with their loud songs to the new day. The floating bungalows on Lake Chiew Lan are located in Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province. A night or two can be arranged through your lodging in Khlong Sok near the park entrance. In our case, we stayed at Khao Sok Rainforest Resort and prearranged a night on the water as part of our package. In addition to the morning music, you'll be joined for breakfast by nosy macaques.

On every trip, I try to ride my motorbike up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a beautiful temple on the top of the mountain just outside of town. The view of the Chiang Mai valley is breathtaking on a clear day. I go to the shrine in the back of the temple and receive a blessing from the presiding monk. —Andy Ricker Photo by whyyan/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue.

Maya Bay is no real secret - Leonardo DiCarprio's The Beach took care of that - but it is still one of the most naturally stunning places on earth. The old Thai longboats that settle in on the beach help add to the atmosphere too. As far as pure tourist destinations go, this is one of the best in the country.

Railay Beach is about 30 minutes from the Krabi airport by taxi. (Cheap taxi, naturally) We stayed at Railay Beach resort. It is beautiful. The prices range from affordable to indulgent, it all depends on your mood. The food is great and the cocktails are non stop and delicious. Railay Beach is a two sided island. One side is the beach. The other side (a ten minute winding walk through the island resort) is an awesome bar/restaurant scene on the water. Great for nights. Its a great little street on the water with reggae bars, phenomenal dinner spots, amazing whole fish spots etc. ANYTHING you could want and all modestly priced with, most importantly) a relax and fun vibe! There is also another little street walk that you can stroll during the day that has cool little shops and great place to provision for a day trip. Islands: There are always 10-20 long tail boats waiting on the main beach at all times. They will take you wherever you want. You simply point to an island that no one is on, grab your cooler ask the driver to wait on the other side until you are finished indulging. I believe we payed about 80 USD for the day. And that may be on the high side. PS: Don't forget to stop at Maya Bay (pictured above) In my opinion, this is one of the most breathtaking beaches in all of SE Asia and only 30 minutes by boat from Krabi. Cheers!

Kuaytiaw Tii Noi on Suthep Road has the best kuaytiaw reua, boat noodles. This restaurant is famous for having tiny bowls of either beef or pork boat noodles and I would advise getting one of each, or just order phiseht (special), which will score you a larger bowl. —Andy Ricker photo by avlxyz/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

Accompany elephants as they make their way to a “retirement” park in Northern Thailand after careers in trekking camps. The project is an attempt both to give the elephants a more pleasant, natural life and to rebuild the bonds between the animals and the Karen people, who have traditionally worked closely with elephants. Volunteers stay in homes in Karen villages. —Kellie Schmitt Escort Elephants: $500 for one week, including food and homestays. 66/(0) 53-818754, elephantnaturepark.org. Other Trips to Help AnimalsWhales in Costa RicaSnow leopards in Central Asia Orangutans in IndonesiaMeerkats in South AfricaHorses in California Photo by Yvette Cardozo/Photolibrary. This story appeared in the November/December 2011 issue. 

I’m an early riser and I like to go to Talaat Meuang Mai at around 7 a.m. to see one of the most interesting and active wet markets in Thailand. You’ll find food vendors selling produce, meat, fish, poultry, and groceries. Look out for a stall selling jok and khao tom (rice porridge and rice soup, respectively), a typical Thai breakfast that is both filling and delicious but will not drag you down for the day like a typical western breakfast. —Andy Ricker Photo by Yasuo Kida/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

They say the eyes are the "window to the soul." What kinds of stories do these eyes tell you? The Elephant Nature Park outside of Chiang Mai, Thailand is a truly wonderful place that takes in elephants that have been injured an abused. They are well taken care of and allowed to roam about the large property on a daily basis. Guests can visit for the day or overnight to participate in the feedings and bath time. You can also volunteer for a week of more to take care of these wonderful creatures.

The place to go for curries—with lotus shoots or with crabmeat—Krua Apsorn is a favorite restaurant for me and for some members of the royal family. The decor is not very exciting, but the food is. Thanon Samsen, near the corner of Soi Samsen 9 and the National Library. This story appeared in the May/June 2010 issue. Photo by Martin Westlake. See all of Tanongsak “Dtong” Yordwai’s favorite places in Dusit, Bangkok.  

I always go to SP Chicken for Issan-style food, which is the food of northeast Thailand. Go with a group of friends so you can order more and try everything. The chef here makes exemplary kai yang, roasted chicken. You’ll see it cooking slowly over the flames on a vertical spit beside a wall of charcoal. The chicken is stuffed with seasoning like garlic and lemongrass. It definitely takes center stage on the menu. —Andy Ricker Photo by Suwa320/Flickr. 31/1 Sri Phum Road, no phone. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

Thailand isn’t necessarily known for its coffee, but Akha Ama is the exception. This is a very small coffee shop in Santhitham. It exclusively distributes coffee produced by the Akha people who live in the village of Mae Jan Tai in northern Thailand. They do all of the fancy café drinks like shakeratos, lattes, and mochas. They also make baked goods, such as muffins, in-house every day. —Andy Ricker 9/1 Mata Apartment Hassadhisawee Rd., Soi 3, 66(0)86-915-8600. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

Siam Hut has amazingly cheap bungalows right on the beach of Koh Chang. The bungalows come air conditioned or with fans, they have private bathrooms and there's a big communal seaside deck off the Tree House restaurant. At night they light these lamps on the deck, the fire dancers dance on the beach and every full moon marks a huge party. Siam Hut is low key and a bit remote but easily accessed by walking or taxi.

Krua Apsorn is neon-lit and full of Thais. The staff speak little English, but there is an English version of the menu. I love their yellow curry with prawns and lotus shoots. It is clear, tart, and spicy— an exemplary lesson in honed balance. —David Thompson 503–505 Samsen Rd., 66/(0) 2-668-8788. Photo by Charles Haynes/Flickr. This appeared in the May 2013 issue.

The Metropolitan by Como is a luxury hotel with 171 large rooms and an impressive spa that includes yoga studios and an outdoor lap pool. At my restaurant, Nahm, I put subtle twists on authentic Thai dishes. You’ll find a whole page of curries. —David Thompson Photo courtesy of the hotel. This appeared in the May 2013 issue.

Even though it’s located in the center of town, Tamarind Village is still quiet and it has excellent service, and is reasonably priced. The property has 42 rooms and three suites, as well as a very nice spa. The staff are happy to arrange excursions to nearby national parks, temples, or villages. Try eating the exemplary phat si ew noodles at Yok Far Pochana, which is right near the hotel’s entrance on Ratchapakinai Road. —Andy Ricker 50/1 Ratchadamnoen Rd., Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, 66/(0)53-418-898.

Thai massage is also known as passive yoga and can be very good when done by a skilled practitioner and it is absurdly cheap by western standards. In Thailand, the blind are thought to be the best at giving nuat thai, and in Chiang Mai there are several places where this is available, but the Association Massage Chiang Mai of the Blind is your best bet. Go for at least an hour. I personally advice booking a for two-hours if you want the best experience. —Andy Ricker 9 Rajadamri Road, Chang Phuak, 66(0)/53-406-017. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

There is plenty to do late at night in Chiang Mai. Head up to the Nimmanhaemin Road area to hang out at the Thai-style pubs like the Monkey Club where you can party with college students and well-healed young Thai folks. Monkey Club has a more glamorous atmosphere. Outside, partiers can sip cocktails amidst a beautiful tropical garden. —Andy Ricker 7 Soi 9, Th Nimmanhaemin, 66(0)/53-226-9978. This appeared in the May 2013 issue

Every year, on the evening of the full moon of the 12th lunar month, thousands of paper lanterns are launched into the skies above Chiang Mai. At temples all across the city, monks help tourists and residents alike light their lanterns and send them into the sky with a wish. It is a stunning display that goes on for hours; until the sun comes up lanterns can be seen drifting up towards the heavens, carrying with them the desires of the people below.

The best dim sum is at Mei Jiang, the Cantonese restaurant located inside the Peninsula Hotel. My order typically includes the har gow [steamed prawn dumplings with ginger], the drunken chicken with jellyfish, and the snow pea pastries. —David Thompson This appeared in the May 2013 issue.