Thailand in Two Stops: Tigers, Fried Bananas, and Beach Bliss

Our next stop on the itinerary said "Bangkok," but let us set the record straight: cruise ports love a little exaggeration. In reality, the port is nowhere near Bangkok. Cue the dreaded 2.5-hour bus ride — each way. That’s five hours on a bus for 3.5 hours of sightseeing. Hard pass.

So, we did what any adventurous and well-hydrated travelers would do: we skipped the bus tour and opted for the shuttle to Pattaya, the nearest big-ish town. The shuttle ran on the hour, so we could be the masters of our own destiny and still get back to the ship in time for snacks.

The Friendly Ride to Fried Bananas

Enter Pon, our Grab driver (Grab = Southeast Asia’s Uber). Pon was friendly, helpful, and quickly became our Thai hero of the day.

Sidebar Note: Pon shared that he works extra hours as a Grab driver to help put his daughter through college — a commitment that deeply moved us. His pride in her success was unmistakable, and it was a beautiful reminder of how universal the love for family and the dream of education can be. Supporting her journey, even in a small way, felt incredibly meaningful. He was working his off days as a driver to put his daughter through college, and after a particularly busy day before, he was happy to cruise around with us. We talked, laughed, and marveled at how people everywhere share the same dreams — like helping their kids succeed. Pon beamed with pride about his daughter, and needless to say, we were thrilled to contribute to her tuition fund.

First stop: The Pattaya Floating Market. Based on Google reviews and a sense of optimism, we gave it a go. Spoiler alert: it was more "floating-adjacent." The market was fun and colorful, but clearly built for tourists — a replica of the real thing you'd find near Bangkok. A small canal linked wooden platforms filled with souvenir stalls and boats selling snacks. We munched on some fried bananas (delicious), soaked in the energy, and made a mental note to check out the realfloating markets someday.

Surprise: Tigers!

With time to spare and no set plan, Pon suggested we check out the Tiger Park across the road. We were intrigued. Was it a zoo? A sanctuary? A themed restaurant?

Turns out, it was an immersive experience that lets you pet actual tigers.

Sidebar Note: Tiger tourism in Thailand is controversial. Critics argue that many of these parks prioritize profits over animal welfare, with concerns about sedation, unnatural behavior, and poor living conditions. Supporters claim some facilities help with conservation and education. As travelers, it’s good to research and choose responsibly. We nervously agreed to try it out — and chose the mildest option: one medium-sized tiger. Yep, that was a thing.

Inside large enclosures, tigers lounged around water features and shaded rocks. With the help of handlers (and possibly some tiger-sized chill pills), we were allowed in. The rules were clear: approach from behind, no sudden movements, and try not to look like prey.

We stood beside our not-so-little feline friend, gently petting his striped back as he slowly breathed in and out. It was surreal, thrilling, and slightly terrifying. A few photos later, we made a calm (okay, semi-panicked) exit — hearts pounding and spirits high.

Pon then drove us back to the ship. On the walk through the port area, we passed a small shrine blessing the ships. It was the perfect moment for reflection — about kindness, adventure, and the fact that we just pet a tiger in Thailand.

Ko Samui: Beach Mode Activated

Our day in Ko Samui was simple and straightforward — beach day! Our cruise ship anchored off the shore of the island, and local tender boats ferried passengers to land. Ko Samui has been recently made even more famous thanks to the Netflix show White Lotus.

Sidebar Note: Ko Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and a major hub for tourism in the Gulf of Thailand. Once a quiet fishing community, it has grown into a luxurious beach destination known for its vibrant nightlife, lush jungle interior, and famous Full Moon parties. Despite its popularity, the island retains pockets of traditional Thai culture and serene natural beauty.

The tender boats were open-air and slow-moving, taking about 30 minutes to reach shore. From there, we boarded buses for a 45-minute ride across the island to a beach club. The drive itself was scenic and gave us a peek into island life, passing by shops, restaurants, hotels, and a range of local businesses.

Arriving at Chaweng Beach Club, we claimed a pair of sandy beach chairs, downed a welcome mocktail, and headed straight for the buffet. Thai food galore! Highlights included tom yum soup, pad thai, sweet and sour veggies, stir-fried noodles, curry, lumpia, and yes — Tiger beer (we’re sensing a theme).

The beach was absolutely gorgeous — clear blue-green water, soft white sand, and bathwater-warm waves. After lunch, we swam, splashed, and eventually lounged with books in hand, basking in the tropical vibes.

It was easy to see why Ko Samui is such a popular destination. Word has it the nightlife is buzzing, the restaurants are divine, and the Full Moon Party is legendary. Maybe next time we’ll swap the sunscreen for glow sticks. For now, though, check out White Lotus if you want a sneak peek into island life.

Relaxed, sandy, and happily sun-kissed, we caught the tender back to the ship — ready for whatever came next.

Until then, cheers from Thailand! 🇹🇭🌴🍜

Sawa dee ka! (That's Thai for 'thank you' and 'goodbye' — and yes, we’re practicing for our next trip already!)