Anlun - I would urge caution about Phuket. It does have over 700 hotels, it has become a mass market destination and outside the resorts there isn't much to see. Like Bali, I think Phuket has had its day in the sun. By all means go to Amanpuri - I last stayed there after arriving from Amanpulo in the Philippines and there just wasn't any comparison. Yes, it's a great hotel, the main pool is iconic, but I've never liked Amanpuri's steep steps to the beach and the beach is shared with another, bigger hotel.
So this is what I would do - fly to Bangkok for a few days, then to the Golden Triangle area, then to Manila and Amanpulo. This then gives you the option of returning via Tokyo.
PS: Please don't ride an elephant. By doing so you would be supporting a seriously cruel industry.
Last edited by Pausanias; Dec 5, 2016 at 11:41 pm