Getting Around

SongTao

These operate as a bus service around the island during the day time . They go on either clockwise or anti-clockwise routes from and to Nathon Town in the North of the West coast. Services start quite early in the morning and go on until 6 or so in the evening. SongTao is the cheapest way to get around Samui by public transport. The price from one side of the island to the other (Nathon to Chaweng) is 50 Baht, shorter distances should be increments of this but it doesn’t always work out like that - unless your going a very short distance expect the fare to be a fixed fee of 50 Baht during the daytime. Just flag the SongTao down, jump on and enjoy the ride - your quite high up so you can get some good views as you go around the island. When you want to get off, just press the bell button on the roof above the seats, when the bus stops, get off and go round and pay the driver. At night, these same buses operate within the resort areas more along the basis of private hire and fix their own prices - negotiate before getting on!

Taxi

These can prove quite pricey however they will go where You want to go and don’t just stick to the main island ring-road like the SongTao’s. Unfortunately the “Taxi Meters” don’t all have meters so it’s really important to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

Hire A Moped

This is a very cost effective way to get around the island and what’s more you have complete freedom.

Warning - Be aware that Samui has the highest motorcycle accident rate in the whole of Thailand - Always wear a helmet. Take it easy and just use the bike as a way of going a bit fast than running. The roads a slippery when wet and sandy when dry plus no body seems to have any road sense - in fact, if you drive by the highway code you almost become a hazard yourself! Do Not trust the road, Do Not trust road users and grow eyes in the back of your head! That said, many many locals and tourists use mopeds to get around - you certainly won’t be on your own!

Mopeds can be rented from as little as 150 Baht a day for a semi-automatic or 250 Baht a day for fully automatic. These prices reduce if you rent for longer periods. Mopeds don’t come with insurance at this price so be aware that if you have an accident, the outcome is your responsibility!

Hire A Jeep

This strikes a good balance between freedom, safety and cost. Jeep’s will normally come with some sort of insurance but whether that suits your needs is really up to you - check the policy before signing!

To rent a decent 2-3 person jeep with A/C and power steering you should have to pay no more than 800 Baht a day.