After looking over a lot of reviews and reading some great info from the forums we're planning to spend 4 days in Phuket and going to try to fill up each day with tours. (Elephant trekking, Phi Phi Speedboat, and Phang Nha) We are planning to attempt to bargain for these tours after we arrive. (Going to attempt to find Miss Apple of South Smile tours) We're going to try to use some of the better tour operators, who may cost a little more, but have great reputations and promise to keep the group size smaller. (Like Captain Mark of Phuket Sail Tours)

FYI - We'll be in Phuket August 4-8.
So here's the question: Since these tour operators keep the group size smaller and are more in demand, will I still be able to book one for the next day? Will it be cost effective to try to bargain for one on short notice? Or are the last minute deals really only for "lower end" tours? Would it be wiser/cheaper to book in advance?

Bonus questions: If we went in the morning would we be able to book an elephant trek for that afternoon? (On a tight schedule)

The reason we're shying away from the lower end tours is because while it seems that most people have a great time, there are quite a few horror stories sprinkled in among the reviews. Usually pertaining to overcrowding, guides that don't speak English, and lack of time to enjoy the sights. It seems like there is little consistency or "guarantees" among the lower end operators...not to mention the fact that you may book with an agent and not really know which operator you're going to get.
Do you think this is an accurate assessment?

Your plan may work, but you have to be prepared to get nothing in return for trying to save a few bucks.

How many are in your group? It's a lot easier to slide in one or two people, not so easy with three or four.

If you won't be terribly bothered by exploring on your own or making your own arrangement to go places, then your plan may save some money. If doing these tours is really important for your vacation, I'd book ahead.

Phuket isn't really a place where you need tours. I'd especially stay away from the elephant trekking if you care how the elephants are treated.

August is low season in Phuket, as it's usually rainy at that time of the year, so it shouldn't be too hard to find tours if that is really what you want to do.

August is often rough waters and stormy, so tours many be cancelled.

trying to nichel and dime the operators probably will not work..

leaving things to the day before leaves you open for being shut out, but luckily things are not as busy in august..

why do you need tours... do it on your own..

Maybe "tours" was too broad a term, better term might be "excursions". I like to do things on my own when possible, but I don't have a boat, nor do I know where I'm going. So how else am I going to see the best places in Phi Phi and Phang Nha other than a tour/excursion.

There is only 2 of us.

You can hire a boat at the beach and go. No need for any kind of tour or guide. Relax and enjoy the beach, you don't have to be doing something every minute. Slow down and experience it.

The one (and only) Phuket activity that I've heard rave reviews for is John Grey Sea Canoes. I don't know if they run in August.

Phuket Sail Tours and JGSCanoe don't discount. No point to wait. If you know you want to go with them, then book as you have nothing to lose.

Good info, Kim.

Some thoughts and suggestions:

1. You can take a ferry to Phi Phi, which may be the best way to go, as it is quite cheap and no bargaining required. You can also plan your own day and not be herded around with a tour. There is an 8:30 am departure. Spend the morning on the island, hopefully hiking up to the top of a hill for the good view. Bring snorkeling gear (or you can probably hire it at a nearby hotel), and etiher bring a picnic, or have lunch at a hotel. Then ferry back at 2:30 pm. For schedules see http://www.phiphi-ferry.com/ , http://www.andamanwavemaster.com/index.htm
And http://www.phiphi-seaangel.com/tour.htm. Fare one way is about US$20. While a speed boat is faster, it will cost a lot more, and I think the ferries are fun. You can also go to Krabi and other places by ferry (some don't run in the rainy season.)

2. I agree that John Gray would be something very much worthwhile, even in the rainy season. See http://www.johngray-seacanoe.com/

3. Completely agree that you should not waste time or money on an elephant "trek" on Phuket. Quite artificial. Short, touristy and I agree the animals do not seem well cared-for. Go to northern Thailand for that. Or a safari in India.

4. I don't know that any tours, even lower-end tours, offer discounts. They may for large groups, but I don’t know that you will be able to bargain them down just by showing up the day of the tour or the day before. They are used to tourists paying full freight for one thing, for another they have fixed costs in running the boats, etc and may not be interested in discounting. Finally, if you have not made a reservation, and no one else has pre-booked (a possibility during the rainy season), they may just decide not to run the tour at all. So if you show up at the appointed tour time you may be out of luck. With such a short trip, I have trouble seeing why this approach with all its possible negatives is worth saving 10% on the tour cost. It's a holiday and it's supposed to be relaxing. That is why I pre-book, so I can spend maxium time doing things other than going down to the pier twice (once the day before to book and once the day of) and spending time bargaining.

If you want to be assured of better weather, you need to go to the EAST coast of Thailand, places like Koh Samui. That is where I would go in September, not to Phuket. I thought from your other posts that you were leaning toward Bali in any event.

The lower end group tours are MUCH less expensive booked on the ground than booked in advance on the web. This is because the tour bookers (places like viator) take a big cut.

I've never used Viatour or any other tour arranger, so can't speak from experience as to their prices, I would imagine they charge a mark-up. I am suggsting booking directly with the company running the tour, like John Gray. I don't think you would find one that does not have a website and an email. I don't think you will find a difference in those prices.

I'm still puzzled why an elephant tour is "high end"

They're not, MissGreen. As Kathie pointed out, sadly, elephants are frequently mistreated and usually cruely "broken" in Thailand, even though tour companies deny this. A better bet is northern Thailand for a couple of well-run facilities (i.e. Elephant Nature Park) where you can interact with the creatures in a way that doesn't harm them, and that offer extremely satisfying interactions. At the park, for instance, we got to feed, bathe and pet the elles (but not ride, because the chairs hurt their backs). It takes a bit of research, but well worth it. Save Phuket for other past-times.