Getting Around
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
PRIVATE CAR
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
RENTAL SCOOTER
Chaweng houses hundreds of motorbike rental shops and it’s a preferred way to move around the area but a certain level of experience is required due to the rather chaotic traffic. Main roads become congested in the centre of Chaweng at the evening so travelling by scooter or motorbike can be very rewarding as you can zig-zag through traffic and find a place to park just about anywhere. But take into account that you must always have an international drivers license on your person. Also, always opt bikes with insurance, and, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
RENTAL CAR
Car travel in Chaweng is an easy and comfortable way to move around the city and explore other areas. It is recommended, though, to select a 4×4 wheel drive car as Samui landscape features with steep hills and cliffs, which can be only navigated on a power vehicle. Also, take into account, that the lower rental price implies the absence of insurance and a poor condition of the vehicle so opt the international brands, when renting a car, such as Hertz, Avis and Budget Car Rentals.
RENTAL BICYCLE
Sports enthusiasts and eco-oriented travellers are blessed with the numerous bicycle rental shops spread around Chaweng making it an affordable way to explore the area. However, if you are planning to travel further afield it is not recommended to use bicycle due to the reasons of safety and comfort, as the surface of roads in some places is degraded, and the island’s landscape is rather hilly.
SONGTHAEWS OR PICK-UP TAXIS
Songthaews or “two-benches” are simple pick-up tracks that follow their set routes and pick up or drop off passengers at any site along the route. The trip usually costs THB20 and anyone can simply jump into the truck or require the stop ringing a bell. Though the route is described in English, it can be tricky to puzzle out how to get to the destination point for the first-time traveller.
TAXI
There are a plethora of taxis cruising around Chaweng making it easy to move about the town. However, due to the fact that there is only one taxi company operating on Samui, and local drivers rarely use meters their set prices are usually inflated. It is recommended to negotiate the cost of the journey before getting into the vehicle.