A family holiday on Ngapali Beach

So you’re looking for somewhere for a family holiday. You want somewhere hot, with palm-fringed beaches, white sand, crystal-clear water and wonderful beachside hotels. Oh – and no crowds please.

Dream on, right? Well, perhaps not.

Choosing a family destination

Paul O’Brien, a sales team leader in our Bristol office, was looking for somewhere to go on holiday with his family – encompassing three generations spread across two continents. He didn’t just want the things listed above – he wanted to take them somewhere new and exciting; somewhere that would be different from anything they were used to (not easy when half your family lives in Kuala Lumpur and jets off to exotic destinations several times a year). It was a tall order indeed.

We all know how difficult it can be to decide on a holiday destination with family, but in the end, they settled on a trip to Burma. And what a trip it turned out to be!

The family started their trip in Yangon, the country’s biggest city, where they paid a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda and explored the local street food markets – but the highlight was to come when they flew across the country to Thandwe, the gateway to Ngapali Beach.

Ngapali Beach

As beautiful as any Thai islands yet nowhere near as developed, Ngapali is a strip of perfect, unspoilt sand along the coast of Rakhine State, on the Bay of Bengal. Sandwiched between thick jungle and warm, turquoise sea, you’d expect such a paradise to be overrun with tourists – yet Paul and his family found it almost deserted. Despite the beautiful weather and even-more-beautiful surroundings, they cycled, boated, snorkelled and relaxed with barely a soul in sight.

Burma is an amazing destination for families, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere, quiet beaches, tropical sun, and plenty of culture. As one of the least-developed countries in Asia, it’s worlds apart from anywhere you’ve been before. And if you don't believe us, just look at the pictures...

Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, best viewed at dusk

The buildings of Shwedagon just before sunset

Charli and Cait ringing the bell at the pagoda

The plane to Thandwe

Catching the bus from Thandwe Airport

On the way to the beach

Deserted sands

Watching the waves

Tropical resorts are spread out along the coast

Fishermen on the shore

Taking a fishing trip

Looking back on the beach

Having dinner among the palms

Boats on the water

If you’re interested in taking your family to Burma, get in touch with one of our travel consultants today – or take a look at our Burmese Family Adventure itinerary, which includes Yangon, Ngapali, and much more.