Getting Around Koh Samui

Songthaews generally resemble a pickup truck, with a roof covering 2 benches fitted in the back. It follows set routes during the day and will generally have its destination painted on the front in English. There are no official bus stops, so you can flag one down anywhere. There are set routes and when you want to get off, ring the ceiling bell or bang on the roof to get the driver’s attention.

Songthaews are the cheapest method of getting around Koh Samui during the day. In the evenings, some operate as private taxi cabs that will take you directly to your destination for a higher fee. Make sure you discuss exactly how much with the driver before setting off.

Taxis in Koh Samui are uniformly yellow and maroon, and there’s only 1 company operating on the island. While most vehicles have a meter, drivers usually negotiate a fixed price for the journey. They’re certainly the most comfortable of public transportation options, with vehicles all well maintained and air-conditioned. They will also take you directly to your destination, and for a higher price than songthaews.

Considerably cheaper than 4 wheels, motorbike taxis in Koh Samui can be found by looking for riders in brightly colored undershirts. Being small and maneuverable, these bikes can zip through traffic and narrow backstreets, making them much quicker for short journeys around town. Remember to agree on a price in advance.

Renting a motorbike is certainly the most economical way to get around Koh Samui. Rental rates range around 200-300 baht per day, while gasoline costs from 30 baht per liter. An international driving permit is necessary to legally drive a motorbike in Thailand and please ensure you have valid insurance. You can get international driving permits from your local government.

Driving a motorbike to explore the island is a real pleasure but be sure to be very vigilant when riding around Samui. Wear a helmet and familiarize yourself with your route and local traffic before setting off.

Renting a car in Koh Samui is among the safest, most comfortable, and most convenient means of getting around. You have a choice of places to hire from, ranging from well-known international brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget Automobile Rentals, and National Car Hires, to local independent firms. You can expect rates to start from around 2,000 baht per day from a reputable company.

If you plan to explore the island a lot, and particularly if you intend to visit the hilly interior, a 4WD is strongly recommended. Koh Samui’s roads tend to be sandy and can be steep. As with riding a motorbike, a valid Thai or international driver’s license is required to drive in Koh Samui.

If you’re feeling particularly energetic and eco-friendly, Koh Samui has several shops that rent bicycles. A good mountain bike will generally cost you about 100 baht per day, making this one of the cheapest ways of getting around Koh Samui. However, given the island’s hilly topography and road conditions, you can expect to put in some serious effort to get around. With that said, the scenery you’ll be rewarded with is second-to-none. Don’t worry, you can always rent an electric bike to give you that extra push.

Some companies will be happy to provide routes for you, and others even offer biking tours to really make the most of your sightseeing in Koh Samui.