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Koh Phangan

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is roughly half the size of Koh Samui but the largest and most well-known of Samui’s neighbouring islands. Famed for its ‘Full Moon Parties’, Koh Phangan has for 30 years been a popular destination for young travellers looking for that party scene in tropical paradise.

Over the last decade or so, the visitor demographic has diversified somewhat, with the island attracting more families and couples. Certainly, backpackers still travel there in large numbers, and the music still plays out until dawn on the beaches at Haad Rin, but this is only one part of the island – Koh Phangan is large enough to make it possible to stay well away from the party vibe for a more peaceful holiday on the island.

The majority of the island remains beautiful and tranquil. There is no airport, which has kept the island relatively undeveloped, and there are even some beaches where the dirt-track access is so rough, access is best and therefore usually by boat. There are reefs just off many of the beaches, where waters are crystal clear, especially so in the dry season, and the corals teem with colourful fish. The island itself is home to numerous villages, from the main centre of Thong Sala in the south, where most of the ferries arrive and there is a lively night-market, to the fishing village of Chalok Lam in the north.

Tall atmospheric coconut plantations dot the island and lead up to the jungle-covered mountainous interior. Here, you may trek in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park, popular with King Rama V who first visited in 1888 and returned many times. Further afield, take a boat trip out to the Mu Koh Ang Thong National Park, where you’ll discover spectacular scenery with rain forest covered interiors, blue lagoons, and uninhabited islands with powder-white sand, leading to reefs perfect for snorkelling around.

Whilst much of the accommodation on the island is relatively basic and delightfully low-key:  family-owned beach bungalows centred around a restaurant, on the east coast there are a couple of small resorts offering more luxury, whilst maintaining a boutique feel.

If on your tailor-made holiday to Thailand you’d like to experience this legendary island, then a visit to Koh Phangan can be easily combined with a fascinating itinerary covering central and northern Thailand. Flights operate to and from Bangkok from the neighbouring island Koh Samui, and for the adventurous, trains run between Bangkok and Surat Thani, the closest town on the mainland. Both Koh Samui and the mainland are reachable by ferry.

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Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, 'I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.
Lisa St. Aubin de Teran

Client Testimonials

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.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
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.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, 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!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
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
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.
- Carruthers family, North India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, 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!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
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.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
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!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
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
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
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

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