This itinerary can be lengthened at any stage. Found a great spot? Stay for awhile -- but don't overstay your visa! Seasonal weather can impact both the choice of coast (east/west) and prevailing air and boat schedules.

Day 1: Bangkok

Start your tour of Bangkok by Central Pier (confusingly, also known as Sathorn Pier), where you can hop on a fast river taxi or the more comfortable wide-berth Chao Phraya Tourist Boat. Alternatively, take a long-tail boat tour of Thonburi's klongs (canals), which makes for a fascinating 1- to 3-hour trip. You can arrange these trips at the booths at Central Pier next to Saphan Taksin BTS, at River City, or through your hotel (riverside hotels like Ibrik and Arun Residence are good places to base yourself, because they offer shuttle boats).

Heading north by taxi or boat along the S-curve of the river, you will pass most of the city's historical sites. Good stops along the way are Sri Phya, which is next to River City, for pricey souvenir shopping; and Chinatown (known as Yaowarat), to amble along its bustling alleyways. You should also get off at Tha Tien for Wat Po and the Giant Reclining Buddha. From there, it's a short walk to the Grand Palace and the famed Wat Phra Kaew, the temple of the celebrated Emerald Buddha.

From Tha Tien, take the ferry across the river to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. Then you can carry on upstream to visit the National Museum. After visiting the museum, you can stop at Banglampoo for Khao San Road, the vibrant backpacker strip.

This is a lot to see in a day -- you may even want to take 2 days to see it all.

Day 2: Bangkok to Phuket

A short flight and transfer will bring you to Phuket, which has resorts that range from luxurious to simple motels; try for a room at Burasari if you like boutique properties, go for JW Marriott if you want a resort close to the airport, or stay at the sprawling Banyan Tree Phuket if you crave the sort of spa villas and double pool villas that appeal to jetsetters.

In high season, expect restaurant prices, taxis, and tuk-tuks to be double that of Bangkok prices. Be prepared to pay for everything from beach loungers to umbrellas.

Days 3 & 4: Phuket

These 2 days could turn into many more as Phuket's lure takes hold. Dine in roadside joints or sample pricey eateries such as Oriental Spoon at Twin Palms, which has a great wine list, or the cacophonous Ratri Jazztaurant, situated upon a cliff top. The island's heaving nightlife and red-light activity center around Patong, where Brit Super Chef Keith Floyd has opened Floyd's Brasserie. Families still flock to giggle at Phuket Fantasea's kitschy lady-boy show. But many opt for a quiet candlelit dinner at a resort like the JW Marriott.

Eco-tourists will appreciate a paddle with Hawaiian John Grey of John Grey's Sea-Canoe, or enjoy a few days in Khao Sok National Park. In season, advanced divers can visit the pristine and uninhabited Similan Islands, accessible only by sea.

Days 5 & 6: Phuket to Krabi

Get geared up for extreme hot weather as you head inland: bring sunglasses, water, a hat, and waterproof sunscreen, and perhaps a sarong. Depart by boat from Phuket town pier. Stop for part of the day at Koh Phi Phi, a much-promoted dumbbell-shaped isle. Climb Phi Phi Don to get great ocean views, or snorkel in warm waters, before taking an afternoon boat to Krabi. You can also do part of this as a quick hop on Destination Air's amphibious planes (www.destinationair.com) or as a coastal road trip, with stops in Pha Ngan Bay.

Rather than staying in Krabi town, head to Ao Nang, which has many budget places. Jetsetters love super-luxury resorts such as the remodeled Rayawadee or the new Sofitel Phokeethra. From here, speed out to the wondrous islets of Koh Poda and Koh Hong. Serious rock climbers can try scaling Railay's high karst cliffs.

Take an extra day here, consider a side trip to Trang (where you can stay at the luxury Amari Trang), or hang out on sleepy Koh Lanta. Return to Phuket by sea or land.

Day 7: Phuket to Koh Samui

In high season, you can hop on a Bangkok Airways flight from Phuket to Koh Samui. The road, boat, and train routes from Phuket to Koh Samui appeal to hardier, budget travelers.

In Koh Samui, Bophut Beach offers midrange and luxury options, while Chaweng Beach offers every sort of hotel, plus it buzzes with nightlife action. The standout place to stay is Coral Bay, though, which is in a relatively quiet area and boasts luxury choices. Try The Tongsai Bay, Baan Taling Ngam Resort, or the Evason Hua Hin, as these feature great spas.

Koh Samui has loads going on: You can enroll in a cooking course at SITCA, sign up to do scuba diving on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine National Park, play a round of golf in conjunction with a dive trip aboard Ocean Rover, or get healthy with a fasting program offered at Tamarind Springs or Spa Samui. Nightlife in Chaweng will keep you busy till late, too.

Day 8: Samui

Use the day to check out Samui's weird rock formations or simply chill on the beach. Book an appointment for later in the day at the delightful Anantara Resort near Bophut, which offers amazing spa treatments. Afterwards, hit the nightlife on Chaweng Beach or head down to Laem Set to take in a wonderful sunset.

Day 9: Samui to Koh Pha Ngan

Koh Pha Ngan offers a seriously alternative holiday, with revelry centered on Had Rin. Party animals perennially seek out the Full Moon and Half Moon Parties, as well as regular beach raves known as "Black Moon Parties," here. If you are not into raves or dance parties, fear not; wellness-oriented The Sanctuary is a world away from the full-moon madness.

Days 10 & 11: Koh Pha Ngan to Koh Tao

If diving is your passion, check out sites around Koh Tao ("Turtle Island"); it's a boat ride from Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan. (There's still plenty to do on Koh Pha Ngan for non-aquanauts.)

Day 12: Rest Day

Wherever you are, relax. Stretch out and reflect on the trip's highlights.

Day 13 & 14: Koh Samui to Bangkok

Return by air to Bangkok (allow 1-2 days extra for boat connections from the islands during June-Oct, or Nov-Jan). Squeeze in some shopping or a farewell Thai dinner in the city before leaving.