I’d go to Chaing Mai for a couple of days and then spend a little time in Nakhorn Phanom on the Mekong river and take a day or two in Vientiane Laos. Many would suggest going to Angor Wat Cambodia, its a nice trip but getting very touristy.

For the time you have, you will tire of Bangkok and Phuket easily. Not much scenery unlike what Spanky said, head to the north. Head to Tak, there is the one of the world’s largest waterfall around and watch the flow before the dry season sets in. Full of nature and trek, and hilltribe villages. More sights and colors than what you can get in the south. There is a lot more to Thailand than many people know about.

Spend a couple of days in the Racha Hotel on the Island by the same name. The island is small but very sweet and the the Hotel super (check out their hompepage).

I will go with spanky recommendation.

For 17 days - a bt of everything will be enjoyable for you - see Bangkok, of course. Then head up north and see the moutains and see the difference in culture up there. Then head down to Krabi in the south and enjoy another type of lifestyle. No need to go with “a luxury hotel”. There are decent places to stay. Use your money to go out and see the REAL Thailand.
Have a nice trip.

Thailand - Pattaya ( Chateau Dale)

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forget phuket - go to Krabi - mtns up north, Chiang Mai has lovely places to visit - there is a lovely mtn resort, 5 star facility and quietly tucked in the nature of Petchaboon, but that might be too far afield for you - check your guidebooks and have a great time - - plenty of luxury here.