How to Get Around Koh Samui: Taxis, Scooters & Songthaews Explained

Koh Samui isn’t a large island, but getting from a quiet beach to a busy night market still takes planning. Roads loop around the coast and cut through the hills, giving you a few ways to travel depending on your comfort level and budget. Once you know the options, moving around feels much simpler. Let us look at how you can get around travelling in Koh Samui.

Use Taxis for Direct Rides

Taxis are straightforward. You find them at the airport, parked near the best resorts in Koh Samui, or waiting along main roads. Most don’t run meters, so the price is up to you and the driver—agree before getting in. A ride from Lamai to Chaweng costs more than by using a songthaew, but you get air conditioning and a direct route. At night, fares go up, sometimes doubling in price. Calling a company or having your hotel staff from a hotel such as NH Collection Samui Peace Resort arrange one, avoids haggling on the street. Paying with exact change speeds things along.

Rent a Scooter for Flexibility

Scooters are everywhere and give you the freedom to explore without walking around. Rental shops line the main streets; they’ll ask for a passport as a deposit. Always test the brakes, check the lights, and confirm the fuel level before you leave. Helmets are the law here, and police checkpoints are common. Fuel can be bought from roadside stands as well as stations. Rain changes the road; beware of slick patches and sharp corners means slowing down. For short, sunny rides, nothing beats riding on a scooter and being able to pull over at a hidden beach just because it caught your eye.

Try Songthaews for Budget Travel

Songthaews are converted pickup trucks with benches in the back that are part taxi, part bus. You wave one down as it passes, hop on, and tell the driver where you’re heading. Regular routes link the bigger beaches, towns, and markets. Fares are much cheaper than taxis, with payment made when you get off. Longer custom trips might need a quick price check before you start. Locals use them for errands; tourists use them for everything from grocery runs to market visits. They’re open-air, so you get fresh wind and a good look around as you ride.

Ilya Plekhanov, Songthaew in Hua Hin 05, CC BY-SA 3.0

Book Private Transfers for Convenience

If you land after a long flight or are travelling with a group, a private car or van might be worth it. Your hotel can book one, ready and waiting at the airport or pier. You load your bags once, settle in, and head straight to your resort. It costs more than public transport, but removes the need to flag anything down.

Walk for Short Trips

Staying near the centre of a beach town makes walking an easy choice. Shops, cafes, and smaller beaches are often within a few minutes on foot. During the day, a hat, water, and sunscreen make it comfortable. At night, stick to lit main roads since sidewalks aren’t always even.

Plan for Peak Times and Weather

The evenings tend to have and bring more traffic, especially around markets and the beach towns. The Songthaews start to fill quickly with the increased crowds, and the scooter rides slow as the roads get crowded. Heavy rain changes everything—scooters aren’t as fun when puddles can hide potholes. During festivals or events, you should expect road closures and detours.

Follow Safety and Local Tips

You should make sure you wear a helmet every time on a scooter, no matter how short the ride may be, as it will save your life. Keep your wallets and phones close when on open transport. Be sure to double-check the scooter rental papers before signing, and do a proper visual inspection to note any scratches or dents. When unsure about a driver or route, your hotel staff can point you to reliable choices.Travelling around Koh Samui is part of the trip itself. Whether it’s the comfort of a taxi, the freedom of a scooter, or the easygoing pace of a songthaew, the right mix makes the island feel open and manageable.