Thailand forum

Hello,

I'd like some feedback on my possible itinerary from seasoned travelers. My husband and I will be honey-mooning in Thailand and possibly Laos. We'd like a mixture of culture/adventure and relaxation/beaches. I've looked at many sample itineraries and find they're more geared towards backpackers with lots of time and often require packing up every 2 days. I like the idea of staying in 4-5 different places and doing day trips out of each place. We'll be there for 20 nights right during peak season (Dec. 25-Jan. 14th). Since this is peak season, we plan on booking everything ahead of time instead of just going with the flow. We'd like nice accommodation and are willing to pay on average $100 a night. Any suggestions are most welcomed. This itinerary is based on being able to afford flying with the Discovery airpass, however I have yet to get the price on that. If flying everywhere is out of our budget, we may have to change our plans. I'd like to know whether you find this itinerary realistic. Any suggestions for day trips would be welcome! As well, does anyone know whether it's standard practice for hotels to require 5 nights stay during peak season? As well, I heard Chiang Mai around New Year's is extremely crowded.

Thanks!

Dec. 25 - arrive Bangkok
Dec. 26-27 - Bangkok
Dec. 28 - head to Luang Prabang
Dec.29 - Jan. 1 - Luang Prabang
Jan. 2 - head to Chiang Mai
Jan.3-5 - Chiang Mai
Jan. 6th - head south (Krabi)
Jan. 7-9th - either Ko Lanta, Ko Yai Noi or Railay Beach
Jan. 10 - head to Ko Kradan
Jan. 11-13 - Ko Kradan
Jan. 14th - depart