Koh Samui
Koh Samui
Getting to Koh Samui
The most convenient way to get to Koh Samui is flying with Bangkok Airways either from Bangkok itself, or from Singapore, Phuket or Pattaya. There are over 20 flights a day from Bangkok alone. Alternatively, several ferries and catamarans run from Surat Thani or Don Sak on the mainland. If you're travelling from Bangkok, it's a good idea to combine the ferry with a sleeper train from Hualumphong Station with a ferry from Don Sak to Samui.
Ferry times change frequently, though touts wait for arriving trains and buses in Surat Thani to guide potential customers to their respective companies. Long waits are common, so a degree of patience is necessary. Boats also connect to Koh Tao and Koh Phangan from Samui. Getting a ferry off the island is much easier, and most travel agents will have up-to-date schedules and fares. Approximately ten car ferries leave from Don Sak to Nathon every day. Get there as early as possible and be prepared to wait for at least a couple of hours although availability varies throughout the year.
Getting Around
Thailand's third largest island, Samui measures only 25 kilometres long and 21 kilometres wide and is very easy to get around. A ring road loops around the island's lush forest and coconut covered interior, linking both beaches and other attractions.
Samui has an excellent public transport network of songthaews - basically, converted pick-up trucks with bench seats. Dozens of them circle the island on various fixed routes all day and fares start at around 20 baht for a short trip - this is paid at the end of the journey. There are no fixed stops, so flag one down anywhere and ring the bell or bang on the roof to get off. After dark, many songthaews operate as private taxis, so it's necessary to negotiate a fare before getting aboard. Expect to pay several hundred baht to travel between beaches.
There are also yellow, metered, air-con taxis available, but as drivers are not particularly keen to turn on their metres, prices can be very high. Motorbike taxis are considerably cheaper, but come with obvious safety issues.
Motorbike and jeep rental is readily available everywhere on the island. Expect to pay around 200 Baht per day for a bike and around 800 Baht for a car. It's worth remembering that Samui has some of the highest accident rates in the country though, and has many steep, sandy roads. Honda Dreams are the most common bikes available, though Yamaha Nouvo's are becoming more widespread.
Nouvo's cost about 50 Baht more, but are recommended because they are fully automatic and therefore much easier to ride. The local police are beginning to crack down on foreigners riding bikes without safety helmets and fining them accordingly. The 500 baht fine must be paid immediately at a nearby police station, whilst the police hold onto either your bike, driving license or passport as insurance. If a lot of people are caught at once, the process can take several hours.
Insurance does not exist in Thailand for motorbikes, so riders are liable for any danger and it's almost always the foreigner's fault. Many jeep hire 'bargains' will come without insurance and are therefore a risky proposition. Any established company such as Budget or Avis will include comprehensive insurance in the rental.
Bicycles for hire are increasingly common, though are not recommended for long trips at night for safety reasons.
Useful Information
Health
Samui has several hospitals of varying quality. By far the best is Samui International Hospital in Chaweng (North Beach Road, Tel. 077 422 272), which can deal with most medical needs. Anyone requiring long term or highly specialised treatment should get to Bangkok as quickly as possible.
Immigration
visa extensions are available at the Immigration Office in Nathon. Thanon Thaweeradphakdee, Tel. 077 421 069.
Post Offices Koh Samui
There are many sub-post offices all over the island, which are fine for buying stamps and sending postcards. For anything more urgent, go to the main post office in Nathon, which also has a telecom centre for international calls. Seaside Road. Open 8.30am - 430pm Mon - Fri and 9am - 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Police Koh Samui
There are police boxes or stations in most towns, but many of the officers in them won't be able to speak any English. To overcome the language barrier, see the tourist police in Nathon. Thanon Thaweeradphakdee, Tel. 077 421 281.