Hi,

I am heading to Thailand on Friday 14th March and land in Bangkok on the Saturday evening. I will be spending the first 5 days on my own, until one of my mates joins me in Phuket from Friday 21st March onwards. We both fly home from Bangkok on Friday 28th at night.

Having never been to Thailand before, I would like some advice on where is best to go and where is best to stay for someone travelling alone (initially). I obviously have to be in Phuket for that Friday. I am contemplating spending only one night in Bangkok on the 15th - will book a cheap hotel before I arrive - then flying down to the islands on the Sunday. I've heard Koh Samui is worth visiting, although I would obviously then need an extra internal flight, and there would be a bit more hassle involved - is it worth this, or are there other places nearer to Phuket worth visiting?

We then intend to fly back to Bangkok in time to have at least one night out!

I/we have not booked any accommodation or internal flights as yet - only our main flights to and from Bangkok are booked. I have currently saved £400 for both weeks - not including the cost for internal flight(s). Does this sound a realistic amount? I/we do not intend to stay anywhere expensive, and I will probably spend most of the first week relaxing on a beach and sightseeing.

Is it risky not to book island accommodation in advance from the UK, or will there be plently of backpacker places to stay out there? Is the same true of internal flights - can you buy tickets on the day? The reason I ask is because I want to remain as flexible as possible before my mate arrives.

Can I expect to pay single occupancy supplements - I preferably want private rooms. How much can I expect to pay for these?

Any advice much appreciated!