Thailand
Itineraries
In terms of planning your trip, rather than pick an itinerary, you will find that Thailand divides neatly into four areas, which are far enough apart to warrant flying between them. Depending on how long you've got, when you're going and what your interests are, you can visit any or all of them:
1. Bangkok and around (including Hua Hin)
2. Chiang Mai and the north (including Chiang Rai)
3. East coast and islands (including Samui)
4. West coast and islands (including Phuket)
Apart from Bangkok, which can be used simply as a hub, you should allow a minimum of 3-4 days in each area - more if you plan a trek or a trip to satellite islands.
There's not that much to choose between the east and the west coasts – the timing of your trip will dictate which to visit.
There are daily flights from Bangkok to each of the other three hubs. There is also a daily direct flight from Samui to Phuket, and from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.
Don't forget to allow a day or two at the start to get over jetlag and the change in temperature.