How to Get Around Koh Samui

Image Credit: Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort

Koh Samui is a holiday resort that is beloved by beach seekers and tourists all over the world. Therefore, it is very easy to get around the island if you are staying locally and want to explore more than just the vicinity of your hotel. Thailand's third-largest island, Koh Samui is only 21 km across and 25 km long. There are plenty of ways to get around the island depending on both the distance you are hoping to travel and your budget.

Songthaews

There are no tuk-tuks or bus service available in Koh Samui, a point you will have to remember before we proceed any further in how you can get around the island. But there are what the locals call "songthaew," which roughly translates to "two benches." It is a colourful pickup taxi with a roof over the back and two benches fitted inside. The trucks, which is what they are, have specific routes with a destination you will find painted on the front of the vehicle. There are no bus stops for these hybrid buses, so if you want to get on one, you hail it like it is a taxi. However, keep in mind that you should have a good idea about the layout of the land before you hail a songthaew because even though they are the cheapest mode of transport, there are no route maps or set routes.

Taxis

Taxis in vivid colours are easy to spot in Bangkok. Their various colours have to do with the various companies that they belong to. However, in Koh Samui, you are only likely to see yellow and maroon taxis. This is because the monopoly belongs to one company. While the taxis are metered, the fact that one company owns the monopoly means that you don't really have much of a choice when it comes to the price range. While the taxis are comfortable and air-conditioned, they can be quite costly, so only take them if you are going a significant distance and have a lot of stuff to carry.

Motorbike Rentals

The easiest way to get around Koh Samui and enjoy the spectacular views is to rent a motorbike. Rentals range from around 200 to 300 baht and you can put gas in for about 30 baht per litre. You must keep in mind that you need an international driving license. Riding a motorbike in Koh Samui is an absolute pleasure especially since it is a beautiful island, but keep in mind that the traffic will be rather hectic due to poor education in traffic rules and safety.

Car Rentals

Most of Koh Samui resorts will have their own car rental opportunities within the hotel. Places like Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort can provide you with a chauffeured service if you aren't comfortable travelling on your own. And if you are you can rent a car from one of the car rental services that are rampant on the island.

Bicycle Rentals

The most eco-friendly way to travel when you are in Koh Samui is to hire a bicycle and get some exercise while you ride down to the beach for the day. There are many advantages that you can get with a good mountain bike and it will only cost you about 80 baht to rent it for the day. If you are physically fit and don't mind a little bit more strenuousness to your daily life, riding a bicycle around the island will get you from your hotel to the beach, to the city and even up to the mountains from where you can look over the sheer beauty of Thailand's third-largest island paradise.

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