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| Samui
Getting Around |
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This island
is an explorer's dream. It is just big enough to offer
a diversity of landscape, vistas, flora and fauna, and yet small
enough to seek adventure in its many out-of-the-way places, while
almost never losing sight of the sea.
Taxi
The least suitable method for
exploring, but the safest and easiest
way to get from point A to B if you don't know where B is by taxi.
Drivers of public (red) taxis have operated here
uncontrolled for years. Regrettably they have been the source of
constant complaints. These include rudeness, overcharging, and worse.
Efforts are being made to address all these problems.
Rent a Jeep
Available from family-owned agencies and a few
large companies whose names you will recognize,
the rental of a 4 wheel drive will give you a lot of freedom. It
can serve as your basic transport, but can also be used to circumnavigate
the entire main ring road of the island (about 1 hour) or more.
There are a number of hillside natural and man-made attractive spots which are conveniently reached
from the ring road. For
adventurers
who have experience in
off-road driving, can head up unto the mountains. If
you can negotiate the
deep narrow tracks
and obviously impossibly steep inclines,
you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the neighbouring
islands including stunning flora and fauna. If Samui were a paradise, its mountains
are its Shangri-la.
Some vehicles come with insurance, but coverage is
restricted. Travellers are advised to ask
for details before renting one.
Motorbike
Many to opt for motor bikes to get around town, to the beach and
out for the evening; making these inexpensive rentals the most popular
option by far. They are fun, fast and easy to park.
But BEWARE. Many local drivers have not received
instructions in traffic safety, and many tourists are often riding
these bikes for the first times in their lives. Many SERIOUS
ACCIDENTS happen and people are killed. The statistics
are alarming but a prudent person need not panic. These accidents
are mostly always due to a serious lapse in judgment.
Songthaew
There is a good public transport link of songthaews on this island
- actually, converted pick-up trucks fitted with bench seats. A lot of them run around Samui on
diverse
fixed routes and its fare is at about 20 baht for a short trip which is paid
at the end of the journey. There are no fixed stops, so
wave one down anywhere and ring the bell or bang on the roof to
disembark. After dark, most songthaews operate as private taxis,
so negotiate a fare before getting on board. At least
several hundred baht is expected to pay to travel between beaches.
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