Introduction
Welcome to Koh Samet, Thailand’s enchanting island getaway! Known for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere, Koh Samet offers a truly unique escape. But there’s something else that makes this island distinctive: there are no private cars, only taxis!
This car-free policy helps preserve the island’s tranquility and charm. Getting around is surprisingly simple, with a well-organized taxi system operating from designated pick-up and drop-off points across the island. Each taxi stand proudly displays a sign listing fixed prices to various destinations, ensuring transparency for travelers.
To make your journey even smoother, we’ve compiled all the essential taxi fares into easy-to-read tables. No more guesswork or haggling – just pure, straightforward travel planning!
Understanding Koh Samet’s Taxi System
On Koh Samet, taxis are essentially modified pickup trucks (often called Songthaews). They run on a fixed-price system for pre-determined routes. You simply approach a designated taxi stand, check the price board, and indicate your destination.
The prices vary depending on whether you’re paying “per person” (ideal for solo travelers or small groups happy to share) or if you want to “charter” the entire taxi for privacy and direct transit.
Let’s dive into the prices!
Option 1: Individual Fares (Per Person)
If you’re a solo adventurer or a small group looking for the most economical way to travel, the “Per Person” fare is for you. You’ll pay a set amount per seat. Keep in mind that the taxi might wait for other passengers heading in a similar direction.
Here’s the breakdown of per-person taxi fares across Koh Samet:
Koh Samet Taxi Fares (Per Person)
| Origin / Destination | SAIKAEW BEACH | PIER | AO NOYNA | AO PHAI | AO TUBTIM | AO NUAN | AO PHRAO | AO LUNGWANG | AO VONGDUEN | AO SANG THIAN | AO LOONGDUM | AO WAI | AO KIU | AO PAKARANG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIKAEW BEACH | – | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 60 |
| PIER | 40 | – | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 50 | 50 | 60 |
| AO NOYNA | 40 | 40 | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 70 | 70 |
| AO PHAI | 20 | 20 | 30 | – | 20 | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO TUBTIM | 20 | 20 | 30 | 20 | – | 20 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO NUAN | 30 | 30 | 30 | 20 | 20 | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO PHRAO | 30 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO LUNGWANG | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO VONGDUEN | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 | 50 |
| AO SANG THIAN | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| AO LOONGDUM | 40 | 30 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 40 | 30 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 40 | 40 |
| AO WAI | 50 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 30 | 30 | – | 30 | 30 |
| AO KIU | 60 | 50 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 40 | 30 | – | 20 |
| AO PAKARANG | 60 | 50 | 70 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 40 | 30 | 20 | – |
Option 2: Charter Fares (Per Taxi)
For larger groups, families, or if you simply prefer the convenience and privacy of having the entire taxi to yourself, chartering is the best option. You’ll pay a flat rate for the vehicle, regardless of how many people are in your group (up to the taxi’s capacity). This can sometimes be more cost-effective for groups of 4 or more, depending on the route.
Below is the comprehensive list of charter taxi fares for the whole vehicle:
Koh Samet Taxi Charter Fares (Per Taxi)
| Origin / Destination | SAIKAEW BEACH | PIER | AO NOYNA | AO PHAI | AO TUBTIM | AO NUAN | AO PHRAO | AO LUNGWANG | AO VONGDUEN | AO SANG THIAN | AO LOONGDUM | AO WAI | AO KIU | AO PAKARANG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SAIKAEW BEACH | – | 100 | 200 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 200 | 250 | 200 | 300 | 300 | 400 | 450 | 500 |
| PIER | 150 | – | 200 | 150 | 200 | 200 | 250 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 250 | 400 | 450 | 500 |
| AO NOYNA | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 200 | 300 | 200 | 200 | 400 | 300 | 450 | 600 | 600 |
| AO PHAI | 150 | 150 | 200 | – | 150 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 250 | 250 | 350 | 450 | 450 |
| AO TUBTIM | 200 | 200 | 300 | 150 | – | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 250 | 250 | 350 | 400 | 450 |
| AO NUAN | 250 | 200 | 300 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 200 | 250 | 250 | 350 | 400 | 450 |
| AO PHRAO | 200 | 250 | 300 | 200 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 300 | 300 | 350 | 400 | 400 |
| AO LUNGWANG | 250 | 200 | 300 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 400 |
| AO VONGDUEN | 200 | 250 | 300 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 300 | 350 | 400 |
| AO SANG THIAN | 300 | 300 | 400 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 300 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 200 | 300 | 400 |
| AO LOONGDUM | 300 | 250 | 300 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 300 | 250 | 200 | 200 | – | 200 | 400 | 400 |
| AO WAI | 400 | 400 | 450 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 350 | 300 | 300 | 200 | 200 | – | 250 | 250 |
| AO KIU | 450 | 450 | 600 | 450 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 350 | 300 | 400 | 250 | – | 100 |
| AO PAKARANG | 500 | 500 | 600 | 450 | 450 | 450 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 250 | 100 | – |
How to Read the Tables:
Origin / Destination: Find your current location (where you’re starting from) in the far-left column.
Destination Columns: Look across that row to find the column for your desired destination.
The Price: The number at the intersection of your “Origin” row and “Destination” column is your fixed price in Thai Baht (THB).
Dashes (-): A dash indicates you are already at that location, so the price is 0.
Locating Your Ride: Taxi Stations on Koh Samet
Knowing the prices is one thing, but knowing where to catch your taxi is just as important! To help you navigate Koh Samet with confidence, we’ve put together a handy guide to the main taxi stations. Each designated spot is typically marked with the official price sign you’ve seen in our tables.
Below, you’ll find each key taxi station, complete with a direct link to its approximate location on Google Maps, and a reference to the sign you’ll be looking for.
PIER Taxi Station (Na Dan Pier)
The closest taxi station to The Cocoon Hostel and your main entry and exit point to Koh Samet. Taxis are waiting right as you disembark the ferry.
SAIKAEW BEACH Taxi Station
The bustling hub on the most popular beach, often your first stop from the main pier.
AO PHRAO Taxi Station
On the west coast, famous for its stunning sunsets and upscale resorts.
AO PHAI Taxi Station
A popular mid-island beach known for its relaxed vibe and fire shows.
AO TUBTIM Taxi Station
Just south of Ao Phai, another beautiful stretch of sand.
AO VONGDUEN Taxi Station
A crescent-shaped bay on the east coast, known for its lively restaurants and accommodations.
AO SANG THIAN
A serene beach often visited for its natural beauty.
AO WAI
Further south, offering a more rustic and peaceful atmosphere.
AO PAKARANG
The southernmost point, offering untouched nature and tranquility.
Exploring Beyond: The “Around the Island” Taxi Tour
Beyond the convenient point-to-point transfers, another fantastic way to experience Koh Samet is by chartering a taxi for an “Around the Island” tour. This is a popular option for those who want to see multiple beaches, viewpoints, and hidden gems without the hassle of arranging separate trips.
When you charter for an island tour, you hire the taxi for a set period (or a pre-agreed itinerary of stops). The driver acts as your guide, taking you to various beautiful bays, scenic spots, and even some lesser-known areas. It offers ultimate flexibility and convenience, allowing you to stop for photos, swim, or relax at your leisure.
Typical Cost: While not listed on the standard point-to-point signs, an “Around the Island” tour generally ranges from 1,000 to 2,000 THB for the whole taxi, depending on the number of hours, the specific beaches you want to visit, and how long you plan to stay at each spot.
How to Arrange It: Simply approach any taxi station, and inform the driver that you’re interested in an “Around the Island” tour. You can discuss the route and duration directly with them to agree on a price. It’s an excellent value, especially for groups, providing a private and customized sightseeing experience.
Pro Tips for Taxi Travel on Koh Samet:
- Confirm First: While prices are fixed, it’s always good practice to confirm the price with the driver before you board, especially if you’re unsure of the exact location name.
- Group Size Matters: For groups of 3 or more, compare the “Per Person” total with the “Charter” price. Sometimes chartering is cheaper or only slightly more for much greater convenience.
- Around the Island Tours: Note that these tables are for point-to-point travel. If you’re interested in a full island tour with multiple stops, inquire about a dedicated “Around the Island” charter, which typically has a separate, higher flat rate (e.g., 1,000-2,000 THB depending on duration and stops).
- Politeness Goes a Long Way: A friendly smile and a “Khob Khun Krub/Ka” (thank you) always make for a pleasant experience.
With these tables in hand, you’re now fully equipped to navigate Koh Samet’s charming taxi system like a local. Enjoy your hassle-free travels and soak in all the beauty this incredible island has to offer!