Hi Michelle, Why not book the Kata Thani for 10 nights and leave the second half open. You wont have any trouble finding accomadation in Patong for the second half of Oct and you can scout around and find something you like the look of. You can compare the walk in rate with whats on offer on the internet and then see if one of the local travel agents can do any better. If you fall in love with Kata like I have,then you can opt to stay there. You could even scoot over to Phi Phi or Ao nang if you want to try something different. The only thing that Patong offers that the other spots dont have as much of is the seedier element and nightclubs that stay open all night. You will find plenty of shops and restaraunts and massage and casual bars in Kata. I spent 3 weeks there and didn't have to eat or drink at the same place twice. We normally hire a jeep so we can get around the Island, but only venture into Patong to see a show or go to the Boxing or the night market.

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