Renting a bike in Samui gives travelers remarkable freedom of movement and opens up unlimited opportunities to explore the tropical nature. Along the coast, around the island, stretches the highway, not bad roads connect all regions of Samui. In the interior of the island, where the jungle reigns, there are unpaved roads, but off-roading is not a problem for the biker. The inconvenience is left-hand traffic, which you get used to in a couple of days, and also – trucks and bikes, often ignoring the rules of the road. On the main streets of the resorts in the evening hours there are “pulls”.
Check this ultimate travel guide on renting a car in Koh Samui; get more information about bicycle and scooter rentals, prices, documents needed.
You can rent a car in Samui using the Discover Cars service.
Renting a car from a network rental company
Many tourists prefer to rent a car right at Samui Airport, which hosts most of the rental companies with world famous names. It’s nice to be able to save money on transfers right away.
What documents are needed for rent and cost
When renting a car from one of the international network companies, you must have your passport, car license and bank card. The age limit is from 21/25 to 70/75, depending on the conditions of the particular company.
The cost of renting depends on the season, averaging 1,200 THB/day (about $40) for an economy car. It is convenient to book a car on a reputable online service Rentalcars and Economybookings, here the usual insurance is included in the rental price, but renting a car to Samui with full insurance may cost extra 30,000 THB, which will be frozen in your account. If the trip goes without adventures, the money will “return” in 5-30 days.
It is advisable to book a car in the high season 3-4 weeks before you go to the resort. Transport will be waiting for you at the exit of the terminal building.
Rent a car from local companies
There are countless offices and private vendors offering car rentals in Samui. Here you will see signs everywhere “Auto for rent”, “Rent a car” or “Car Rental”. Some companies lure by turning a blind eye to the client’s age and documents.
The cost of daily or weekly car rentals from local firms may seem more favorable than from the network renters. The “disadvantages” of this option include a confusing scheme of insurance conditions, offers to sign documents printed in Thai, requiring you to leave a passport as collateral, which in any case can not do.
Rules for renting a car from local companies
If you want to contact the local rent a car, find out about a particular company from fellow travelers, read reviews about the chosen office on the web. Car owners recommend: carefully examine the car, take pictures of all of its smallest external and internal defects, pay attention to them rental agent.
Rent scooters and bikes on Koh Samui
On Koh Samui is very popular motorcycle and scooter rentals. This mode of transport is chosen by single tourists and romantic couples. The “pluses” include its maneuverability, which is convenient during heavy traffic; no problems with parking; minimal fuel consumption (about 3 liters per 100 kilometers); cheap rent. Of the “minuses” – discomfort in the rain.
Documents for renting a bike in Koh Samui and costs
Renting a motorcycle or scooter in Samui will cost 200/400 THB/day. Local rental agencies are labeled “Motobike for rent. Many Koh Samui hotels offer motorcycle or scooter rentals. You may be required to deposit either your passport or cash in the amount of 3,000 THB or more. It is advisable not to leave your passport. Most rent-a-cops do not ask if you have an international driver’s license, but if you are stopped by the police and you do not have it with you, there may be trouble.
Bicycle rentals on Koh Samui
Biking on the mountainous island with its hot and humid climate is popular with tourists with good physical fitness. Bicycle rentals are available in the resorts of Lamai and Chaweng. Renting costs half as much as renting scooters and motorcycles.
If you don’t want to drive your own car or bike, you can take public transportation to Koh Samui or take a cab.
