With a nod to Detroit for their faithful years of service, let’s talk cars. Rental cars.
The basics
Why rent a car on Samui?
Simply put - because there’s lots to see! While our Choeng Mon villa is easy walking distance to the beach, there’s lots to do on Koh Samui.
What sort of license do I need?
Just your valid license from your home country. Legally, an international driver’s permit (which is not a license itself, it’s just a translation) is required, but car rental agencies don’t ask for them.
What side of the road?
Cars drive on the left in Thailand, as in the UK. (And you can turn left on a red light.)
Where do I rent a car?
Two choices:
Airport, your typical Avis or Budget counter
Pro - convenient, often a larger choice of vehicle
Con - expensive 1,500 THB and up per day (US$40+)
Local independent shop
Pro - cheaper, fewer rental agreement terms
Con - can appear “dodgy”
What type of cars are available?
The big corporate rental agencies have a wider selection. Local independents mostly have Suzuki 4X4s and Honda/Toyota compact automatics.
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Rental procedure
- Pick your car
- Ensure it has a license plate/number plate
- Confirm the price. At a local independent they will often quote 1200 THB per day but, if you’re renting for longer than 2-3 days, you will likely be able to bargain to 800 THB/per day (or 700 THB in low season).
- Insurance - the car is insured, not the driver. Confirm that your car has it.
- Sign a lease agreement, which includes the insurance.
- They’ll ask you to leave your passport behind as collateral. This is standard practice.
- Be sure to ask their opening hours and take their business card or mobile number in case you need to get in touch.
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Things to know
Where do I buy gas/petrol?
Flickr: Nitram75
Road side stalls sell 1 litre bottles - though it’s expensive. A better choice are the full service petrol stations dotted around. Most convenient to our villa is one on the lake road, between Chaweng and Tesco.
Where can I park on the island?
For the most part, you can park for free wherever there’s space along main roads. The exception is Fishermen’s Village, where the car park costs 50 THB. Be sure to check for dogs and cats sleeping underneath before you drive away!
Any hazards I should know about?
Yes! And probably ones you won’t often see in your home country. Our closest call yet was a run-in with a rogue water buffalo.
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Koh Samui Sunset
