What You Need To Know

Ko Samui, one of Thailand’s largest islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its palm-fringed beaches circling coconut groves and dense, mountainous rainforest. It’s also home to luxury resorts, posh spas and a rowdy nightlife scene that often attracts a backpacker crowd. The 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai temple is a local landmark.
Area: 228.7 km²
Population: 62,500 (2012)

Currency

• Thailand’s currency is Baht. Bills come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are 10, 5, 1 and tiny satangs. Satangs are quarter fractions of 1 and are not widely used.
• Most international currencies and Travellers Cheques can be exchanged at banks or local moneychangers. Major credit cards are accepted in major establishments as well as at moneychangers. You can get a cash advance on your credit card at most banks and transfer funds into the country, the latter usually taking a few working days.
• There are many ATMs throughout the country, usually with optional displays in English. International ATM cards with the Cirrus symbol link may be used at most ATM’s, although there may be a hefty transaction fee.

Climate

Samui’s weather patterns are a little different from the rest of Thailand. In April through September, when most of the country has its monsoon, Samui stays fairly dry, but from October to December, it’s wet in Samui and drier elsewhere. The driest season is from January to March.

Language

Thai is the language spoken Koh  samui.

Safety

• Tap water is generally not potable. Liquids from sealed bottles nearly always are, and should be used wherever possible. Take care in restaurants as some may use unsafe tap water to make ice for drinks otherwise made with bottled/safe ingredients. Tap water in most hotels should not be used for drinking or brushing teeth unless explicitly labeled as safe.
• Motorbikes are somewhat risky, but jeeps, trucks and other cars for rent are readily available at very reasonable rates, and are considerably safer. If you must use a motorbike always wear a helmet and never drive drunk the roads are hazardous with many large potholes. After a good time drinking in the party areas of Chaweng, Bophut, and Lamai, taxis are readily available to take you home. Be careful generally taxi drivers tend to rip off drunks. It’s not rare for a tuk-tuk driver to charge you 50 baht for just a kilometre journey (for example, along the main Chaweng market) during evenings.
• A recent development has been the appearance of quad bikes to rent for use on the roads. These do not appear to be registered for road use so take care.
• Be careful on beaches at night time as crimes often occur there.

Getting around

By taxi: The Samui Taxi is a public taxi service. The drivers, however, are very reluctant to use their meters (unlike in Bangkok), and, especially on popular beaches or entry points to the island, tend to ask foreigners much more than normal fare.

By Bus: Pickup trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (songthaews) also serve as group taxis. To get from the Nathon Pier to Bophut/Chaweng take a brown one which runs at regular intervals and will cost 50 baht to or from Bophut (do NOT negotiate a fare unless you want a taxi situation as these are the way in which the locals get around. Just ask if he is going that way and get on board. If you want to go to a particular place, then hire a taxi or songthaew and negotiate the price with them first. When you want to get off, just push the buzzer in the roof, and then go to pay the driver.

Motorbike: Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 baht per day depending on the size and season. It is recommended that you hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams. Some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. Also the motorbikes don’t have insurance. If they say they have insurance, it’s not true. If something happens, you can’t claim for it. Read the rental agreement very carefully, as too many will state that you may not replace any broken/damaged parts yourself. This is a scam, as they will replace the part for you for a price several times higher than it actually costs. They will check any old scratches and/or serial numbers, if noted in the agreement, and demand that price even if you have already replaced the part yourself! For the same reason, inspect the motorbike carefully and be sure any existing scratches/damages are written into the agreement before you have taken the motorbike.

Electric Bikes: There is also the choice of Electric Bicycles, which is a good option as there is no International licence needed & they can go a long distance without you raising too much of a sweat. At the moment they have the option of using your passport as security, or leaving a deposit, so you don’t have many of the issues raised above.

Bicycles: Bicycles can be hired very cheaply on Ko Samui. One shouldn’t cost more than a 200 baht per day.

Tips

• The Thai people adore and respect the royal family. Saying anything negative about them, even in jest, is frowned upon. Avoid talking about the royal family, if not in praise. Do not even attempt to say anything negative or you might get into big trouble with the locals.
• Be mindful of your outfits. If you’re going to be visiting a Buddhist temple or other areas where you have to show respect, make sure that you wear the appropriate attire. This means no sleeveless tops and short shorts.
• In entering or leaving a building, check to see if other people take off their shoes or sandals first before getting inside. Some establishments require people to take off their foot wear before entering. Temples and private houses typically do not allow footwear.
• The head is considered to be a sacred part of the body. Don’t ever touch a local’s head, even as an act of affection on children.
• On the other hand, the feet are considered the lowest part of the body. Avoid pointing your feet on a person or a Buddhist monument. Especially when in front of a Buddha statue, make sure your feet are tucked between your legs when seated. Never ever place your feet on a table to rest. Also, avoid exposing the soles of your feet in plain view.
• Always ask first before taking a picture of a monument or a statue. Some Buddhist statues are very sacred such that even taking their pictures is forbidden.
• Give high regard for monks. If you’re a woman, avoid physical contact with a monk as they are not allowed to touch a woman. If you want to offer a gift to a monk, pass it to a man or wrap it in cloth. In public vehicles, there are seats reserved exclusively for monks. Make sure to avoid sitting on those. If all seats are taken and a monk enters the vehicle, offer your seat.
• It is considered rude and uncouth to shout, raise your voice, or express anger in Thailand, regardless of the situation. Never do it! No matter how apt you think it is, if you don’t want to look like an uncultured swine.