Help with Itinerary in Thailand needed.

Hello,

Can anyone help me and suggest some places which I should definitely not miss while travelling in Thailand?

I am starting in Bangkok on 14th of January and I have 30 days before I'll go to Laos. For now all I know that I want to spend few days in Bangkok and 5-6 days in Chiang Mai (whitewater rafting, trekking). Not sure if it is a good idea to go south (and then back north again before entering Laos) but would love to take scuba diving course on Ko Tao island.

What itinerary would you suggest?

PS - I will spent whole month on Phuket in May (training thai boxing) so you don't need to suggest that part of Thailand ...

Thanks for your help,
marcus

Lucky Dude, wish I had that much time to spend there!
Anyway, what I would do is start in Bangkok and head north through Kanchanaburi. This will take you through the Erawan National Park area, the River Kwai, very nice. There is a route you can take all the way north. One of the things that you did not mention is what you would like to experience. Once you get beyond Kanchanaburi you are definitly off the beaten path. This road north will also take you close to the Burmese border which is somewhat mountainous so the scenery will be very nice as well. Don't expect great accommodations along the way, but you should be able to get by if you're into that. Once in the north you have lots of small vills that you can explore and enjoy the scenery. You can then work your way west toward Laos Through Pai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Don't forget the National Parks along the way. The NP are a hidden treasure that few tourists take advantage of. Some great waterfalls and scenery.
Good luck and have FUN!!