We decided to try Thailand and I think we did a pretty good job getting a little taste of everything...not that I couldn't have stayed there for another month, but, like I said, a little taste...

Anyway, here's a bit of a suggested itinerary...there's a few changes I would have probably made...

Basically there are three parts of Thailand you absolutely must hit...
1. Northern Thailand...Chiang Mai in particular. This is where you're gonna get to ride the elephants kids...but don't think it comes easily...you have to hike through the jungles and mountains to the elephant camps. Absolutely worth it though. And the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is not to be missed (though you can find most of the stuff cheaper in Bangkok). Check out the massage places up here as well...
2. Southern Thailand...here's where you see the islands and those fabulous beaches. Depending on where you go it can be a big party or a really chill vacation. Know what you want before you go and make sure the place you book suits that.
3. Bangkok...I can only assume this goes without saying. Bangkok is incredible. Those who say that it is just dirty or uninteresting either didn't spend enough time there or didn't stay in a good place. We stayed in the Sukhumvit area. It's right on the SkyTrain (not to be missed), the river boat ferries (a local secret...cheap and easily the most efficient at rush hour), the Bumrangrund International Hospital (just in case), and a street market to pick up everything for those back home.

What we did:
Days 1-5: Krabi. A really breathtaking beach resort for such a good price. We booked this part through STA...it was an independent tour. The Krabi Beach Break. Honestly, the reason we chose it was because it was the cheapest one offered. The resort in Krabi was stunning, the service excellent, the food amazing. The only real complaint I have is that, although it is an STA sponsored place, there were almost no young people there. Also no nightlife. But during the day we could go to a gorgeous beach, lay by nice pool, sit out on our porch, get a massage at the hotel's spa... We did take a sightseeing boat tour one day. The speed boat took us to four different islands so that we could play on the beaches, go snorkeling (we found Nemo!), eat a delicious meal, and bask in the Indian Ocean. We would go in up to our necks and still be able to see our feet in the water. And the ocean is so warm there. All-in-all it was a great stop but if you are looking to party...Krabi is not the place. I also probably would have gone south at the end of the trip rather than the beginning.
Days 6-8: Bangkok. Talk about another world. We did Bangkok completely on our own and really there's no reason why you can't. The city is very accessible and the Thai people are really friendly. There is absolutely no reason, if you are younger than 30, that you should not be staying in a hostel. Talk about a way to keep prices low, find your way around, and just stay safer in general (especially for girls).
DON'T MISS
-Wat Pho: this should go without saying, but you absolutely cannot miss this. A "wat" is a Buddhist temple, and this is the most famous of them in Thailand.
-The Palace: Of course some will argue that it is a total tourist trap, but there's a reason...it's rivaled by very few in its grandeur.
-The Emerald Buddha: perhaps a bit anti-climatic (nothing compared to the reclining Buddha in Wat Pho) but this is actually part of the palace tour.
**The three of these are all within walking distance and VERY tourist friendly. There is absolutely no need for a guide. And the Wat is open in the morning. Do not listen to tuk-tuk drivers who try to tell you that it doesn't open until noon.**
-The Snake Farm: it is the world's second oldest snake farm. They milk the snakes here to make anti-venom. You watch a quick presentation (in English) and then go watch them bring out the snakes and milk a few. At the end they let you hold a Burmese Python and take pictures...loads of fun.
-Khaosan Road: You have to. You won't find too many Thai people here, but you have to. Be smart. The roadside bars serve "buckets" and you plop down on plastic chairs on the side of the road and get smashed quickly and inexpensively. In the bars opt for a Chang Tower. Chang is cheap since it isn't imported and with a group of 6 you can each have a good amount of beer...not to mention some great pictures! The roadside food vendors are also excellent and cheap.
-Pat Pon: Open until all hours and the center of Thailand's sex tourism. But it's not all strip clubs and "ping pong" shows (I'll let you figure that one out on your own). We went to Shivas, which had a great hip-hop cover band and then next door to The Tunnel which played house music and projected a video of the people dancing out on to the street...great time. This is where you go to dance and drink cocktails though...it's a completely different atmosphere.
-Siam: Yes, it's a mall; yes, it's expensive but it's still fun to look around. Guys, go up to the top floors where you can see the Ferraris, Mazaratis, Lambourghinis, and various other super-cars on display.
**If you have $20 to blow, I highly suggest choosing an action packed movie and buying the VIP movie tickets at Siam. You choose your seats in the theater, then go in where someone will greet you and take you to an exclusive cafe where you can get drinks and food. When you movie is about to start they will escort you to your seat. The seats are in twos and threes and look like couches. They will seat you, recline your seat back, cover you with a blanket and put a pillow behind your head. Then they will leave your food and drink for you on the table in front of you. It really is the BEST way to see a movie!**
-The markets: choose one, they're all essentially the same except the weekend market. If you can be there on the weekend, you wont want to miss it.
GETTING AROUND
Taxi: They are everywhere and charge by distance rather than time. If you are going out at night there is really no better way. Make sure they turn the meter on.
Tuk-tuk: Meant for short distances and very unreliable. Most take you wherever THEY want to go rather than where you want to go. Have to pre-negotiate a price.
Motorcycle: Occasionally around, generally unnecessary.
Riverboat: No better way during rush hour. It's a local secret as well. However beware, know where you are getting on and off. It doesn't stop long and they don't call out where they are stopping.
SkyTrain: A/C, TV, fast and easy...only downfalls are that it's a bit pricey and it doesn't go everywhere.
Days 9-13: Chiang Mai/Hilltribe Trek. We did this part through STA again. It probably wasn't necessary, but it did make this easier. This one was a group excursion, which was great because our group had some fantastic people in it from all over the world. We stayed in a hotel in Chiang Mai...at first I was not thrilled with this (I'm sure it cost us a bit more) but, trust me, when you get back from the trek a hotel sure beats a hostel. And you're with a group of people anyway, so it's not like you are missing out on meeting people. We went to see a Wat here as well. They are all beautiful. The trek is mildly difficult, certainly not for those who struggle with a small work out, but it goes at the pace of the group and stops frequently to do stuff. Staying in the tribes is not exactly luxury living, but it's something new. And then you are rewarded with the elephant ride. It's totally worth it.
**Bring baby wipes, sun screen, bug spray, toilet paper and plastic bags. If you're prone to bug bites and muscle aches it won't hurt to have some Tiger Balm too.**
Back in Chiang Mai you will feel excessively dirty and will probably spend an hour in the shower. This is why you will be happy that you are in a hotel, not a hostel. That night go to the Rooftop Bar or try your hand at some karaoke. Chiang Mai is quieter, but still a fun city!
Day 14: Bangkok. Everything you didn't get to do, cram it in because it's about time to go. Some hostels will give you a towel and let you use their shower and luggage storage for a small price. It's worth it, you have a lot of traveling ahead of you.

TRAVELING WITHIN THAILAND
-Air: Thai Airways is amazing. Go to the ticket counter as you might be able to get a cheaper ticket than you would online and the planes are rarely full. A few other economy air carriers also exist and are worth looking into.
-Train: Use the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai...it's cheap and comfortable and you don't miss a day. Get on the last one that leaves. You'll get on, fall asleep and wake up in Chiang Mai.
-Bus: Didn't try, heard various reviews.
-Car: Didn't try, other ways are easier and cheaper.