5 Best Transportation Options in Koh Samui - Getting Around in Island Paradise

Travellers to Koh Samui can rest assured knowing that the Thai island has its very own airport, adding to the convenience of island visitors immensely. Upon landing on the island, getting to your hotel or resort is top of mind, but walking out of the arrival terminal, you are greeted by a whole host of transfer options, literally spoiling you for choice. The plethora of options means not only do you have a wide variety of vehicle choices, but also competitive rates that offer good bang for your buck.

Koh Samui is undoubtedly a destination that is meant to be explored, with dramatic waterfalls, picture-postcard beaches, mountainous forests and sprawling national parks calling the tropical island home. If your Koh Samui getaway involves a great deal of exploring, then rental cars are the transportation option of choice, for their convenience and flexibility combined with the sense of affordability is virtually uncontested. While rental cars may not seem the most affordable option for the average traveler, they are undeniably ideal for avid explorers who plan to cover a significant number of miles, especially in areas that are off the beaten path.

Craving authentic Thai experiences on your tropical island getaway? Songthaews are as authentic as it gets on the Thai island. As a matter of fact, your Koh Samui holiday wouldn’t be complete without a ride in one of these authentically Thai pick-up taxis. While they can be best described as the Southeast Asian nation’s equivalent for buses, rather than a bus, they are essentially pick-up trucks with converted beds that can accommodate up to 8 to 10 adults on two back benches facing each other.

While getting around in Songthaews sure does make for an experience in itself, Koh Samui is not without regular taxis present in other parts of the world. Travellers have both ride-hailing apps and independent taxis at their convenience and while the former is almost always the recommended choice, in certain parts of the island, travellers are left to rely on the latter. Despite taxi drivers having gained a reputation that isn’t exactly “glowing”, they still are a reliable way to get around the tropical island.

While obviously not an option for covering long distances, especially in Koh Samui’s scorching hot sun, getting around on foot is one of the best leisurely activities one can do on the Thai island, especially with breathtaking natural attractions galore pleasing your eyes. Embark on a delightful saunter in the neck of your woods, exploring magnificent sites in the vicinity. To add to your bliss, you can also find a host of fine luxury resorts in Koh Samui, including the likes of Santiburi Koh Samui.