Ko Samui

Situated on Fan Island, the Temple of the Big Buddha has become a major meditation centre for local residents and foreign visitors alike. The Temple’s centrepiece is an impressive 39 foot tall golden Buddha erected in 1792.

Wat Plai Laem is one of the most colourful temples on Koh Samui and features an 18-armed Goddess of Mercy statue set in the middle of a lake, in which hundreds of fish are waiting to be fed.

Before returning to the ship, continue to a local coconut plantation and learn how coconuts are harvested. Here, you’ll witness a demonstration of the monkeys scaling coconut palms to pluck the ripe nuts for their handlers.

Koh Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular ones being Chaweng, Lamai and Choeng Mon. Enjoy approximately 4 hours of leisure at a top local resort situated on the beautiful and unspoiled beach.

Relax on one of the sun loungers or take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. Indulge in a delicious international and Thai buffet lunch including fresh local fruits, an array of desserts including tea and coffee. The time is yours to spend as you please until your transfer back to the ship.

Ko Samui’s most popular beach boasts miles of powdery white sand and clear water. On its northern and southern sides, there are elegant seaside resorts and 5 star hotels. In its central section, you’ll find restaurants, cafés and bars as well as numerous shops selling souvenirs, clothing and more. Water sports and massages can be easily found along the beach.

You’ll have approximately 2 hours free time to do as you please. Top up your tan, shop to your heart’s content, whatever you do the choice is yours.

Your scenic drive visits Kunaram Temple, a home to its own Buddhist miracle: a special building holds a mummified corpse of its most famous monk who died while sitting in meditation. Continue through Hua Thanon Village on to the coconut plantation, where a demonstration will show you how monkeys have been specially trained to harvest the ripe fruits in Samui’s coconut plantation.

The Temple of the Big Buddha is a famous meditation centre that boasts a massive seated Buddha. Situated on the small rocky, Fan Island, the wat has become a major meditation centre for local residents and foreign visitors. The temple centrepiece is a massive, 39 foot- high sitting Buddha erected in 1792.

Lunch will be served at a local hotel before visiting Chaweng Beach. There are plenty of stalls and shops along Beach Road, which sell souvenirs, handicrafts and paintings. Approximately 1½ hours of free time is available at your own leisure.

The Dog and Cat Rescue Centre was founded in April 1999 on Samui Island. Here you will be able to meet Ms Brigitte Gomm, the founder of the Centre and see how the team live and work at the shelter. If you wish, you will have the opportunity to help out the teams with their washing and grooming of the animals.

The main goals of the Rescue Centre include injecting all dogs and cats against rabies, deworming, treating all stray dogs and cats in the event of injury or sickness and giving them somewhere to rest. Pet owners are also educated on the care and welfare of their pets.

On your return drive, you will stop at Chaweng Beach for an hour at leisure, for an opportunity to wander along the Chaweng Beach Road browsing in the shops.