Anyone been to Thailand?

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Ruth

I am wondering about vaccinations as well. I have my Hep A & B and it appears that this is all that I really need.

That's all that's needed or recommended.

It has been suggested to me to only book a couple of days hotel or resort through a travel agent but this makes me nervous.

You're getting good advice. If you need additional support, you can find good travel agents in most towns and cities. You'll pay the farang price, but it's (mostly) to be expected, and still very affordable. If you're diving, reserve from here, unless it is low season. Call or email and confirm your class and accomodations. Koh Tao can get very busy (sleep-on-the-beach busy, if you believe the hype).

If accommodation is cheap then I would not mind just going to someplace else for a couple of days and leaving my room paid for but vacant.

Your accomodations will cost you whatever you're willing to pay, from the absurdly cheap and simple, to the outrageously expensive and deluxe. I stayed in a variety of places throughout the south, and paid up to $80/night, and as little as $7/night. The $7/night wasn't as nice, but it certainly was acceptable, along the lines of a cheap-but-clean and well-run motel in Canada. YMMV, of course. Accomodations on the mainland don't usually require much advance booking, unless you're particular that you have to stay in THAT place. There's always another 'resort' just down the road. On the islands, I wouldn't risk not having reservations.

I'm so very jealous. It is an incredible and beautiful place.

Matt