First of all thank you for reading my post - this is why i love the internet... Anyone who answers all these probably ridiculous questions, if I am near you during my visit - let's meet and I'll buy you a beer!

Anyway, I'm visiting Thailand for the first time next month and wanted to ask those of you there for your help with the following questions.

I've already read alot about the scams and to be careful of the tuk tuk drivers and some cabs; getting prices upfront for rides and also local etiquette. I feel prepared and very excited.

First off, I really want to pack light and buy what I need there, so:

1. Should I bring shampoo, conditionor etc. or can I get it there cheaply... same thing with sunblock, mosquito spray... do i need to pack these things?

2. Can I buy long sleeve shirts and pants there, or do I need to bring all these things, if so where? (I'm planning on packing a couple, but if I need more.)

3. I'm going to be visiting some beaches, in Phuket... not sure which ones, but I thought of flying into Phuket, getting a cheap hotel and hanging around there, Ko Lanta, the Krabi area... I'm not here to "party" just to relax... Does it matter what side of the island I stay on with regards to weather?

4. Weather: I'm visiting for 4 weeks... for two weeks I want to go up North to Chiang Mai and spend another two weeks in the South... I'll be arriving around June 4th... Is the weather usually sunnier in the beginning of June or near the end? (I'm not worried about the rain or getting wet - I know it will rain a lot while I am there, but if I could try and plan my time visiting the beaches around the time of the most sun - that is my goal.) If you do get caught in the rain, do you dry quickly - does the sun come back out - or are you just wet?

5. I'm working with a travel agent and have lots of information about hotels and such, but eh... I kind of want to do my own thing and explore... Is that realistic? Can I just go to these islands and rent a bicycle or motor bike - (I have my international permit) and just do my own thing?

6. Very important - I read that since it's the off-season a lot of stores, shops, restaurants, etc on the island are closed.... is this true? Because if the room is cheap because there is nothing to do, I'd rather pay more and stay somewhere I can enjoy the land and culture.

7. Originally, my plans were to volunteer for two weeks teaching english or working with kids, but several of the orgs request a lot of money for you to volunteer. There used to be free volunteer opportunities. Do you know of any orgs?

8. I've had all my shots - the main ones - (Hep. A,B, Tetanus, Typhoid)... but what do the locals do to keep off mosquitos? Do I have to drown myself in "deet" - which I hate.

9. Lastly, I don't drink, but I love getting massages and I plan on doing a lot of walking, hiking, etc. Can a tourist get a massage anywhere they are? From Chiang Mai to Krabi?

Any other advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks again.
-jl