Getting around Koh Samui - An Intro to Transport on the Island.
🛵 Getting Around Koh Samui – Scooters, Cars & Road Rules (or Lack Thereof)
So, you’ve made it to paradise. You’ve got your accommodation sorted, you’re working on a tan, have done a few of the touristy things — but now you need to figure out how you’re actually going to get around this island.
Much of Samui is not within walking distance, and cabs are not cheap here — we were quoted 600 baht for a 3km taxi ride, which is more than it would’ve cost us at home (and taxis aren’t cheap there either).
In reality, if you’re staying for any length of time, you’re probably going to need wheels — and a sense of humour.
Me on my new (used) Yamaha Nmax, wearing full Samui safety gear!
🛵 Scooters: The Good, The Bad, and The Bandaged
Let’s start with the obvious. Scooters are everywhere on Samui — locals ride them, tourists ride them, even dogs ride them (though not usually solo). You’ll see families of four or five perched on a single 125cc Honda like it’s completely normal.
They’re cheap, convenient, and surprisingly fun… until they’re not.
If you do rent one, make sure you take a decent 360-degree video of the bike (preferably in front of the rental agent) before you take it away. This helps protect you from being blamed for existing damage when you return it. You’ll also be asked to leave either your passport or a security deposit (usually 3,000–5,000 baht).
My recommendation: leave the cash, not your passport. I’ve never had an issue getting my deposit back — though I’m sure it has happened. Your odds of this happening to you will be significantly reduced if you have a video of the scooter and can prove that you haven’t added any damage to it.
✅ Pros:
Rentals from 200 to 400 baht/day. Larger bikes can go up to around 800/day.
Easy to park, even in crowded areas.
Great for weaving through traffic and around potholes (which are frequent and formidable).
❌ Cons:
Samui roads are dangerous. Seriously. Many scooter riders end up in hospital — and sadly, some don’t make it.
Tourists often ride in jandals and singlets, or with no shirt at all. Bandaged arms and legs are common — so much so, the scars have a nickname: "Samui tattoos."
Most rental shops won’t ask for a licence, but legally, you need a motorbike licence + an International Driving Permit (IDP). Without both, your insurance may not cover you.
Police are now enforcing helmet use and licence checks more strictly. I’ve seen riders with helmets pulled over too — presumably to check their documents. The fine for no helmet used to be 500 baht, but I read the government has now increased it nationwide to 2,000 baht.
In short:
Scooters are great if you already know how to ride. But Samui is definitely not the place to learn. If you do ride, wear a helmet (a real one — you can buy a decent one for around 500 baht at Lotus), wear reasonable clothing, ride steadily (not erratically), use your indicators (important!), and take it seriously. You might not get a second chance if things go wrong.
🚗 Cars: Comfort with a Side of Chaos
Hiring or buying a car is more expensive but undeniably safer, especially during the rainy season, when roads can flood quickly.
Rental costs:
600–1,000 baht/day
10,000–25,000 baht/month
✅ Pros:
Air-con, shelter from storms, and much better odds in a crash.
Easier for families and anyone hauling groceries, dogs, or furniture.
❌ Cons:
Parking can be tricky in popular areas, though paid parking (20–50 baht) is becoming more common and is cheap by Western standards.
Driving can feel like a video game on “expert mode”: unpredictable stops, zero indicators, and scooters or cars with no lights at night.
Fuel is affordable, but cars are obviously more expensive than scooters.
If you rent one, same as with scooters — film it top to bottom, inside and out. If you buy, check for flood or accident damage and make sure the blue book (ownership document) is in order. It’s not a bedtime read, but it matters — without it, you don’t technically own the car, and selling it will be a nightmare.
🛂 Licences, Laws & Police Stops
Regardless of what you’re driving, you legally need a valid licence. Tourists can get by with an IDP alongside their home licence. If you’re staying longer, you’ll need to convert to a Thai licence — which, in my experience, wasn’t as bad as it sounds if you already have an IDP.
Police checkpoints are common, especially around Chaweng and Lamai. If you're not wearing a helmet, or can’t show valid documents, expect a fine. These used to be 500 baht, but recent government updates suggest it may now be 2,000 baht.
Tip:
Keep a copy of your licence and a photo of your passport on your phone. It'll save time at checkpoints and help avoid unnecessary wallet fumbles.
🚖 Grab, Taxis, and the Samui Shuffle
Grab does exist in Samui — but don’t rely on it. You might get a car… or you might be left hanging.
Taxis are notoriously overpriced compared to Bangkok or the mainland. No meter, no standard pricing, and often no negotiation — especially if you look hot, lost, or sunburnt.
Alternative?
If you don’t want to drive, consider hiring a private driver by the day. It's more affordable than you might think, and if you’re only doing occasional trips, it’s a pretty smart option.
🚦The Reality of Driving in Samui
Getting around Samui takes some adjusting. I have a saying here:
“80% of people here don’t know the road rules — and the other 20% just don’t care.”
That said, there’s surprisingly little horn-blowing. People are generally courteous, and once you get the rhythm, you’ll start to feel comfortable too.
Just remember:
Be patient and predictable — don’t turn suddenly just because the road ahead looks clear. There’s a good chance someone’s about to pass you at speed, either on the outside or inside.
Use your indicators — people are generally pretty good with that here.
Ride and drive defensively.
Don’t drink (or smoke the wacky) and drive — the Chang will still be cold when you get home.
Whether you’re on two wheels or four, take it seriously — and you’ll significantly increase your odds of enjoying Samui without a trip to the hospital (or worse).
