Cars & Motorcycle Rentals in Koh Samui

Renting a Car on Samui Island

To legally rent a car in Thailand, drivers must have a Thai or International driver's license and be 18 years of age.

International companies like Avis, Hertz and Budget offer multiple locations for pick-up in Koh Samui. Locally-owned rental agencies often offer the best prices.

During high season (October-April) it's a good idea to reserve a car. Rental rates start around 850 baht per day. Type and condition of car determine price.

Insurance is available but limited and renters should check coverage on their personal policy if it's with Mozo (http://mozo.com.au/car-insurance) or another company, for rentals in foreign countries and verify exact coverage offered by the agency's policy.

Adventurous sorts determined to travel unpaved mountain roads into the jungle, may find themselves in need of a 4-wheel drive. Jeeps are readily available upon request.

Keep in mind that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road, British style. Drivers and front seat passengers are required to wear seat belts and tourists are often fined for failure to do so. Speeding tickets must be paid immediately at the local police station.

Fuel is available at gas stations and roadside stands around the island.

Motorcycle Rentals in Koh Samui

A fun and flexible way to travel around Koh Samui is by motorbike. Small 110cc motorbikes can be rented by anyone over 15. For larger motorcycles, drivers must be over 18. Most rental agencies do not require driver's licenses. Agencies do demand a copy of the renter's passport.

Rates for small motorbikes are around 200 baht per day but long-term renters can easily negotiate lower rates. Larger motorcycles can be rented for as much as 800 baht per day. Dirt-bikes are available for off-road riding.

Motorcycle renters are expected to pay for any damages to rented cycles and it is impossible to purchase insurance to cover them. Accidents that occur are generally considered to be the fault of foreign drivers and they are expected to pay. Actual fault makes little difference in these matters.

While a fun way to travel, inexperienced drivers are not advised to make this into a learning experience. Helmets are legally required for drivers and passengers should wear them for safety reasons.

Quality helmets are difficult to come by in Thailand and some motorbike riders buy safer models rather than depend on cheap version provided by rental agencies.

Traffic is dangerous and Thailand has an alarmingly high number of motorcycle fatalities each year. Even experienced drivers should be hyper-aware of other drivers and traffic flow. Traffic drives on the left side of the road.

Renting a Bicycle on Samui Island

Bicycle rentals are an option for hardier types. Riding into mountainous interior areas and along nature trails requires strong muscles and good health but the solitude and sights make the effort well worth it for sporty types. Even hills between local beaches can be quite steep. Bikes cost between 80-120 baht per day and can be found in touristy parts of the island. As most roads are not lit, riding after dark is dangerous.