Related Southern Thailand Favorites Tips

Favorite thing: 2 weeks+ is ample time to get to Krabi and you could even visit other islands/areas in that time frame. It should work out well to visit Phi Phi prior to taking a ferry to Krabi-town or Ao Nang.
You don't mention when you're going but I'd recommend waiting until you arrive in Phuket to get an idea as to weather conditions before committing yourself to taking a ferry to Phi Phi Don, esepecially if you're going very soon since this is still the rainy season though it's winding down for the season.
As to where to stay on the Krabi mainland, well, given your preferences, I would say Ao Nang area would fit nicely for a selection of restaurants/bars and more nightlife BUT Railay West has far superior beaches, though with far pricier and more limited dining with the respective resorts. Ao Nang is very much a tourist zone/strip that also offer fast food places like Burger King, Pizza Co. and Swensen's but if you're looking for local Thai fare, I'd recommend taking a white songthaew to Krabi-town for an evening visit for their night market local fare with live music for at least a touch of Thai flavor. Also recommend a visit to nearby Nopparat Beach which is in easy walking distnace from Ao Nang for the local Thai 'street food' which a lot of Thais frequent for their day picnics.
Also recommend one of those '4 islands' tour of nearby islands for some snorkeling, too since there's no good snorkeling at Ao Nang nor Railay. Or get in all your snorkeling while on or near the Phi Phi islands.

Favorite thing: I pretty much agree with vtveen and the places that they listed to go while in Bangkok. So I will address the time frame that you have stated that you have. If you only have a week, then I would suggest that you stay in the Bangkok area and see the sites from there. You can do the floating market trip or see Kannchanaburi, the River Kwai area in a couple days. But to take advantage of all that Bangkok has to offer, spend the time and spend the time and see itall. Next trip take more time if you can and head north to Chiang Mai or the south to the great beaches. Chinatown in Bangkok can take you a whole day as well as Sunday Market on the weekend where you can find some great deals and be lucky to see it all in one day, it's huge.
If you travel, in my opinion, you will be greatly rushed in a week to see another region plus Bangkok. If you only have a week, enjoy Bangkok, you'll most likely want to return anyway, most first time visitors love Thailand!
Good luck

Favorite thing: There s always that chance that something could be stolen if you are away for any length of time. I have never had that problem fortunately, but I know others who have. You could check with hotels, but I am sure there would be a fee but it would still be worth it to protect you valauables.
Some tips. Wear a suit with zip pockets so you can carry your cash even in the water.
Don't carry your passport, carry a copy, colored or otherwise with you. That will suffice if you are stopped and asked for it, also carry a copy of your entrance stamp/visa from your passport page.
Camera, not much you can do about that but that is where another hotel may come in as well as other valuables. Travel light though, no need to wear jewelery etc...
good luck

Favorite thing: I would suggest perhaps railay beach in krabi area, you can also travel south to small quiet islands such as Koh Ngai, Koh Mook, or perhaps somewhere a little busier and larger such as Koh lanta, you could try Phuket, most beach areas busy but some quiet ones or try Khao Lak

Favorite thing: Hey Dakgirl,
I would suggest going to Phuket and heading north. Khao Lak is a great little town that is peaceful and has some pretty nice beaches. If you want to know I can give you directions to beaches that are virtually secluded almost all the time. Khao Lak is not a party town but there are some bars to have a beer or two, but it's definitly not Phuket. If you decide on that I would suggest Phukhaolak resort. Great little place on the way into town, set off in a nice picturesque coconut grove that is made for a post card. The bunglaows are inspection clean and new but they do not have TV or radio, but are exceptionally comfortable at a reasonable price. Family run with a restuarant that is frequented by people from other hotels and resorts, Mom and daughter cook, good food! Dad runs the place and another daughter, Jim, is the hostess. National Parks are accessable from here as are other beaches and the Andaman coast. About 1 hour, 90 minutes out of Phuket by bus. One of our favorite places to go.
Good luck and have fun. If you have more questions let me know

Fondest memory: Khao Lak and Phukhaolak resort

Favorite thing: Phuket!!!!!

The only way to explain the reasons for this you will have to experience Phuket yourself..

I also think that it is much cleaner and safer then any other areas in Thailand.
If you want to chill out and just drink with your friends, stay in Kata or Karon. If the club scene is your thing then Patong is a crazy.. Thailand is primarily designed for the male traveler if your looking to party but you'll have fun...

Good Luck

Fondest memory: The beaches of Kata Noi

Favorite thing: Who cares, it's Thailand! It could snow and it would still be great!
OK, seriously, as John said, there are more sunny days than cloudy, for sure. Even on cloudy days you can still get a good tan and burn. Weather has definitly changed over the years in Thailand. But as always, almost any time of the year you could get some rain and definitly coudly skies. Best months are November through April, April being the HOTTEST and the driest.

Good luck
Mai Phen Rai Krup

Favorite thing: Diazjo,
In Phuket for accommodation in Patong Beach try WWW.Tatummansion.com, from 1000TBH PN per room(all double rooms) very clean,central, 300 yds to the beach and so much choice for food in Patong Beach.
Tatum Mansion will arrange transfer from A/port about 600TBH.
We use this hotel every year--going 27/4.
Simon Caberet is a superb boy/girl show and can be booked by hotel desk.
Bangla Road is the club/bar area and transvestites will happily pose for photo calls--note, expect a small payment and watch your bags/pockets in this area!
If you like Buddist temples, Wat Chalong is the best,reachable by Taxi (tuk tuk)
be sure to haggle the price, temples also Patong Town and Karon Beach (5 miles).
Plenty of shopping and Markets in Patong (open till 11pm).
Go and enjoy, have fun but watch the sun!
All the best Keith and Eileen.

Fondest memory: The gentle smiling people who are always happy to help.