Ngapali Beach

Located in the southern state of Rakhine, Ngapali Beach is a 15 mile stretch of beautiful coastline, dusted with fine golden sand and fringed with palm trees. This tropical paradise is lapped by the crystalline and balmy waters of the Bay of Bengal, and Ngapali is the perfect place for people to get away from it all.

A little-known fact is that Burma (Myanmar) actually has the longest coastline in Indochina, and Ngapali, so named years ago by a homesick Italian reminiscing about Napoli, is just a small but glamorous fragment of that coastline. With an array of sophisticated hotels dotted along the bay, the destination has a justified reputation as Myanmar's premier beach getaway. Most of the hotels have their own access to the beach, along with beach loungers and butler service, often with restaurants and pools overlooking the bay. One can walk the full length of beach totally uninterrupted, and whilst there is plenty of space, hotels do sit very close to each other, and more are planned in the coming future.

But Ngapali is certainly no Phuket, and although it is no longer as secluded and undiscovered as it once was, it remains close to its fishing village roots. As you watch from the shore at sundown, the small fishing boats are heading out of the bay to catch the fresh bounty that is served up to visitors each day. There are a few locally run simple restaurants along the coastal road, managed by charming residents, serving Burmese dishes and plentiful amounts of fresh seafood. This is definitely worth exploring as a change from hotel cuisine for those who are staying in the area for longer periods.

Peak season is from November to March, and it gets extremely busy over Christmas and New Year, with fireworks and celebrations planned. However, despite the festivities, Ngapali is an early-to-bed place rather than a riotous beach-party destination. The hotels are closed during the rainy season (from May to October), and many of the hotels close for renovations for this time. Flights to Thandwe are regular from all areas of Burma, so it is easy to add into any part of an itinerary (although we recommend it is added either at the start or end of any itinerary), and the hotels are between a 10- and 30-minute drive from the airport.

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We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
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Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
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Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
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I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
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- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
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Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
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Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
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Ngapali Beach

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