Getting There
CAR
Lipa Noi is a home to the Samui’s largest car ferry pier making the area a convenient choice for those travelling by car. There are two car ferry services that operate on the same route: from Donsak Pier (on the western coast of Thailand mainland) to Lipa Noi Pier and in the opposite direction. The trip takes around 2,5 hours, and the ticket price can range depending on the season, travel agent, car type and other aspects.
FERRY AND BUS
There are plenty of companies that carry out transfers from Phuket to Samui. The trip consists of terrestrial and marine transfers and ranges from six to seven hours. Buses depart from the central bus station in Phuket and bring travellers to Koh Phangan pier where passengers make a transfer for the modern and fast catamaran, which brings visitors to Nathon Pier located on the north-western coast of Koh Samui. Usually, there are two daily transfers for Koh Samui, but the timing can range due to the travel operator.
PLANE
Although it is possible to get to Lipa Noi, Koh Samui over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS
It takes around 1 hour to reach Lipa Noi from Samui Airport depending on traffic. If you are travelling by ferry, the trip from Nathon Pier can take between 15 minutes to 25 minutes. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
AIRPORT TAXI
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. If you opt not to use the taxi desk, there are numerous taxi drivers waiting outside the arrival terminal so you can negotiate the price with them. Even though there is a big sign “Meter-Taxi” on the roof of taxis, local drivers rarely use them, so it is recommended to discuss the price beforehand. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi. A shared taxi is essentially cheaper but usually requires at least five passengers to depart.
Getting Around
There are several 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 CAR
If you are planning to explore other Samui’s region, car travel is the most convenient and fast option to travel further afield. However, there are no rental shops in the area, so if you are travelling by plane, opt one of the car rental offices situated at the exit of arrival terminal. It is recommended, though, to select a 4×4 wheel drive car as Samui landscape is rather hilly. 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 SCOOTER
Due to the rather remote location of Lipa Noi, many visitors feel the necessity to rent a motorbike. Travelling on two wheels is a fast and convenient way to move around Lipa Noi, however, a certain level of experience is required. Take into account that you must always have an international drivers license on your person, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
TAXI
Though you may not find a taxi down the street, you can always ask your villa manager to request a pick-up by phone for you. Take into account that even taxis are equipped with meters, local drivers rarely use them, so before getting into the vehicle, make sure, you have agreed on the price.