Hello all, My wife and I are planning a trip to Thailand from New York this winter and despite my searching, I've been unable to answer some very basic questions.
We're planning on going for about 2 weeks. Probably more like 12 days. So here are my questions:

At first we were thinking of flying in/out of Bangkok and then going to Chiang Mai and then spending the last few days in a beach area, perhaps Phuket. Now I'm thinking, it may make more sense to fly directly into Chiang Mai, then head to Bangkok and then to Phuket. We'd fly back to Bangkok to catch a flight to NYC. What do people think of this? Would it be better to start in Bangkok.

We'd ideally like to spend about 5 days at the beach which if we were to fly out on 11/28 and arrive at midnight on the 30th would give us until December 7 before we wanted to hit the beach. How many days do people recommend for Chiang Mai and Bangkok? I've heard 2 is enough for Bangkok and 4 for Chiang Mai. Thoughts?

Also, as beautiful as Chiang Mai looks, it's the most out of the way, we might be able to save some money by flying directly into Bangkok and then progressing south. Is Chiang Mai too beautiful to miss? So far, it seems like a phenomenal place.

Those are all the questions I can think of right now but if anybody has any tips/suggestions/advice they can impart, I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance

If you only have six days for chaing mai / Bangkok I would split in half 3 in each - you can fly direct and cheaper to Bangkok stay for 3 days travel light and shop in bangkok - then phuket for your next 5 days from bangkok - you can then get a direct flight to chaing mai from phuket spend 3 days there and fly back to bangkok for the flight home - its less time travelling doing it that way round and more time enjoying

You will more than likely need to fly into BKK. I would allow 2 days to get over your jet lag and check out the sites.

Fly up to Chiang Mai or if you want to save a few $$s you could get an overnight sleeper train. check The Man in Seat Sixty-One...

Chiang Mai is a great city, Sunday walking street market, Tiger Kingdom, zip lining, elephant camps, cooking schools...the list goes on and on. I would allow 4 days as a minimum

Finish off your holidays with some beach time in Phuket Direct flight from CM with AirAsia is quite economical.

Back to BKK for your flight home and any last minute shopping.

Dear sethik : 2 days in bangkok visit the Grandpalace some more temple and canal tours + shopping night or day market

3-4 days in north /chaing mai or pai trekking jungle rafting or just singseeing tour around chiang mai day after take flight from chiang mai direct to phuket price start at 3000 baht

from phuket can take day tour to phiphi or go to jamebond island fantasea show