A buddy and I are going to Thailand in February. I'm wondering on if there is any typical need to book hotels in advance or if it's pretty easy to wing it? Are most popular hotels booked up in advance based on the time of year or is the economy keeping hotels with empty rooms?

We're generally probably staying at cheaper places - like 700-1,500 baht type joints. Going to Bangkok, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, ko phangan and then maybe chiang mai and/or pattaya.

Looking for input on how to plan accommodations - whether just arriving at a previously "this place sounds cool" on the spot is typically fine or if Saturday's or this time of year may be of concern and "book via the Internet or 3-4 days ahead of when you plan on getting there"

Thanks in advance!

to the forum.

Personally I think you could wing it, but at least try to have an idea in advance of a few places you'd consider staying in each city. You don't want to spend your whole holiday traipsing round for accommodation. If you do choose to book in advance, may I encourage you to click the Agoda banner at the top of the page. If you end up booking anything through the banner this site gets a small commission, which meets hosting costs and competitions like the one we have just started running.

Depends what type of traveller you are ... For that price range you should be able to just lob up and get a room somewhere, might not be your first choice though.
I like to plan my accommodation so I stay in the area and at the type of hotel I like, but that is my preference. Also from prior hassles in getting accommodation at the last minute, I like to at least have the first night booked somewhere, if arriving late in the day.
Lucy

Be aware that Chinese New Year falls around the middle of February which is a peak travel time for airlines and hotels and guest houses.

Apart from that occurence you should be able to "wing" it as on the budget you have outlined you will be staying at guest houses.

If you do decide to upgrade to a hotel, then I endorse Steve's advice - use the Agoda banner on this site. I have used Agoda for 11 years and its forerunners, Holidaysplan, Planetholiday, Precision Reservations and now Agoda. Over that period I have probably booked around 50+ hotels with Agoda and I never ever encountered a problem.