How to Get Around Koh Samui

If you are looking to explore Samui’s wonderful interior, beaches, resorts, restaurants and attractions, here is a guide on how to get around Samui. Getting around Samui can be done on foot, hired scooter or car, going local in a songthaew (shared taxi similar to tuk tuk), or sitting pretty in a taxi.

How To Get Around Koh Samui On A Scooter

One of the best ways to explore Koh Samui is on a scooter, as it provides a convenient, affordable, and adventurous way to see the island. First and foremost, you’ll need to rent a scooter. Scooters are widely available for rent on Koh Samui, and you can easily find a rental shop near your hotel or in the town center. You can rent a scooter for as little as 150-200 THB per day (approximately $5 to $6.50), most rental shops will require a passport or ID and a small deposit.

When driving a scooter on Koh Samui, it’s important to wear a helmet and to drive at a safe and reasonable speed. The roads can be busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and to drive defensively.

Getting Around Samui On Foot

Exploring the seafront resorts of Samui by foot is the best way to truly experience them, as many are difficult to spot from the road. For those looking for a more challenging adventure, you can get maps of the island that show various paths leading inland towards the amazing waterfalls and breath-taking viewpoints. To ensure your journey is not cut short by sudden rain showers, it’s advisable to bring along a disposable rain poncho (they can be purchased is all 711s and other stores).

How to get around Samui by Bycle

Bicycles for rent and for sale are available at various shops around the island, also many resorts provide bicycles for hire, so ask at your resort or hotel. Cycling is a fun adventurous way to navigate around the island but in the tropical climate, cycling can be tiring, so keep hydrated at all times.

How to get around Koh Samui by Meter Taxi or GRAB

Grab is like Thailands version of Uber. Just download the app and use your location to find a driver near you.

Next is a normal taxi. These yellow and red taxis don’t turn on the meter as in Bangkok, but they work on a fixed fee. The rates are highly negotiable, so it is important to confirm the rate in advance. Compared to other parts of Thailand, taxis on Samui are considerably more expensive. From Chaweng to Lamai, the trip will typically cost around 200 – 300 baht, and from Mae Nam to the Chaweng Tesco for example, it will typically cost 400 – 600 baht.

How to get around Koh Samui by Songthaew

The traditional songthaew of Thailand is generally a red painted pick-up truck which has two benches at the rear. Their bright colours and colourful lights and drivers beeping as they drive past potential customers make them stand out. During the day, they provide an informal bus service along fixed routes; simply flag one down, board and pay when you get off. The fares vary depending on the distance travelled, with 50 baht being standard fare for trips such as Chaweng to Lamai and Mae Nam to Tesco. If you’re venturing further afield, you may be charged up to 100-200 baht from Nathon Pier to Chaweng for example. The routes are usually marked in English on the front and sides of the vehicle. At night, songthaews often become private taxis which are not restricted by set routes; fees increase so it’s best to agree on a price before departure.