Koh Samui
蘇梅島
Ko Samui (or Koh Samui, Thai: เกาะสมุย, pronounced [kɔ̀ʔ sā.mūj])
is an island off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus, Thailand. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted Municipality status and thus is now locally self-governing. Ko Samui is Thailand's second-largest island after Phuket, with an area of 228.7 km2, a population of over 63,000 and a hotel occupancy rate of 73 percent as the number of visitors increases.[1]Abundant tourist resources, sandy beaches, coral reefs, and coconut trees are present on the island.
Ko Samui (เกาะสมุย), (pronounced gaw (vowel like ou in cough) sà mui) is an island located in the Chumphon Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand, some 700 km south of Bangkok and about 80 km from the eastern coastline of Southern Thailand.
An island of natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. The palm-fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest.
At 247 km² Samui is the second-largest island in Thailand and the largest island in the Chumphon Archipelago of over 80 (mostly uninhabited) islands which form the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a kayaking and snorkelling paradise. At 25 km long and 21 km wide, Samui is big enough for serious exploration by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car.
The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".
Until the late 20th century, Samui was an isolated, self-sufficient community, having little connection with the mainland of Thailand. The island was even without roads until the early 1970s, and the 15 km journey from one side of the island to the other involved a whole-day trek through the mountainous central jungles.
In the early 1970s the first backpackers travelling on the back of a coconut boat arrived on Ko Samui. For years after that the island had just a few bungalows and a trickle of tourists. Things started to change in the early 1990s when tourists started arriving on full boats and since then the place has grown substantially. Samui is now the second-most popular place as an island destination in Thailand (the first is Phuket). Undeservedly so. The water on most of the beaches of Ko Samui is often murky and the most popular streets of Ko Samui are dirty and filled with pushy promoters.
Unfortunately, development on Ko Samui is starting to take its toll and it is far from a paradise island now.
Samui's weather patterns are a little different from the rest of Thailand. In April through September, when most of the country has its monsoon, Samui stays fairly dry, but from October to December, it's wet in Samui and drier elsewhere. The driest season is from January to March.
The expansion of tourism in Ko Samui has resulted in growth of building resorts, bungalows, and luxury private villas on the island. The island's total inventory of 17,479 hotel rooms in 2013 will be augmented by an additional 459 new rooms by 2015. A gradual shift in demand is seeing more Asian visitors and families, but the top three source markets have been Germany, the UK, and Thailand, which contribute a combined 27 percent share. Bangkok Airways continues to modernise its fleet with new Airbuses, phasing out older ATR 72 propeller planes, which will provide an 189,000 additional airline seats for Samui travelers. Bangkok Airways has already increased the number of daily flights from 36 to 50.[10]
Climate
Samui's weather patterns are a little different from the rest of Thailand. In April through September, when most of the country has its monsoon, Samui stays fairly dry, but from October to December, it's wet in Samui and drier elsewhere. The driest season is from January to March.
Beaches
Ko Samui is a fairly big island. The most popular and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon are more peaceful choices, and the west coast beaches are still (comparatively) quiet.
Clockwise from Nathon on the west coast, the main beaches are:
- Nathon — Samui's port and administrative centre, but with little to attract the tourist
- Laem Yai — set on the Northwest tip of the island, a secluded beach overlooking the islands of Ang Thong
- Mae Nam — a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast
- Bophut — known for its fisher's village, laid-back but growing fast
- Bang Rak — at the northeastern tip, home of the Big Buddha
- Choeng Mon — quiet north shore beach
- Chaweng — the largest and most-developed beach, with a curious mix of luxury hotels and backpacker guesthouses and a hopping nightlife
- Lamai — Samui's "second" beach south of Chaweng, quieter than Chaweng but still has nightlife, swank resorts and restaurants
- Samui South Coast — the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Grandfather and grandmother stones Ko SamuiThe major reason why people come to Samui is to enjoy the beaches. Even though the two main beaches of Chaweng and Lamai have generally suffered due to mass development over the past decade they are still decent. However the beaches of Phuket and Ko Chang have clearer water and are generally better for swimming. Development has been thwarted slightly because of the island’s regulation governing building heights.
Other than lying on the beach with a cold beer in hand and ogling at the babes and hunks sauntering past, there isn't all that much to see on the island. A certain pair of rocks on Lamai amuses some visitors, Bang Rak has a large but nondescript Buddha statue, and there are some waterfalls (notably Na Muang 2).
Chaweng Beach
is the major beach on Ko Samui and one that has developed tremendously since the early 1990s. Just 20 years ago the beach was home to just a sprinkle of wooden bungalows but now the place is swamped with hotels, Italian pizzerias, Irish pubs, and even go-go bars. Samui’s night life is becoming legendary but unfortunately not always attracting the best standard of tourist. Chaweng’s once ‘hippie’-only backpackers have given way to a lot of "lager louts". Chaweng is the place for a rowdy reckless party scene.
Lamai Beach
Like Chaweng, Lamai has been transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and night life. The beach is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn't get quite so crowded, although some are shallow and have rocks. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations. If it's a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. Lamai is in southeast Samui, about ten km south of Chaweng.
Mae Nam Beach
This quiet beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing, especially for families with children, due to the shallow water.
Bophut Beach
situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn't in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars.
Choengmon Beach
is in northeast Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter it is a perfect place for relaxing.
Big Buddha Beach
Located in northeast Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now many restaurants, shops, and bars.
Nathon
The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, and tour agencies are concentrated.
Namtok Hin Lat
This waterfall is easily accessible by car. Some of the numerous tiny levels have large basins for swimmers.
Namtok Na Mueang
A local road leads to the Na Mueang 1 Waterfall. A walk of about 30 minutes ends up at the more scenic Na Mueang 2 Waterfall. Purple rocks surround the stream of water, which gushes in from an impressive height of around 79 m.
Ban Lipa Yai
This village grows high-quality fruits, including rambutan, durian, mangosteen, and the famed langsat.
Old House
This Chinese-style house, aged almost 200 years, represents Samui’s cultural identity. Grandpa Si and Grandma Maen Hancharoen, the present owner, open the house to visitors.
Other island attractions include coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian; the nearby butterfly garden and aquarium; a snake farm; a monkey theatre at Bo Phut, and a massive seated Buddha image on Fan Isle.
Wat Khunaram Ko Samui
This temple is the island’s most famous temple for its mummified monk on display. The mummy sits upright in a glass casket and devotees offer it flowers and incense. The mummy is in fact the body of a very revered former abbot of the temple who was also a meditation master who was able to predict his own death. However, it is reasonable to question how much reverence is really shown, given tha the mummy appears to be wearing a large pair of sunglasses and is surrounded by the near-ubiquitous shacks selling over-priced drinks and pancakes.
Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks
These odd-looking rocks situated on Lamai Beach bear a striking resemblance to male and female sexual organs and they have turned into one of the island’s biggest attractions. For those who would like to hear a legend or two surrounding the rocks, they need only ask a local.
Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui
Located at Ban Harn beach, the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other aquatic animals such as turtles and colourful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 09:00-18:00.
Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)
Also known as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), has a 15 m tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is in the north of the island.
Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui
This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles, which gives off a golden aura, is quite impressive.
Samui Butterful Garden/Insect Museum
This relatively rarely visited butterfly garden can be found in the southeast of the island. There is a big collection of different butterflies, all showcased in just one room, some with wingspans up to 25 cm. Visitors can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house. Entrance is 300 baht for adults. Negotiable.
Secret Buddha Garden
This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island there are also some awesome views to be had. Organised tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.
Monkey Shows
These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theatre on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants. The capturing and training of otherwise wild animals is ethically questionable.
Water Buffalo Fights
A rich island tradition, Water Buffalo fighting arenas are sprinkled throughout the island. While there's no set-schedule, locals will know the spontaneous dates and there are occasional signs on the road which announce the fight days.
Bophut Elephant Camp
Funny Day Safari has a 48,000 square meter Elephant Camp,it is just a few minutes away from Fisherman's Village, visit to enjoy a peaceful nature trail on the back of a magnificent mammal or watch cute Baby Elephants then feed them, learn how Koh Samui Monkeys work, and watch the professional Crocodile show performers. For more information, location map or picture gallery please visit its site.
How To Go
A 300 baht surcharge is levied on domestic departures, as well as the 500 baht surcharge on international departures. If you fly via Bangkok to an international destination, the tax is only 200 baht as the Bangkok International departure tax is already included in your ticket. As of November 2013, these charges are included in the ticket price.
By plane
Ko Samui Airport (USM)
is a private airport originally built by Bangkok Airways [1], which is still the main operator and was for a long time the only airline with services to Ko Samui. They have near-hourly departures to/from Bangkok and tickets are expensive by Thai standards, with advance bookings costing 3,000-4,500 baht one-way, while a walk-in booking may be twice as much. There are also daily flights to/from Phuket for 2,000-3,000 baht. Two daily flights from Chiang Mai (but only one direct flight in the opposite direction).
A feature of the international departure gate is a courtesy corner which provides food and drinks for all passengers in a cosy sitting area. Awaiting boarding becomes rather comfortable with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi provided.
In addition to Bangkok Air, Ko Samui is served by two flights a day from Bangkok with Thai Airways as well as by Berjaya Air [2] and Firefly [3] from Subang airport (a small city airport 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur city centre), and Penang International Airport in Malaysia.
Visa-on-Arrival and Visa-Free
entries are available at Samui Airport for some nationalities. See Thailand for more information.
Ground transportation from the airport is readily available. A seat on a mini-bus for the 20-minute ride to Chaweng costs 120 baht/person; a faster private mini-bus will cost 400 baht upwards. There are no real Taxis at the airport, and since many drivers refuse to use their meters you will probably pay the same if your try to get a Taxi outside the airport.
If you're a couple or a family, you'll probably be approached by some young women holding up signs for some of the higher-end hotels. They will ask you where you're staying, and based on the answer, offer you a free taxi ride if you promise to attend a presentation for their hotel's time share during your stay (avoid the offers).
Alternative airports
Other airports to fly into Ko Samui include Surat Thani Airport and Chumphon Airport on the mainland with good ferry connections to Ko Samui. These are often significantly cheaper and are served by excellent low cost carriers Air Asia and Nok Air.
- Nok Air offers four-daily flight+ferry services from Bangkok to Ko Samui v.v. by flying with Nok Air from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat and transferred on a ferry to Ko Samui. This can be booked directly from their website.
- Fly to Surat Thani via Thai Airways and low-cost airlines, Air Asia and Nok Air (depart from Don Muang Airport), and connect by road and then ferry.
- Fly to Nakhon Si Thammarat by Air Asia or Nok Air and then take a bus and catamaran.
By boat
From Chumphon via Ko Tao, Ko Phangan
Lomprayah [4] offers a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service from Bangkok to Ko Samui which takes about 11 hours (5.5 of them by boat) and costs around 1,250 baht (1,000 baht in the opposite direction). The bus pauses in Hua Hin and then stops at Chumphon, where it connects with the ferry, which calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan on its way to Ko Samui. While the route may be more scenic (as includes the longboat trip via 2 islands), and the ferry itself is comparable to Seatran, the entire trip to Samui will take more time but provides a good way to see both the countryside and islands. An option to the bus trip is a 50 minute flight from Bangkok to Chumphon Airport via Nok Air and transfer to the high speed ferries stopping at Ko Tao along the route.
Lomprayah high speed catamarans are good and fast option to get to Samui from Ko Tao or Ko Phangan, as well as a reasonable way to get to those islands from Bangkok. There are also regular speedboats and ferries of other operators.
From Surat Thani
Both train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), there are combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui for 200-300 baht. Some entail a 60-minute bus ride to Donsak pier followed by a 90-minute ferry crossing. Others a 30-minute bus ride, but the ferry takes extra time. Tickets are sold by numerous agents that meet each train and airport. (Please read the "scammers" listing in Surat Thani article if you want a fair price, otherwise you will pay double) The cost should certainly be less than 300 baht, even if bought this way (return combo boat + bus ticket on more comfortable Seatran ferry bought on the Nathon pier on Samui officially costs 230 baht).
From Donsak pier, there are 2 ferry companies (departures every 30-60 mins) which terminate at Nathon Pier: Songserm Travel [5] and Seatran ([6]. The first one is what you more often get if booking via the travel agency. It's a rather small ferry with two decks, often very crowded so you can't get the seat on the lower one if you come late. The upper deck, while air-conditioned, costs extra, so you may end up sitting around the pile of backpacks on the back of the boat under the sun if you do not want to pay). There is a small on-board shop on the lower deck, but the prices are grossly inflated (instant noodles, which cost 15 baht in a 7-11, are sold for 50 baht on-board). If you choose this boat, bring your own snacks. The people aboard Songserm ferry are mostly, if not all, foreigners.
Seatran ferry is much bigger, and has several decks (entrance to most of the those, including air-conditioned areas, is free), much less packed just because of size (still can be at peak times of high season), and is equipped with numerous TVs (Thai channels). It has a big cafeteria (with much friendlier prices, such as 20 baht for the same cup of noodles), and the passengers are mostly Thai, as well as some expats and tourists. Their schedule can be found here [7] (the first list is departures from Donsak to Samui, the second is return).
Raja Ferry Port [8] operates services between Donsak pier and Lipa Noi Pier on the western side of Samui (several kilometres south of Nathon). It includes a free air conditioned deck and comfortable seats. This ferry also transport cars, so can be used should you decide to come with your own transport. Songthaew transfer from the pier at Lipa Noi on Samui to either Chaweng or Lamai will cost 100 baht per person. Taxis will be more expensive, with initial asking prices of up to 1000 baht.
Numerous ferry services are direct from mainland Surat Thani including an express boat ( 3 departures daily, taking around 3 hours and costing 150 baht ) and slow night boats (taking 6-7 hours).
Health and Safety tip:
Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on the ferry. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats.
Environmental concerns
Get around
As on many islands in Thailand, motorbikes are available for rent. Compared to other nearby islands, Samui's road system is very developed and there are plenty of taxis cruising about, although it's a challenge to get them to use their meters.
Taxi
The Samui Taxi is a public taxi service. The drivers, however, are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike in Bangkok), and, especially on popular beaches or entry points to the island, tend to ask foreigners much more than normal fare. Some, say on Nathon pier, will even show you official-looking papers with "fixed" prices like 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai beach. This is not true, and once they know you're aware of that, it's usually possible to bargain (for this distance, you should bargain to at least 400 baht, or even better, 300 baht, which is still higher than Bangkok metered taxi prices). On the popular beaches it may be impossible at all to get a reasonable fare sometimes. If so, just walk to some area which is more quiet and far away from luxurious hotels.
NaviGo Samui is a Mobile taxi application similar to that of Uber and Grab Taxi in the west. Taxi can be ordered quickly once the app is downloaded and waiting times are rarely over 5 - 10 minutes. The fares are strictly metered and an estimate of the total fare can be seen before confirming the order. All taxis have cameras inside and the drivers speak good English. The service is a good, safe alternative to the regular Taxis to avoid unreasonable fares. At least on a public holiday, don't expect there to be any NaviGo drivers to pick you up from the airport.
Airport taxi & transfer
There is a taxi counter after the arrival hall at Samui Airport. However, queuing and waiting for the service is quite annoying. There are other taxis waiting behind the counter, but the price is either the same or mostly higher. It is probably best to book your taxi or minibus in advance online. There is a reliable provider such as Samui Taxi [http//:www.SamuiTaxi.com] which charges 440 baht to Chaweng and they wait for their clients at the meeting point.
By bus
Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. To get from the Nathon Pier to Bophut / Chaweng take a brown one which runs at regular intervals and will cost 50 baht to or from Bophut (Do NOT negotiate a fare unless you want a taxi situation as these are the way in which the locals get around. Just ask if he is going that way and get on board. If you want to go to a particular place, then hire a taxi or songthaew and negotiate the price with them first.
To get to Lamai, in the opposite direction, costs B70. Is also brown in colour.
The songteows go from close to the pier in each direction.
Strangely, you can only get to Chaweng in one direction, and Lamai in the other. To go from one to the other requires a taxi.
When you want to get off, just push the buzzer in the roof, and then go to pay the driver.
As of April 2014, drivers tend to demand a flat rate of B100 for any trip between 2 cities (for example Chaweng to Lamai). Be advised this is grossly inflated compared to the normal rate paid by the locals (and displayed - unfortunately in Thai only - inside the car on a small white board). There is little you can do about it but is best kept in mind if you feel like bargaining.
Motorbike
Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 baht per day depending on the size and season (a small 125 cc scooter should cost no more than 200 baht even during New Year). It is recommended that you hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams. Some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. Also the motorbikes don't have insurance. If they say they have insurance, it's not true. If something happens, you can't claim for it. Read the rental agreement very carefully, as too many (not typical in other parts of Thailand, e.g., Chiang Mai) will state that you may not replace any broken/damaged parts yourself. This is a scam, as they will replace the part for you for a price several times higher (sometimes also stated in the agreement) than it actually costs. They will check any old scratches and/or serial numbers, if noted in the agreement, and demand that price even if you have already replaced the part yourself! For the same reason, inspect the motorbike carefully and be sure any existing scratches/damages are written into the agreement before you have taken the motorbike.
Motorbike shops will likely want you to leave your passport as a collateral. This is a common practice in Thailand, and, by itself, shouldn't raise much concern. Most government travel advisory services advise against leaving your passport anywhere as a deposit for obvious reasons.
Combined with the scams and bad practices mentioned above, however, it may lead to a situation where your passport is held as "hostage" until you pay what they want. For this reason, it's unwise to return your motorbike just before your departure. Leave at least several hours, or perhaps a day, to settle any problems that may arise. If the shop's demands are clearly illegitimate, (the agreement you have signed does not contain any silly conditions and prices, the price they ask for damages is unreasonable, or the damage was clearly done before you rented that motorbike), call the tourist police.
If hiring a bike doesn't appeal to you, then there are motorbike-taxis willing to take you around for a ( negotiable in advance, as foreigners are commonly asked an exorbitant price) fee, as well as other modes of transportation.
Electric Bikes
There is also the choice of Electric Bicycles, which is a good option as there is no International licence needed & they can go a long distance without you raising too much of a sweat. At the moment they have the option of using your passport as security, or leaving a deposit, so you don't have many of the issues raised above.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be hired very cheaply on Ko Samui. One shouldn't cost more than a 200 baht per day.
Car
There are many car hire options on Ko Samui, including the local arms of international companies such as Budget and Avis. Prices are fairly expensive (800-1,500 baht/day for a small car), but the convenience of a small air-conditioned car may be worth it. You can pick up and drop off at the airport or some other location. Driving is easy on the island as long as you are not in a hurry. Having a car gives you easy access to almost all areas of the island.
Do Not
Sundries Method
Stay safe
Precautions
Tap water is generally not potable. Liquids from sealed bottles nearly always are, and should be used wherever possible. Take care in restaurants as some may use unsafe tap water to make ice for drinks otherwise made with bottled/safe ingredients. Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless explicitly labeled as safe.
Motorbikes are somewhat risky, but jeeps, trucks and other cars for rent are readily available at very reasonable rates, and are considerably safer. If you must use a motorbike always wear a helmet and never drive drunk the roads are hazardous with many large potholes. After a good time drinking in the party areas of Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai, taxis are readily available to take you home. Be careful generally taxi drivers tend to rip off drunks. It's not rare for a tuk-tuk driver to charge you 50 baht for just a kilometre journey (for example, along the main Chaweng market) during evenings.
A recent development has been the appearance of quad bikes to rent for use on the roads. These do not appear to be registered for road use so take care.
Be careful on beaches at night time as crimes often occur there.
If travelling to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao by bus, do not store any valuables in your luggage. They have been reports of thefts from buses operated by "Songserm" Travel. Do not let your valuables out of your sight when transiting from the train to the islands.
Medical care
For those who are just a little sick there are countless clinics and pharmacies in all major tourist areas. Emergency calls for ambulance service can be direct to a hospital or to Samui Rescue Foundation (077 42 1444) or Samui Tourist Police (077 42 1281) or 1155. The public hospital is in Nathon (077 42 1230). There are four private hospitals in the Chaweng area.
Network Connection
Samui has more than its fair share of Internet cafes. The hourly charge is about 30 baht.
The GSM networks of all major Thai mobile operators cover the island quite well. While roaming is an option, purchasing local SIM card will save you a lot on international calls. Even more, GPRS / EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet from virtually anywhere. See the main article for details.
Speedboats can often bounce off the waves at very high speeds and passengers can get quite strong jolts into the non-sprung seats, so persons with back or neck problems should not travel on the speedboats, but on the ferry. There have been reports of serious back injuries happening on the speedboats.
Environmental concerns
Get around
As on many islands in Thailand, motorbikes are available for rent. Compared to other nearby islands, Samui's road system is very developed and there are plenty of taxis cruising about, although it's a challenge to get them to use their meters.
Taxi
The Samui Taxi is a public taxi service. The drivers, however, are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike in Bangkok), and, especially on popular beaches or entry points to the island, tend to ask foreigners much more than normal fare. Some, say on Nathon pier, will even show you official-looking papers with "fixed" prices like 600-800 baht for a 25-30 km trip to Chaweng or Lamai beach. This is not true, and once they know you're aware of that, it's usually possible to bargain (for this distance, you should bargain to at least 400 baht, or even better, 300 baht, which is still higher than Bangkok metered taxi prices). On the popular beaches it may be impossible at all to get a reasonable fare sometimes. If so, just walk to some area which is more quiet and far away from luxurious hotels.
NaviGo Samui is a Mobile taxi application similar to that of Uber and Grab Taxi in the west. Taxi can be ordered quickly once the app is downloaded and waiting times are rarely over 5 - 10 minutes. The fares are strictly metered and an estimate of the total fare can be seen before confirming the order. All taxis have cameras inside and the drivers speak good English. The service is a good, safe alternative to the regular Taxis to avoid unreasonable fares. At least on a public holiday, don't expect there to be any NaviGo drivers to pick you up from the airport.
Airport taxi & transfer
There is a taxi counter after the arrival hall at Samui Airport. However, queuing and waiting for the service is quite annoying. There are other taxis waiting behind the counter, but the price is either the same or mostly higher. It is probably best to book your taxi or minibus in advance online. There is a reliable provider such as Samui Taxi [http//:www.SamuiTaxi.com] which charges 440 baht to Chaweng and they wait for their clients at the meeting point.
By bus
Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. To get from the Nathon Pier to Bophut / Chaweng take a brown one which runs at regular intervals and will cost 50 baht to or from Bophut (Do NOT negotiate a fare unless you want a taxi situation as these are the way in which the locals get around. Just ask if he is going that way and get on board. If you want to go to a particular place, then hire a taxi or songthaew and negotiate the price with them first.
To get to Lamai, in the opposite direction, costs B70. Is also brown in colour.
The songteows go from close to the pier in each direction.
Strangely, you can only get to Chaweng in one direction, and Lamai in the other. To go from one to the other requires a taxi.
When you want to get off, just push the buzzer in the roof, and then go to pay the driver.
As of April 2014, drivers tend to demand a flat rate of B100 for any trip between 2 cities (for example Chaweng to Lamai). Be advised this is grossly inflated compared to the normal rate paid by the locals (and displayed - unfortunately in Thai only - inside the car on a small white board). There is little you can do about it but is best kept in mind if you feel like bargaining.
Motorbike
Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 baht per day depending on the size and season (a small 125 cc scooter should cost no more than 200 baht even during New Year). It is recommended that you hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams. Some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. Also the motorbikes don't have insurance. If they say they have insurance, it's not true. If something happens, you can't claim for it. Read the rental agreement very carefully, as too many (not typical in other parts of Thailand, e.g., Chiang Mai) will state that you may not replace any broken/damaged parts yourself. This is a scam, as they will replace the part for you for a price several times higher (sometimes also stated in the agreement) than it actually costs. They will check any old scratches and/or serial numbers, if noted in the agreement, and demand that price even if you have already replaced the part yourself! For the same reason, inspect the motorbike carefully and be sure any existing scratches/damages are written into the agreement before you have taken the motorbike.
Motorbike shops will likely want you to leave your passport as a collateral. This is a common practice in Thailand, and, by itself, shouldn't raise much concern. Most government travel advisory services advise against leaving your passport anywhere as a deposit for obvious reasons.
Combined with the scams and bad practices mentioned above, however, it may lead to a situation where your passport is held as "hostage" until you pay what they want. For this reason, it's unwise to return your motorbike just before your departure. Leave at least several hours, or perhaps a day, to settle any problems that may arise. If the shop's demands are clearly illegitimate, (the agreement you have signed does not contain any silly conditions and prices, the price they ask for damages is unreasonable, or the damage was clearly done before you rented that motorbike), call the tourist police.
If hiring a bike doesn't appeal to you, then there are motorbike-taxis willing to take you around for a ( negotiable in advance, as foreigners are commonly asked an exorbitant price) fee, as well as other modes of transportation.
Electric Bikes
There is also the choice of Electric Bicycles, which is a good option as there is no International licence needed & they can go a long distance without you raising too much of a sweat. At the moment they have the option of using your passport as security, or leaving a deposit, so you don't have many of the issues raised above.
Bicycles
Bicycles can be hired very cheaply on Ko Samui. One shouldn't cost more than a 200 baht per day.
Car
There are many car hire options on Ko Samui, including the local arms of international companies such as Budget and Avis. Prices are fairly expensive (800-1,500 baht/day for a small car), but the convenience of a small air-conditioned car may be worth it. You can pick up and drop off at the airport or some other location. Driving is easy on the island as long as you are not in a hurry. Having a car gives you easy access to almost all areas of the island.
Do Not
Sundries Method
Stay safe
Precautions
Tap water is generally not potable. Liquids from sealed bottles nearly always are, and should be used wherever possible. Take care in restaurants as some may use unsafe tap water to make ice for drinks otherwise made with bottled/safe ingredients. Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless explicitly labeled as safe.
Motorbikes are somewhat risky, but jeeps, trucks and other cars for rent are readily available at very reasonable rates, and are considerably safer. If you must use a motorbike always wear a helmet and never drive drunk the roads are hazardous with many large potholes. After a good time drinking in the party areas of Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai, taxis are readily available to take you home. Be careful generally taxi drivers tend to rip off drunks. It's not rare for a tuk-tuk driver to charge you 50 baht for just a kilometre journey (for example, along the main Chaweng market) during evenings.
A recent development has been the appearance of quad bikes to rent for use on the roads. These do not appear to be registered for road use so take care.
Be careful on beaches at night time as crimes often occur there.
If travelling to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan or Ko Tao by bus, do not store any valuables in your luggage. They have been reports of thefts from buses operated by "Songserm" Travel. Do not let your valuables out of your sight when transiting from the train to the islands.
Medical care
For those who are just a little sick there are countless clinics and pharmacies in all major tourist areas. Emergency calls for ambulance service can be direct to a hospital or to Samui Rescue Foundation (077 42 1444) or Samui Tourist Police (077 42 1281) or 1155. The public hospital is in Nathon (077 42 1230). There are four private hospitals in the Chaweng area.
- Bangkok Samui Hospital, 57 Moo 3, Samui Ring Rd, Chaweng, Bophut, ☎ +66 77 429500 (fax: +66 77 429540), [10]. edit
- Samui International Hospital, 90/2 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach Rd, Bophut, ☎ +66 77 422272, +66 77 230781-2 (info@sih.co.th, fax: +66 77 230049), [11].
- Bandon International Private Hospital, 123/1 Moo 1, Samui Ring Road, Bo Phut, Koh Samui 84320, ☎ + 66 77 245 236 / +66 77 245 237 (info@bandonhospitalsamui.com), [12].
- Thai International Hospital, 25/25 Moo 6, Chaweng, Koh Samui, 84320, ☎ + 66 77 245 721 / +66 77 245 726 (thaiinterhospital@yahoo.com), [13].
Network Connection
Samui has more than its fair share of Internet cafes. The hourly charge is about 30 baht.
The GSM networks of all major Thai mobile operators cover the island quite well. While roaming is an option, purchasing local SIM card will save you a lot on international calls. Even more, GPRS / EDGE service is a cheap and convenient way to access the Internet from virtually anywhere. See the main article for details.
Special Thanks:
Sources Details from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Photo from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Details from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
Sources Photo from: Wikipedia & Wikitravel
