By:
Danniell Saunders
2012-07-18
What do you think of when you picture Thailand? There are many things that may come to mind: the incredible culture, the stunning architecture, the wild jungle, the remarkable wildlife, and of course, the food! Glorious Thai food!
Another thing most people imagine when they think of Thailand is its breathtaking coastline, lined with thousands of islands. Each island has its own charm and character — some are known for their pristine beaches, others for their caves, and some for their vibrant nightlife. The island of Ko Phangan, a tiny jewel in the Gulf of Thailand, is world-famous for its Full Moon Parties. Every month, between 10,000 and 30,000 people flock to this island, at least doubling its population. The celebration begins at dusk when the round, golden moon rises over the beach, and it continues until sunrise the next morning.
Encounters Travel offers two tours that include a stay on the nearby island of Ko Samui, giving you the perfect opportunity to take a short boat trip to Ko Phangan and join the Full Moon festivities. These tours are carefully timed so you can experience the party atmosphere at its peak. Whether you are dancing the night away or simply soaking up the incredible energy, it is an unforgettable experience.
Of course, if an all-night beach party is not your idea of fun, Ko Samui and its surrounding islands offer countless other ways to enjoy your time. You can go elephant trekking, snorkelling, diving, or shopping; take a Thai cooking class; enjoy a relaxing massage; or simply spend your days basking in the sun and the laid-back rhythm of island life. Whatever your style of travel, Thailand has something special waiting for you — a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and paradise.
Need some travel inspiration or looking for some handy travel tips? Our blog provides excellent insight into our travel destinations - from tour updates to country guides, packing lists to little known things to do, you'll find it all in our travel blog.
By:
Martin Hosie
2026-06-11
Sierra Leone travel is unlike anything else in West Africa. From the warm hospitality of Freetown's streets to the white-sand beaches of Banana Island and the primate encounters on Tiwai Island, this is a destination that rewards the curious and the adventurous. Whether you're drawn by the wildlife, the history, or the sheer beauty of the coastline, these essential tips for travelling to Sierra Leone will help you plan with confidence, avoid common pitfalls, and arrive knowing exactly what to expect.
By:
Martin Hosie
2026-06-10
Sesriem Namibia, sits at the threshold of one of Africa's most surreal landscapes, where a natural canyon carved by an ancient river leads you straight into the world's oldest desert. This article is worth reading because it tells you exactly what to expect when you roll through the Sesriem gate on a small-group safari, climb into a 4x4 shuttle bound for the dunes of Sossusvlei, and shuffle across Deadvlei's blinding white clay pan in the early morning heat. No glossy brochure language, just what it actually felt like.
By:
Martin Hosie
2026-06-09
Morocco isn't just a destination to observe; it is a country that demands to be actively experienced. Discover the best places to visit in Morocco in our honest travel guide. From scrambling through Ait Benhaddou and trekking through Todra Gorge to camping among the Erg Chebbi dunes, find out what makes this Encounters Travel journey truly extraordinary.
By:
Martin Hosie
2026-06-05
We booked a Uganda safari holiday, half hoping it would be good. What we did not expect was to stand in a rainforest in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, barely three metres from a mountain gorilla, completely speechless. This post is about that moment, and everything that led to it, from tracking chimps in Budongo Forest to watching the Nile thunder through Murchison Falls. If you have been wondering whether gorilla trekking in Uganda is worth the journey, the permits, and the mud on your boots, read on. We are going to be honest with you, the way a friend would be, not the way a brochure would.
By:
Martin Hosie
2026-06-04
Lebanon is one of those destinations that quietly rewrites everything a traveller thinks they know about the Middle East. This Lebanon travel guide is not a list of monuments. It is the story of how a single trip wove together Phoenician harbours, Roman ruins, cedar-scented mountain air, and a table that never seemed to empty, from creamy goat cheese fresh out of a Bcharre factory to wood-fired SAJ flatbread at dawn and bold reds poured straight from a Bekaa Valley winery. If you have been searching for a travel guide to Lebanon that treats food as seriously as archaeology, read on.