myself and my partner are planning a trip to thailand on 26th july for 10 days. we are hoping to spend a couple of days in koh samui before koh tao then koh phangan. can anyone reccomend which islands are worth more of our time? we definately want to do our PADI on koh tao.

are we best to book accomodation before hand or book it when we get there being peak season?

can anyone give us an opinion on their stay at koh tao cabana (koh tao)? or tropicana resort (koh tao), does tropicna have hotwater?

myself and my partner are planning a trip to thailand on 26th july for 10 days. we are hoping to spend a couple of days in koh samui before koh tao then koh phangan. can anyone reccomend which islands are worth more of our time? we definately want to do our PADI on koh tao.

are we best to book accomodation before hand or book it when we get there being peak season?

can anyone give us an opinion on their stay at koh tao cabana (koh tao)? or tropicana resort (koh tao), does tropicna have hotwater?

It's indeed highseason around that time and usually all resorts close to the beach and dive shops are full.

However, since you want hot water, you're probably looking for more luxury. The higher-end resorts will provide that and they're rarely completely booked.

Don't be fooled by the wonderfull pictures and videos on numerous websites about Koh Tao (the majority of the sites are created by a handfull of resort owners).

The best way to choose is by browsing the several fora about Koh Tao - the independant ones like ThaiVisa.

Theres a lot more accomodation in Koh Tao now-it only really gets busy the few days after the full moon party in Koh Phangan so you should be ok to book when you arrive-you wont get much of a discount by booking beforehand like you do some places.

Find where you want to dive then look for a tout when you get off the boat-PS all the diving courses are the same price wherever.

Would suggest you stay at same place as you do your PADI open water (3 days minimum) as its good to be able to go back to your room between diving and theory training. It just reduces the hassle if you forget something for example. Recommend Bans Diving.

If you only have10 days suggest you just do Samui, and Koh Tao only plus a night or so at the end in Bangkok if you have never done it. With your PADI O/W taking 3 days you will be a bit rushed anyway ie 3 days training, a day to get there and a day to get back. Ok it takes a couple of hours on Lomprayah etc but by the time you check in and out and have a beer the last night with your new best friends its 5 days gone! By all means try Koh Phangan as well but remember you are holiday!

Have fun