My boyfriend and I are planning our first trip together to Thailand.

We plan to arrive in Bangkok about 26 or 27 December, spend a few days there (see the tigers, do some shopping etc) and then fly south for some island relaxing until around mid January.

We are considering flying BK to Koh Samui (maybe with a visit to Phangan for New Years (if we can handle it) then flying to Phuket and from there visiting Phi Phi and other islands.

We're not really sure if the Phangan new years is for us. Has anyone been?

We really want to visit some secluded beaches and pretty spots (ie the place they used in the film "the beach") as well as doing some tourist things like seeing elephants and thai boxing.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

thanks

Seems like you know what you want to do and see, so don't really have any suggestions. You may have some trouble finding a "secluded" beach on any of those islands, especially at the height of the high season, but you're in for some nice scenery nonetheless. I've never been to KP for NYE but I reckon it would be fun, just be careful though KP has earned a bit of a heavy reputation, so keep with the herd and don't get too wasted. I think Phuket will be the best place for elephant rides. You can get some good info and ideas from all those free tourism magazines you find at the hotel reception. Hope you have a nice holiday.

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn

As I look more at the brochures and websites I wonder whether the NYE party is really for us.

I'm thinking maybe we skip the party and just go to the main spots (like Koh Samui, Pkukett, Phi Phi) and then try some more secluded spots

Does anyone have any suggestions for more secluded places to visit and for any spots for NYE which aren't as full on?

Thais celebrate NYE in a big way, so any of those places you mention will be having parties on the beaches, in the bars, at the resorts. But they won't be as full on as KP. I've had a few NYE at Koh Samui and always enjoyed it there. Was at Chaweng for Y2K, that was a blast and a half.
Not too sure about Phuket these days, but there are semi-secluded beaches & bays around Samui. The best way to find them is to rent a motorcycle and do a trip around the island. However, if you have already pre-paid accommodation then you won't be able to just move. I always like the Coral Cove area on the rocks between Lamai & Chaweng. It doesn't get too crowded there and the scenery is fantastic. Also Chaweng Noi and Choengmon beaches are less crowded than Chaweng or Lamai.

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The Truly Wise Man Never Plays Leapfrog With A Unicorn