Here I was thinking safaris existed solely on African savannahs. Silly me. Turns out they happen on Thai Islands too. Koh Samui, to be specific.

My Contiki safari on Samui was a little different than your average safari. Not only did it involve the typical aspect of riding Jeeps around bumpy mountainous and jungle terrain, but they throw in a few interactive stops (like tasting fresh coconuts and a temple visit), a delicious mountain top feast, a few good lookout point photo opportunities, a swimming session beneath a waterfall, introductions to local wildlife and a few other things.

A few life lessons I learned on my Samui safari:

1. I do not like fresh coconuts
2. Never let go of the safari Jeep
3. If it looks spicy, it’s probably spicy
4. Screaming is funnier in slow motion (see video)
5. Geology can be dirty (Google Hin Yai & Hin Ta)

Okay, so those weren’t really valuable life lessons, but now you know.

In my opinion, a safari is the best way to see the Island. Sure, you could rent a car and make your rounds to all of the simple tourist spots. What fun. OR, you could ride on the roof of a customized Jeep that rips through mud puddles and climbs steep hills in four wheel drive, all the while dodging palm leaves as you navigate the jungle like a badass.

Put on your adventure hats, boys and girls, it’s time for a Samui safari…