Ko Samui, Thailand

Spend approximately two hours on your own at Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui's most popular beach located on the island's east coast. Your approximately 45 to 50 minute drive to Chaweng Beach travels across a landscape of lush paddies, small villages and coconut plantations. Chaweng Beach is four miles of white-sand where you can relax and choose your own activities at your own pace. Sunbathe, snorkel, shop, people-watch or eat. The central section of the beach boasts restaurants, cafes and bars for you to explore on your own. There are plenty of street hawkers selling everything from cheap sunglasses to watches and leather bags and purses. If you're interested in local handicrafts or clothes shopping, retail stores and trendy shops are also plentiful. At the agreed upon time, meet your transportation for the return trip back to your cruise ship.

Take a narrated drive around the island on this half-day excursion and visit two of Samui's most important temples as well as watch a demonstration of how monkeys harvest the coconuts. Temple of the Big Buddha is an important meditation center, known for its massive, seated Buddha. You'll have time to browse the local gift stalls before continuing on to Wat Plai Laem, home to a superb statue of Kwan Yin or "Guanjin," the 18-armed Buddhist avatar of Mercy. Visit a local venue where you'll see a demonstration of how monkeys are utilized in the agricultural production on the island. For centuries, the agile monkeys have been trained to climb the tall, slender trunks of the coconut palms and pluck the coconuts for their handlers. Afterwards, re-board the motorcoach and return to the ship.

Calling all beach lovers! A bathing suit and sunscreen is what you'll need to make the most of this relaxing beach day. Board a motorcoach at Nathorn Pier and enjoy a scenic, 45-minute ride to Bophut Beach. Located on the northern coast of Koh Samui, Bophut is famous for its white-sand shores. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off at one of the area's leading 4-star hotels with direct beach access. Enjoy all the amenities the resort has to offer. Stake your claim on the sand under the shade of the coconut trees. Take a stroll along the coast or a dip in the hotel pool. Tuck into a buffet lunch of international and Thai dishes at your leisure. Stroll through the resort before returning to the motorcoach at the designated time for the ride to port.

Experience Thai culture, Ko Samui-style at Island Safari, Funny Days Safari or Na Muang Safari Cultural Theme Park. Watch a demonstration on how monkey are trained to harvest coconuts. Ride an elephant through the island's lush greenery, and explore the island's most prominent Buddhist temple. Temple of the Big Buddha is an important meditation center, known for its massive seated Buddha. Browse the vendor stalls for souvenirs and local crafts. Continue on to Island Safari Cultural Theme Park, Funny Days Safari or Na Muang Cultural Theme Park. You'll mount elephants and ride the mammoth beasts, caravan style, on an approximately 30-minute trek, traveling through verdant landscape. Enjoy a performance featuring the plantation's furriest and biggest workers: the monkeys who harvest the coconuts and the elephants who carry the workload. After the show, you'll re-board the motorcoach for your return route back to the port and your cruise ship.

The breathtaking beauty and serene elegance that is Ko Samui is yours to experience during this full-day, guided exploration of the island's highlights. Visit the Big Buddha Temple, featuring a 39-foot high golden Buddha and superb vistas of the northern coast. Stroll through nearby Plai Laem Temple, home to a superb statue of the 18-armed Buddhist avatar of Mercy and to a massive, vibrantly-colored Smiling Buddha. Marvel at the quaint beauty of Hua Thanon, as you drive through, a traditional fishing village where fishermen paint their boats in ornate and colorful designs. Tour a local venue to watch a demonstration of monkeys that have been trained to scale coconut palms and pluck coconuts for their handlers! Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at an upscale resort. Then, take a beach break at Ko Samui's most popular beach to swim, sunbathe or shop.

Spend a day at your utmost relaxation by lying on the beach and soak up the sun, tasting the Thai dishes and swimming in the hotel's pool or the warm sea. A roundtrip transfer by a local transportation will also be included. The only things you need to prepare are sunglasses, sandals, swimming suit, and suntan lotion. Muang Samui Villa Resort, a 5-star hotel, will surely provide you with local wonderful Thai hospitality and services!

Discover the culture and people of Ko Samui at Island Safari Cultural Theme Park or Na Muang Safari Park. Watch a Thai-cooking demonstration and go on an elephant trek. Mount elephants and trek over the lush plantation. Attend an entertaining performance featuring the monkeys who harvest the coconuts and the elephants that carry the workload. Observe a demonstration of traditional Thai cooking and learn how rubber trees are tapped for their sap and latex production. Continue on to Na Muang Falls for a slower pace hike in a tranquil setting. Tim-permitting, you can climb the trail rarely frequented by visitors, to the crystalline waterfall which cascades down a natural stone staircase to a refreshing pool. You will have opportunities to visit the local gift shops at both venues before returning back to your cruise ship.

Your full-day tour begins as you board your transportation for a scenic, 45-minute drive to Nora Beach Resort & Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand's second largest island, with an area of 142 miles. Nora is secluded and private, a little village within lush gardens overlooking a bay just north of the world-famous Chaweng Beach. With the hotel's chef as your teacher, you'll learn how to prepare Thai cuisine, such as deep-fried stuffed crabmeat and Phad Thai, using traditional Thai methods. Apron and chef's hat will be provided (and returned after the class) at the start of the class, and receive a certificate at its conclusion. Of course, you'll have the pleasure of savoring your creations before taking a dip in the refreshing pool or warm beach waters. After a day in this perfect retreat, you'll board your coach for a relaxing drive back to the pier.

Join this exclusive tour for a full day of pampering!

Take a short 15-minute drive from the Nathon port to your designated beautiful beachside hotel, the Passage. This hotel provides free Wi-Fi and change room facilities.

Greeted by a welcome drink and a cold towel, you will find yourself at the 'relaxation' area by the beach and 'lounging' sofa at the restaurant. Lay down on the beach towel or beach chair, soak yourself up to the sun and take a swim in a semi-private beach and sea. Enjoy a delicious set-menu lunch followed by a 30-minute foot OR neck and body massage. Chilled and relax before a short transfer back to the port.

Book early as this is a popular tour and spaces are limited!