Samui Hotels - Samui Travel Guide > How to get around


Getting Around Koh Samui


Samui is an explorer's dream. It is just big enough to offer a wealth of diversity of landscape, vistas, flora and fauna, and yet small enough to seek adventure in its many out-of-the-way places, while hardly ever losing sight of sea. Below are some ways in which you can do this.

To / from the airport

There are air-con van services between Samui airport and Chaweng Beach, Lamai Beach, Na Thon and some other places.

Public transport (Songthaeos)

Songtheaws act as the local bus service. They are red coloured converted pickup trucks with two long bench seats facing eachother in the back. Drivers will often squeeze in as many passengers as possible, leaving late comers to hang onto the running board at the rear.
Songtheaws follow set routes to and from most destinations around Samui, it's destination will be clearly marked in English on the front or back of the vehicle. There are no official stops, so to pick one up between destinations just flag it down and tell the driver where you want to go. Day time rates are very reasonable with a charge of between 20-40 baht per person depending on where you are going. After 6pm the rate increases. Normally after 9pm you will be expected to charter a songtheaw if you want to travel between different resorts and prices vary depending on what deal you can bargain with the driver, sometimes it can be as high as several hundred baht.

Car & Motorcycle

You can rent motorcycles and jeeps from rental shops in Na Thon, Chaweng, Lamai and at leading hotels.

By Taxi

For many reasons, the least suitable for exploring, but the safest and easiest way to get from point A to B if you don't know where B is! Drivers of public (red) taxis have operated uncontrolled for years. Regrettably they have been the source of many complaints. These have included rudeness, overcharging, and occasionally worse. Efforts are now being made to address all these problems. In the meantime however: obtain a copy of our TAKS "Getting the Most from Samui" guide booklet when you arrive. Use the instructions and the chart inside to ensure that you pay fair rates and avoid confrontation.

By Jeep Rental

Available from many family-owned agencies and some large companies whose names you will recognize, the rental of a 4 wheel drive vehicle will allow you a lot of freedom. It will serve as your basic transport, but you can also use it to circumnavigate the entire main ring road of the island (about 1 hour) and more. You can visit many hillside natural and man-made attractions which are easily accessible from the ring road. You can stop at them all, going at your own pace. If you are especially adventurous and have experience in off-road driving, you may head up unto the mountains. (Rented dirt bikes are another option for those who want to go off-road.)
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. You had better ask for the details.

By Motorbike

Many of those who remain down on earth, seem to opt for motor bikes to get around town, go to the beach and go out for the evening; making these inexpensive rentals the most popular option by far. They are fast, fun and easy to park. But BEWARE. Many local drivers have not received proper instruction in traffic safety, and tourists are often riding these bikes for the first times in their lives. Many SERIOUS ACCIDENTS happen. People are killed, and the statistics are alarming. However a prudent person need not panic. These accidents are almost always due to a serious lapse in judgement. Remember that while Samui may be a paradise you are still a mortal. Upon your arrival, see the TAKS Guide Booket for the safe driving tips you will need.


Getting to Nearby Islands


Ko Pha-ngan


Na Thon (Ko Samui) -- Thong Sala (Ko Pha-ngan)
Songserm Travel Co. operates ferry boats and express boats between Na Thon on Ko Samui and Thong Sala port on Ko Pha-ngan, totally four times daily. The trip takes about 45 minutes for express boats, and one hour for ordinary ferry boats.

Bo Phut (Ko Samui) -- Hat Rin (Ko Pha-ngan)
There is a ferry boat leaving Bo Phut for Ko Pha-ngan twice daily at 09.30 a.m. and 02.30 p.m. The return trips depart Hat Rin on Ko Pha-ngan at 10.30 a.m. and 03.30 p.m.

Ang Thong Islands

Visitors can hire a boat on Ko Samui to Ang Thong. The charge depends on the boat size and number of passengers. The trip takes 1.30 hours. You can also join a full-day excursion organized by tour operators in Ko Samui.

Ko Tao


Boat services for Ko Tao are available at Na Thon pier of Ko Samui.