[Superstarry]

Hi Eljay,
Understand that you're a bit apprehensive about an ambitious tour like this,
but you're going to love it! I did a 14 day trip to Bangkok (3 days), Phuket (8 days) & Hong Kong (2 days) in October - it was my first Asian trip and I met up with a buddy in Phuket but was on my own for the rest of the time. You may end up with the best of both worlds if you're solo for half the time - it's amazing how easy it is to meet up with other travellers when you are doing the tourist scene on your own!

Have to agree with some of the other BM's that you may want to avoid flying any more than necessary. The wear & tear is accumulative and you will find that even more since you say you're a "rookie" traveller. Suggest you keep playing with your plan & you will end up with a tour that's relaxing but let's you hit all the places on your list - for example, only stay over in Bangkok once & you'll be able to do all the "must see's" in a single 3-day stop.

Just treat Bangkok airport as a hub for Chaing Mai, Singapore, etc. and it will feel like you're not spending all your time racing for the airport to catch another flight! Bangkok wore me out (but I loved it) and I was happy to get to Phuket & get in some beach time (of course I wore myself out again on Bangla Rd. every night until 3:00 am but that's a good thing).

Thailand is cheap (compared to home) but have you figured out cheap airfare yet? From Canada I know Cathay Pacific has an All Asia pass that is a good deal if you're doing multiple Asian cities. Thai Air also has a "Star Alliance Thai Pass" that gives you flexibility on making changes with your flights between Thai cities, but you can probably do better booking flights on the various Thai discount airlines.

Sounds like you want to be flexible in your planning anyway so if you decide to spend an extra few days in Phuket you will be able to without getting hit with big fees to change flights. You're off to a good start since you're planning months ahead - enjoy your trip of a lifetime!