Getting Around Samui Island
RIDING
A MOTORBIKE
Many of the tourists who come to Samui Island prefer to rent motor bikes to
get around the island, go to the beach and go out for the evening. Since it
is an inexpensive option, it is the most popular option by far. Please beware
that Many local drivers have not received proper instruction in traffic safety
and there were accidents happened around the island and some even lost their
lives. Moreover, most of the tourists are often riding these motor bikes for
the first times in their lives. However careful riders are not necessary to
be panic. These accidents are almost always due to a serious lapse in judgment.
Please do not forget to grab TAKS Guide Booklet for the safe driving tips.
DRIVING
A CAR
Renting a car is easily available from many family-owned shops, famous International
car rental companies, and the tour counters at most of the resorts and hotels.
Renting Jeep is more common on the island. The rental of a 4-wheel drive vehicle
will allow you to freely explore the whole island. You can visit many hillside
natural and attractions which are easily accessible from the ring road. You
can stop at all these places. Other kinds of vehicles are available from some
shops and major car rental companies. If you are especially adventurous and
have experience in off-road driving, you may head up unto the mountains. There,
if you can negotiate the ruts and sometimes seemingly impossibly steep inclines,
you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding islands, as well
as flora and fauna that is overwhelmingly beautiful. If Samui is paradise, its
mountains are its Shangrilah.
Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the coverage is limited and some even don’t have insurance. Basically, major car rental companies arrange the rent with full insurance coverage. It is better to ask for the details before you rent the vehicle from any place.
BY
TAXI
Going by taxi is the last option for the exploration around the island. However,
it is the safest and most convenient to get from one place to another if you
don't know where the exact place is. Air-conditioned Taxis are available in
the major public areas and the price is negotiable and not according to distance
even though there is the “Taxi Meter” sign on the roof of taxi. Song Taews (local
red taxis) are another type of transportation and they are basically high price
during high and peak seasons. The fare is higher at night and is negotiable.
During the day time, it is below 100 Thai Baht per person according to the distance.
It is sorry to say that many people complain them for the service. These have
included rudeness, overcharging, and bad service. Koh Samui officials are putting
their efforts to address all these problems.
See related article: How to get to Koh Samui
