How to Get About Koh Samui – Top Transport Options for Island Adventures

Travelling by taxi would be an appealing way to get about the island as you are likely to find that it would be a convenient and comfortable means of transport; the vast majority of the local taxis would be air-conditioned and satisfactorily maintained. Koh Samui’s taxis could easily be identified by their conspicuous maroon and yellow colouring. However, travelling by taxis would be expensive compared to some other modes of transport; whilst taxis would typically feature a meter it usually wouldn’t be activated and you would be obliged to negotiate a price for your journey. 

Whilst there wouldn’t be a system of buses in Koh Samui, there would be songthaews which would basically be pickup trucks fitted with a couple of benches in the rear. You will find that these vehicles would ply established routes and there would be no official stops, meaning that you could board one at any location. When the songthaew arrives at your desired destination, you would have to ring the bell provided or bang the roof to notify the driver! As you might expect, travelling by songthaew would be an inexpensive way to get about and soak up some local culture as well.

If you are alone and need to travel a comparatively brief distance rapidly, you may consider availing yourself of a motorbike taxi. Motorbike taxis would have the ability to manoeuvre through traffic and get you to your destination quickly. However, naturally, there would be an element of risk in this form of transport. Just as with taxis, you would be obliged to arrive at a price before setting off on your journey; it would be prudent to have a rough idea of how much the fare should be and also ensure a helmet is provided for you. 

You would find that renting your own private car would probably be the most comfortable, convenient and safest way of getting around be it to visit Koh Samui restaurants, attractions or markets. However, as you might expect, it is also likely to be the costliest mode of transport on the island. You would have the opportunity to rent a vehicle from an internationally reputed brand, an independent local firm or even possibly a private individual. An accommodation choice to consider which you could reach by rental car would be Avani+ Samui Resor; such properties also offer private transfers to and from the airport which is a convenient option to have. 

In comparison to renting a car, availing yourself of a rented motorbike would be a cost-effective way of travelling around the island. However, you should keep in mind that local road users may not follow road rules as stringently as those in your home country; accordingly, you should exercise extreme care including wearing a helmet when riding your two-wheeler around Koh Samui. You would need an international driver’s permit to legally ride a motorcycle within Thailand which may also be required for making insurance claims. 

On the other hand, if you happen to be an energetic person and desire an uncomplicated and eco-friendly means of transport, consider renting a bicycle from one of the establishments that offer this service. For a very reasonable sum, you could avail yourself of a mountain bike in good condition and head out onto the local roads. Whilst this would undoubtedly be an inexpensive way of getting about Koh Samui it could also be physically arduous due to the hilly terrain and the challenging road conditions in certain areas; of course, it also gives you a chance to go off the beaten path and discover hidden attractions and authentic cultural experiences.