Getting Around

  • Scooter200–350 THB/day. The only practical way to explore. Roads improve, take care at night.
  • Songthaew (Ring Road)30–50 THB per leg. Follows Highway 4169 around the island. Slow but cheap.
  • GrabImproving coverage. Best used for airport or ferry terminal transfers.
  • Car rental700–1,200 THB/day. Worth considering for families.

Where to Work

  • Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Several cafes with reliable wifi along the village strip.
  • The Hive SamuiDedicated coworking space near Chaweng. Best option for a proper desk.
  • Villa / apartment wifiMost long-stay accommodation now has fibre. Many expats work from home.

Coworking options are limited compared to Phuket or Chiang Mai. Plan around your accommodation's internet quality.

Eat & Drink

  • Fisherman's Village (Bo Phut)Best restaurant strip on the island. Good for an evening out — varied, not overpriced.
  • Bangrak pier areaLocal eats near the ferry terminal. Cheap, not touristy.
  • LamaiMore local than Chaweng. Good street food night market.
  • ChawengMost choice but most touristy. Useful for variety, not for value.

Stay Healthy

  • Bangkok Hospital SamuiMain private hospital. Chaweng area. Best on the island for most things.
  • Samui International HospitalSecond private option. Central Chaweng, English-speaking.
  • For emergenciesSerious cases go to Bangkok via Samui Airport (15 min flight) or Surat Thani (ferry + 1h). Plan ahead.

Beaches

  • Bo Phut (north)Calm, good for swimming, village feel. One of the quieter main beaches.
  • LamaiLong stretch, slightly quieter than Chaweng, better for actual swimming.
  • ChawengLongest beach. Busy, developed, jet skis. The obvious choice, not always the best one.
  • Silver Beach (Taling Ngam)West coast, sheltered bay, far fewer people. Worth finding.