How to Get Around in Koh Samui - Top Local Transport Options in Koh Samui

Whether one is based at SAii Koh Samui Choengmon or any other Koh Samui luxury resorts, the easiest way to travel short distances is to hop on a songthaew. Also called Song Tao or Songtaw, these converted pick-up trucks with benches on the back are perhaps the most affordable means of transport available on the island. Perfect for shopping trips and sightseeing activities, tourists can hop on and hop off these vehicles that can accommodate up to 10 adults on its back benches. Those who are travelling with luggage or other bags can use the luggage racks in the vehicle so songtheaws are also great for airport transfers. Perfect for tourists on a budget, the low ticket fares means that this public transport method is a hassle-free option for those who wish to travel the 51km length of main roads in Koh Samui. Making stops at every beach town, songthaews are the vehicle of choice among seasoned visitors.

While it may not be as cheap as songthaew travel, taxi cabs offer tourists the chance to travel in comfort during their stay in Koh Samui. Easily accessible in nearly every street corner, taxis are often used by travellers to explore the island's top restaurants or to travel from one stunning beach to another. Tourists should keep in mind that taxis in Koh Samui are not metered so one must haggle or negotiate a price for the ride before boarding the vehicle. Most drivers will charge tourists more so that's unavoidable but don't let that deter you from trying to negotiate a more reasonable fare.

Also called "scooter taxis", motorbike taxis are definitely not for the faint of heart or those who can't handle wild rides in traffic. Known for their break-neck speeds and devil-may-care attitude to road rules, motorbike taxis are a dangerous way to get around in Koh Samui unless you happen to enjoy this type of thrilling local adventure. Although some tourists may not find the notion of clutching to a stranger for dear life as an attractive prospect, adrenaline junkies will find that the speed and the low fares make motorbike taxis all the more enticing.

Those who possess an international driving permit can rent a car for the duration of their stay in Koh Samui. Although some experience driving in Asian cities would help, the advantages of having your own set of wheels far outweighs the heavy rental cost of a vehicle and the difficulty of driving around an island. It is crucial to select a vehicle from a trusted car rental service with a good track record as there are numerous dubious rental entities that offer less than ideal vehicles to unsuspecting travellers.

Tourists who are based at a convenient hotel in the heart of Koh Samui will also find that the island is easy to navigate on foot. Although it is impossible to rely on your feet for every excursion on the island, sightseeing and shopping in Koh Samui's beach towns is a possibility for those who prefer to walk. Expats based in Koh Samui call walking their "number 11 bus" and find running errands in town or picking up supplies on foot is easier than even using a songthaew.