OVERVIEW

Interact with rescued elephants that are now living with dignity and respect in an elephant sanctuary. As an introduction, the staff will describe the elephants’ prior lives, which often involved being exploited for labor in the logging industry. You will see firsthand how they are now treated ethically and humanely. Elephants consume hundreds of pounds of food each day, and you will have the opportunity to prepare a meal for them with ingredients such as bananas, sugar cane and watermelons. In the wild, elephants eat a remarkably wide array of plants, but the sanctuary elephants must be fed vitamin balls to supplement their diets. While observing the animals, you will likely notice their individual personalities and the caring manner in which they relate to each other.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Observe rescued elephants in a sanctuary that is similar to their natural habitat.
• Take comfort in knowing that the elephants are now being treated ethically and humanely.
• Learn about elephant behavior, their diets and how they care for each other.
• Prepare a nutritious meal weighing hundreds of pounds for the elephants.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Relax in complete comfort at Beyond Samui, a waterfront resort that goes above and beyond to make your time there a delight. The resort follows a strict policy of sustainability and that commitment to being eco-friendly will be apparent from the moment you arrive. The setting on Bo Phut Beach couldn’t be more naturally beautiful as the resort is lushly landscaped with indigenous flora, especially coconut palms. A special area has been reserved for you to thoroughly enjoy the amenities. The beach is a natural draw as it is long and wide and just steps away. Feel free to stretch out in the sun, gaze out over the Gulf of Thailand in a lounge chair and comb the powdery white sand for shells. The water is typically calm and clear, which invites a refreshing swim. Another option is to lounge about the swimming pool. A sumptuous lunch will be served in one of the restaurants.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax at Bundara Resort and Spa Samui, an exclusive resort on Bo Phut Beach.
• Do whatever you please as the resort setting and amenities are yours to enjoy at leisure.
• Swim in the sea, lie back on a lounger, stroll the beach and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Visit the Kunaram Temple, a small, unique monastery that embodies a true sense of simplicity and tranquility and make. During your visit, you’ll have an opportunity to view the body of Samui's most famous mummified monk, Loung Poh Deang, in a seated meditation position. Stop at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai, which features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. The statue is visible from several miles away, and creates an impressive silhouette against the sea and sky behind it. Considered one of the most colorful temples, you’ll visit Wat Plai Laem for its notable statue of Kwan Yin (or Guanjin), an 18-armed Buddhist avatar of Mercy that sits in the middle of a lake. A short stop at a scenic viewpoint will be made en route.

OVERVIEW

Experience the flavors of Ko Samui during this unique guided visit to a local market, followed by an exclusive Thai cooking lesson at the beautiful Nora Beach Resort & Spa. Depart the pier for the drive to a local market, which features a wide array of food and goods consumed by the islanders. Wandering among the tiny, packed stalls of this fascinating site is truly a unique experience and it offers excellent insights into the local way of life. Your guide will explain the essential ingredients in the preparation of a typical Thai meal. Please note that you will not be purchasing your ingredients for the cooking class here as they have already been prepared by the school.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Meander through a market observing the bounty of fresh, locally sourced foods.
• Join a cooking class at a resort and prepare dishes with ingredients like those at the market.
• Savor the freshly prepared dishes, which will reflect traditional Thai cuisine.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours relaxing however you please at the Pavillion Samui Villas & Resort, a waterfront property. The resort overlooks Lamai Beach, a beautiful stretch of sand on the east coast of Ko Samui. You will be free to enjoy the amenities however you please. You might lie back in a lounge chair and bask in the sun, stroll along the lengthy beach as the waves gently lap the shore and take a refreshing swim in the sea. The resort’s expansive pool is just steps away if you prefer that setting for swimming and lounging about. Both Lamai Beach and the pool offer plenty of shade from coconut palms, which are so prevalent throughout Ko Samui that it is known as the Island of Coconuts. Around midday, a sumptuous lunch full of tropical-inspired Thai dishes will be served at the resort.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax at the exclusive Pavillion Samui Villas & Resort on lengthy Lamai Beach.
• Do whatever you please as the resort setting and amenities are yours to enjoy at leisure.
• Swim in the sea, lie back on a lounger, stroll the beach and enjoy a hearty buffet lunch.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the highlights of Ko Samui during an orientation tour of this island. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past exquisite beaches. Stop for a visit at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai, which features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. The statue is visible from several miles away, and creates an impressive silhouette against the sea and sky behind it. You’ll also visit Plai Leam temple and make a short stop at Chaweng viewpoint before the return back to the pier.

Discover a truly unique lifestyle and culture during your visit to Ko Samui, the Island of Coconuts. Take a scenic coastal drive past exquisite beaches en route to Ko Samui. Stop at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai. The Big Buddha Temple features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. You will also visit the Plai Laem temple. Surrounded by a lake, this serene modern temple features a towering white statue of Guanyin, a goddess who is believed to be the protector of all beings and a source of unconditional love. Her many arms are thought to represent her ability to reach out and provide help. Along the way, stop at a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful Chaweng Beach. After lunch at a local beach resort, return back to pier.