Thailand forum

Ko Tao is not all party party party at all. It's got some nightlife if you want it (think beach-side DJs with drinks and fire dancers) but it's not even in the same universe as southwest Phuket 's nightlife scene with its endless go go bars and the like.

Ko Tao is a laid back island with good Western food and great diving, and there are many secluded places to stay on the south, east and north coasts, as well as some houses that can be rented by the moth. A very relaxing place to spend a month, I reckon, and you could take side trips to Ko Phangan, Ko Samui and Ang Thong marine park, which looks spectacular. You could also hit Chumphon, Surat Thani and/or Nakhon Si Thammarat if wanting a more "local" Thai setting for a few days, or even take the two hour bus ride from Surat Thani to Khao Sok National Park for a dose of one of the world's oldest rainforests.

If you want a bigger island that's more similar to Phuket with shopping malls and no shortage of upscale resorts, then base yourself in Ko Samui. Ko Phangan might not be a bad choice either, but I've never been.

thank you all very much - I have plenty of places to look at now and plenty of time, as in bed with food poisoning!

Koh Phangan really is charming as long as you steer clear of Haad Rin. Every corner of the island has it's own vibe which is why it's my personal favorite of the 3. Rent a motorbike for 150 baht a day from Adam's place in Thongsala and see for yourself. Chakolum for sea food, Srithanu for yoga (or head to the Sancuary for the full blown experience), Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Mae Haad are all beautiful beaches near by. I rented a bungalow and motorbike for a few months and had a very relaxing time. As DLuek said above, many wonderful places to visit in the surrounding area if your interested. If you rather stay at a smaller island with much better diving, than base yourself in Koh Tao for sure.

Sounds like a plan (rent a jeep/car and drive up the coast, then fly to CM for a beer)
There's a big ol' bridge connecting Phuket to the mainland btw (smirk)

I also love Koh Phangan as long as you stay away from Haad Rin. Haad Yuan is about 10 minutes away from there by boat (seems close I know) but it is a totally different world! We spent two weeks there and it was such a quiet, laid bacper cool k chill beach we never wanted to leave! Check out the blog post I wrote about it... The whole island, up north by Haad Yai in particular, is also really amazing! We have been to this island a few times and even though we know we should try some new ones, its just such a cool place! Hope you find what you are looking for, Haad Yuan was exactly that for me