Yeah, if it's your first time with Bangkok you have to see the Grand Palace (don't listen to anyone who says it's closed!), Wat Arun, Wat Po, and take one of the longtail boats through the klongs or at the very least, a river taxi. Patpong has become very touristy, but the "shows" are definitely geared for first-timers. Street vendors have overrun the place but really ask high prices on the fake watches. Mahboonkrong (MBK) looks to be the top one-stop western-oriented place.

(On subsequent trips and with more familiarity you'll avoid all of this, but it makes a bit more sense for a first time).

The timing for Phuket isn't the greatest. May is the hottest month, and when the rains do arrive Phuket gets more of a heavy-hanging monsoonal feel than other beach areas in the country.