Songthaews
Most of the transport options which are common in Thailand's top tourist destinations have also found their way to Koh Samui , though there are 1 or 2 notable exceptions. For example, the island has neither tuk-tuks nor formalised bus service. However, there are public transport options to get you to most of the key destinations.
Using a songthaew does require that you have a reasonably good idea of where you are going. With set routes and no route maps available, you have to just keep riding until it's as close to your intended stop as possible. When you want to get off, ring the bell (you'll find doorbell-like buttons on the ceiling in the passenger compartment) to get the driver's attention.
Songthaews are the cheapest method of getting around Koh Samui. In the evenings, some operate as private taxis. This means they will take you directly to your destination, but they will charge you as much as an air conditioned taxi. You will need to negotiate exactly how much with the driver before setting off.
Taxis
Taxis in Koh Samui are uniformly yellow and maroon. This obviously means that there is only 1 company operating on the island, which unfortunately does make this one of the more expensive ways of getting around. While most of the vehicles have a meter, very few ever use it, with drivers negotiating a fixed price for the journey – often quite a high price relative to the distance. With no other taxi company to use, there isn't much of a choice.
Motorbike Taxi
Considerably cheaper than regular 4 wheeled taxis, motorbike taxis in Koh Samui can be found by looking for the riders in brightly colored vests. Being small and manoeuvrable, motorbike taxis can zip through traffic and narrow backstreets, making them much quicker for short journeys around towns. You will need to agree on a price in advance, but you won't need to bargain as hard to get a fair one.
Motorbike Rentals
Renting a motorbike is certainly the most economical way to get around Koh Samui. Rental rates start from around 150 baht and upwards per day depending on hat type of bike you hire, while gasoline costs now from 40 baht per litre. An international driving permit is necessary to legally drive a motorbike in Thailand. Please note that if you don't carry a motorcycle driver's license, police may let you go with a small fine (500-1000 baht) but your insurance might not cover you in case of accidents.
Driving a moped to explore the island is a real pleasure but you need to be extremely careful. Due to poor education on traffic rules and safety combined with poor roads, Thailand ranks among the highest in the world when it comes to road fatalities. With that in mind, be very vigilant when riding your motorbike around Samui.
Car Rentals
Renting a car in Koh Samui is among the safest, most comfortable and most convenient means of getting around, though it can come at a cost. You have a choice of places to hire from, ranging from well-known international brands (Avis, Hertz, Budget Car Rentals and National Car Hire) to local independent firms and private individuals.
If you plan to explore the island a lot, and particularly if you intend to visit the hilly interior, a 4x4 is strongly recommended. Koh Samui’s roads that aren’t just sandy tracks are often in a state of considerable disrepair, while roads leading inland can be particularly steep. As with rididing a motorbike be very vigilant when driving around Samui.
Island Tours & Excursions
One of the best ways to see the attractions on Koh Samui and much more, is to book a half-day or full-day island safari or city tour that takes you around Samui, making sure you see the most interesting and unforgettable sights of the island. For trips more further afield, full day trips and sea excursions are also available.
Visitors to Koh Samui can enjoy the benefits of booking tours in advance through our tour partner Viator - Reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. To browse all tours available on Koh Samui click the insert below:
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