Our itinerary is Phuket, Phi Phi, Krabi and Bangkok. We are connecting through Seoul (ICN), where we can go directly to Phuket on Korean Airlines, but that would mean a 5.5 hour layover and arrive in Phuket after midnight. The other choice is a 2.5 hour layover at ICN to go to BKK, arriving around 9:00 PM. We would stay near the airport and go to Phuket the next morning. I favor one option and my wife the other. Your comments and advice would be appreciated.

I would go straight to Phuket. There's nothing like waking up and seeing the Andaman sea in the morning.

Thanks Hanuman.

A couple of extra points for others to consider: We are flying in business class so we have lounge access in ICN, and the cost of one option vs the other is not an issue.

I would definitley fly directly to Phuket. The time in BKK would be wasted. Plus, clearing immigration and customs in phuket is a breeze. You'll be able to nap on the beach.

Where are you staying in Phuket?

I agree, absolutely take the flight straight to Phuket.

We had a similar issue last year, but with a couple hour layover in BKK. The option was either to stay in BKK for a few days and then head to Phuket, or travel on through. We traveled on through and it was the better option we think. As mentioned above, you get to wake up at the beach, and relax through your jet lag. And, once traveling, you might as well go as far as you are going. Have fun.
Thailand is fantastic.

Thanks everyone. I didn't say which one of us wanted which option, but now I will advise that you all agreed with me.

In Phuket, we are staying at the Hilton. I have Diamond status with Hilton, so I hope to get upgraded to a good room.

We have actually been to Thailand several times before, but not to Phi Phi and Krabi. We were in Phuket a number of years ago (pre-tsunami)and stayed in Patong. I didn't care for it in that area, but understand that the area where the Hilton is located is much less hectic.

Definitely fly directly to Phuket

Direct flight is booked. Thanks everyone for agreeing with me. It convinced my wife to do something my way for a change.

I would also go straight to Phuket.