Southern Thailand May 7 - 20th Conditions? recommendations?

Hey all,
We are looking at a climbing trip to Southern Thailand next month. Flying into Phuket and spending a majority of our time in and around that area, possibly heading to the other side on the peninsula as well.

I read so many conflicting reports about weather and temperature conditions. Can anyone give me some info on what to expect? is it too hot to climb, or to even touch rock? We are both solid sport and trad climbers with plenty of experience so we do understand what we are getting into, I just dont want to fly all the way there and wind up sitting on the beach, though thats not all that bad either.

Also any suggestions on areas to climb, maybe with better weather? Lodging for climbers and or camping?

Does everyone really think Chiang Mai is better this time of year?

And last any advice on guides with boats to do some over water climbing?

thanks
Eric

you'll be fine. i've been there at all times of the year and in my experience May tends to be a little more humid, you might get a little more rain than other times of the year. there are also more mosquitos....anyway you break it down, southern thailand is hot and humid--at anytime of the year. Guest houses and food will probably be cheaper at that time of year also--and there wont be line ups for all the routes,and you'll easily find a place to stay on either tonsai or railay. just go to tonsai and walk around and find a guest house within your comfort level and budget--its pretty easy. Chang mai will probably be cooler, and even though southern thailand is overrun with tourists, its worth seeing for yourself. I haven't done the deep water soloing there, but you can find a boat on tonsai and i think the boats have a fixed daily rate, so it is cheaper if you get a group of people together and split the cost.

Eric, I'm headed there right after you get back. Never been before but my research tells me that yes, it will be hot and humid, and yes expect a fair amount of rain, but also lots of sunny day. Info varies on the true start of rainy season but most say it doesn't start in earnest until some point in June.
Also the water tends to be rougher and choppy this time of year so boat access to routes will be potentially tricky.
A friend who's been there recommended climbing in the morning, then retiring to the beach for some hammock time, a massage, etc. Sounds pretty rough huh?