FT’ers,
I’m hoping you could shed some light around an itinerary that I’m working on for our honeymoon to Thailand. We like a mix of pure R&R and activity, and are trying to make sure that our trip includes ample of both. Key questions include:

How is the hotel selection?
Am I spending too little/too much time in any one place?
Should I use a car instead of flying on any of these routes?
What are the “must dos” in each place?
What else should I be thinking about?

We’ll be traveling in mid January, and will arrive in Bangkok after midnight (that will be night 1)

Night 1: Bangkok. I’m thinking St. Regis (because I have points), but would also consider other Starwood/Marriott properties. I’m looking for a higher-end hotel in a stellar location…Does anyone have some thoughts?
Day 1: Bangkok…probably explore city on our own since we’ll be jetlagged from long flight
Night 2: BKK
Day 2: Bangkok – probably guided tour, see wats, etc
Night 3: Bangkok
Day 3: Mid-day flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (should I make this an early morning flight?)

Night 4: Chiang Mai – debating between Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons. Does anyone have any thoughts? I know FS is more secluded – is it a hassle to get to night markets, the city, etc?

Day 4 – Chiang Mai
Night 5 – Chiang Mai
Day 5 – Chiang Mai
Night 6 – Chiang Mai
Day 6 – Chiang Mai
Night 7 – Chiang Mai

Day 7 – Flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui…There is a nonstop leaving at 12 and arriving at 1:45 pm…I assume this is the best bet??

Nights 8 – 11 (4 nights); Days 8 – 11 (3 full days and 2 partial days) – Koh Samui, staying at the Conrad. I believe it is far from the city, but assuming I have the points, it is a must-do, right? What is there to do in Koh Samui near the Conrad?

Day 11 – Koh Samui to Phuket. It looks like there is no direct flight – is this accurate? I can’t switch around the order, so what is the best way to get from KS to Phuket? How much is a taxi, how much time does that take, and could I find one willing to drive us that route?

Night 12 – 14 The JW/Renaissance look like good bets (b/c I can probably use points there too), but they look far from the city. After spending 4 nights in relatively remote Koh Samui I’m hesitant to be too far from everything again in Phuket. Is Patong the only area with restaurants/night-life (we don’t need huge amounts of night life, but access to bars, restaurants etc would be nice)? I know that the Le Meridien is near Patong – but how does that compare to JW/Renaissance?

Thanks in advance to all who can shed light on some/all of my questions (I know there is a lot on there). I look forward to hearing from the many of you who’ve spent time in Thailand!