| BY TAXI
Going by taxi is the last option for the exploration
around the island. However, it is the safest and most
convenient to get from one place to another if you
don't know where the exact place is. Air-conditioned
Taxis are available in the major public areas and
the price is negotiable and not according to distance
even though there is the ?Taxi Meter? sign on the
roof of taxi. Song Taews (local red taxis) are another
type of transportation and they are basically high
price during high and peak seasons. The fare is higher
at night and is negotiable. During the day time, it
is below 100 Thai Baht per person according to the
distance. It is sorry to say that many people complain
them for the service. These have included rudeness,
overcharging, and bad service. Koh Samui officials
are putting their efforts to address all these problems.
DRIVING A CAR
Renting a car is easily available from many family-owned
shops, famous International car rental companies,
and the tour counters at most of the resorts and hotels.
Renting Jeep is more common on the island. The rental
of a 4-wheel drive vehicle will allow you to freely
explore the whole island. You can visit many hillside
natural and attractions which are easily accessible
from the ring road. You can stop at all these places.
Other kinds of vehicles are available from some shops
and major car rental companies. If you are especially
adventurous and have experience in off-road driving,
you may head up unto the mountains. There, if you
can negotiate the ruts and sometimes seemingly impossibly
steep inclines, you will be rewarded with spectacular
views of the surrounding islands, as well as flora
and fauna that is overwhelmingly beautiful. If Samui
is paradise, its mountains are its Shangrilah.
Some of these vehicles come with insurance, but the
coverage is limited and some even don?t have insurance.
Basically, major car rental companies arrange the
rent with full insurance coverage. It is better to
ask for the details before you rent the vehicle from
any place.
RIDING A MOTOBIKE
Many of the tourists who come to Samui Island prefer
to rent motor bikes to get around the island, go to
the beach and go out for the evening. Since it is
an inexpensive option, it is the most popular option
by far. Please beware that Many local drivers have
not received proper instruction in traffic safety
and there were accidents happened around the island
and some even lost their lives. Moreover, most of
the tourists are often riding these motor bikes for
the first times in their lives. However careful riders
are not necessary to be panic. These accidents are
almost always due to a serious lapse in judgment.
Please do not forget to grab TAKS Guide Booket for
the safe driving tips.
|
