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 Ko Samui Taxi Service 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
