In Chaing Mai -- hands down -- The Regent. Regent. Regent. Regent. Regent. Regent. It has become the standard by which we compare every single hotel. Mind you, we were on our honeymoon.... If you have any "upgrading" skills, beg, borrow, and steal (but not pay) for a one bedroom "residence". Ahhhh.

We were in Phuket in mid-November -- the very beginning of the dry season. The "rainy" season lingered. One to two weeks later would have been better. Stayed at Banyan Tree and was disappointed. Compensated by going for drinks and dinner at Amanpuri. Skip Phuket all together -- too commercial. Instead, go to Krabi (Rayavadee Premier Resort, previously a Dusit) or, perhaps Trang or any of up-and-coming "in" areas.

In BKK, found the Shangri-La to be "tour bus central." The Sukhothai, although not by the river, was much more elegant. The new Pen, across the river, might be worth trying. Couldn't be beat in Hong Kong.

Finally, FYI -- if you do go to Phuket -- note that Thai Air has one direct CMX-HKT flight. Rather than change in BKK, search it out (10:20am departure?) Or, better yet, stay in CMX at the Regent longer. Every time I see a websaver to BKK I briefly contemplate taking an impromptu vacation.

Have fun.