How would you recommend I cut up my trip? I will arrive Nov 25th at 1145pm. Two days in Bangkok enough? After that, should I go to Phuket, Koh Tao, or another beach? At the beach, I'd like to just relax, and swim. Possibly take a PADI SCUBA certificate course. Anywhere else I can see in that time?
I think if you are just looking to relax and the beach and swim/SCUBA then your plan seems reasonable. I personally am not a beach person so spending so much time there would make me insane. But for some one like you 2 days in BKK is probably enough. You can see the Grand Palace, etc in a day or two no problem and then move on.
As for getting around, that is really up to you depending on your budget and time. There are air conditioned inter-city/town buses that can take you pretty much anywhere. But the ride to Phuket from BKK is at least 10 hours or so by road so flying likely makes more sense.
