There is no public transportation such as buses, minibuses, minivans, or trains on Samui Island. People get around here exclusively in their own or rented cars, cab cars, motorcycles (including motorcycle cabs), tuk-tuks, and songteos.
Taxis on Samui
The main advantage of a cab is the fact that it can take a tourist anywhere in the resort. There are both traditional cabs in the form of cars (cab meter) as well as motorcycle and tuk-tuk cabs on Samui.
Autotaxi
To save money, it's worth using NaviGo, a local online cab service.
Cost: from 400 to 800 THB.
Tuk-tuk
A small vehicle like a tuk-tuk is suitable for one or two passengers only. It moves quite quickly, but it can't accommodate luggage.
Cost: from 50 THB.
Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike cab is ideal for one or two slim passengers with little luggage. This mode of transportation has the following undeniable advantages:
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Can get around traffic jams quickly and easily;
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Will get you to your destination with virtually no parking restrictions;
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Is inexpensive, bargaining is appropriate and welcome.
Motorbike taxi has these disadvantages:
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It is extremely uncomfortable to drive in the rain;
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It's uncomfortable to travel long distances - your body just gets stiff.
Cost: from 60 THB.
Songteo in Samui
Songteo is perfect for a large group of friends or family. It costs quite cheap too.
Songteo Travel Features
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Songteo is only available on defined routes: there is virtually no transportation to hotels. From 18:00 onwards, all Songteos operate as cabs - taking you to your destination for a floating price.
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Songteo transportation runs at a certain frequency, and sometimes you have to wait a long time for it. At times, the next transport may arrive a couple of hours after the previous one.
Important! Talking to the driver while the Songteo is moving is strictly prohibited by traffic regulations.
Routes of Transportation
Songteos depart from Nathon Pier and all travel along Road 4169, the main artery of Samui Island. The main routes are as follows:
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Nathon - Maenam - Bophut - Chaweng;
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Nathon - Namuang - Lamai - Chaweng;
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Nathon - Maenam - Bophut - Big Buddha - airport - Chong Mon.
Songteo Fare
Songteo fare starts from 60 THB. Songteo fare is listed on a special sign in the cabin. It is better to give money against payment. Resourceful Thai drivers usually don't give change.
If necessary, the staff at your hotel or restaurant or bar can advise tourists about Samui's transportation. It's also important to remember that Samui, like the rest of Thailand, is hitchhiking friendly.
