Local Transport Options
Songthaew (shared taxi truck): 20–100 THB per trip. The single road runs north–south along the east coast; hail from the roadside Walking: Free. Most of the main east coast beaches are walkable from each other in 10–20 minutes Taxi boat: 50–200 THB per person. Useful for reaching the quieter south coast beaches not on the main road
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From Bangkok Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai): bus takes 3 hrs to Ban Phe pier + 30 min ferry, costing Bus 150 THB + ferry 80 THB. Buses to Rayong / Ban Phe run frequently; then ferry to island from Ban Phe pier From Bangkok or Suvarnabhumi Airport: private-transfer takes 2.5–3 hrs, costing 1,800–3,000 THB. Most convenient; driver takes you directly to Ban Phe pier From Ban Phe Pier, Rayong: ferry takes 30 minutes, costing 80 THB. Multiple ferry companies; Nuanthip and Malibu ferries are most frequent
Ride-Hailing Apps
Grab is the dominant ride-hailing app in Thailand and works well in Koh Samet. Download it before arrival and link a credit card for cashless rides. Bolt is the main competitor with slightly lower prices. Both are significantly safer and more reliable than flagging random taxis or tuk-tuks, with transparent pricing and GPS tracking.
Motorbike and Car Rental
Motorbike rental in Koh Samet costs 150–350 THB/day and gives maximum flexibility. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required. Wear a helmet — police checkpoints are common and fines are 500 THB. Car rental runs 800–1,500 THB/day. Insurance is essential and not always included in the base price.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Senior Travel Writer · Bangkok · 12+ years in Thailand
James has lived in Bangkok since 2014 and has visited all 77 Thai provinces. He specialises in destination guides, itinerary planning, and transport logistics. Before moving to Thailand, he worked as a travel journalist in Hong Kong and Singapore. He speaks conversational Thai and is a certified PADI divemaster.
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