Car rental in Samui Airport

Koh Samui, a resort island in Thailand, is a popular destination for beach holidays on the Gulf of Thailand. It ranks second in visitor numbers after Phuket. Beyond its beaches, the island offers numerous attractions, and renting a car in Koh Samui helps you explore each one efficiently.

Even during a short visit, you can explore local temples featuring Indian and Chinese architectural styles, visit the Big Buddha statue, and see the Namuang waterfalls. A rental car provides quick access to popular locations around the island, including the highest viewpoint, a culinary arts institute, and a park featuring exotic plants and rare birds.

Benefits of Renting Through Localrent

Renting in Koh Samui through the Localrent service offers:

1. Convenient vehicle selection. The filter system allows you to find a luxury-class car for maximum travel comfort or rent an affordable budget vehicle. Before booking, you can select a car based on various parameters: brand, transmission type, and engine capacity.
2. Small advance payment. Regardless of your chosen pickup location in Koh Samui, booking through the Localrent website requires only a 15–20% initial payment. The advance is paid by card, while the balance can be paid to the rental company manager in cash or by card (check the terms in the listing).
3. Prices without hidden fees or additional charges. Renting through Localrent allows you to see the final rental cost immediately without overpaying.
4. Wide range of additional options. Before renting a car, you can add a second driver, select a child seat option, purchase extended insurance, or order vehicle delivery to your preferred location.
5. Minimal deposit. You can review the rental company's terms in the selected vehicle listing. Filters also make it easy to sort cars with no deposit or low deposit requirements.

Renting a car online is straightforward, even if you haven't used this service before.

Requirements for Renting a Car

To rent a car in Koh Samui, you'll need:

• Passport
• Valid Category B driver's license
• Bank card for advance payment (payment method for the balance upon vehicle pickup may differ)

Check each vehicle listing for the complete requirements list, including minimum driver age and experience.

Traffic Regulations Overview

Koh Samui, like all of Thailand, follows left-hand traffic. Motorbikes typically use the left lane, so many cars make left turns from the right lane.

Speed limits are as follows:

• Expressways: up to 120 km/h
• Roads outside populated areas: maximum 90 km/h
• Within populated areas: up to 80 km/h

Police take a reasonable approach with drivers who follow traffic regulations.

Fuel Stations

The town has many large chain stations and smaller fuel stops. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere. It's advisable to bring cash if you're planning trips around Koh Samui's outskirts.

All major stations have attendants, though self-service stations also exist. Fuel prices on the islands may be slightly higher.

Parking

Parking is prohibited in areas marked with red-and-white lines, at public transport stops, on bridges, and close to intersections.

Paid parking is available near major beaches, shops, and other public areas. Payment is accepted in cash and by card, similar to fuel stations. All hourly parking rate information is displayed on signs.

How to Book a Car in Koh Samui

To arrange a car rental in Koh Samui through the Localrent service:

1. Select rental dates and pickup/return locations. Consider the daily rate structure—exceeding the rental period by even one hour requires payment for an additional full day.
2. Choose your vehicle. Use filters by car class and brand. You can select the year of manufacture, engine power and type, and transmission. Filters allow you to configure additional parameters, such as sorting cars with unlimited mileage.
3. Add extra options. Filters enable you to include extended insurance. For longer trips, add a second driver; child seat options are also available.
4. Enter driver information. Provide surname, first name, phone number, and email address. You may optionally add messaging apps and an additional phone number.
5. Review the final cost and pay the advance by card. When renting a car in Koh Samui, you only need to pay 15–20% upfront. The balance can be paid in cash or by card to the manager upon vehicle pickup (depending on the company's terms).

After entering your information and selecting options, you'll see the total rental cost for Koh Samui—the final price that won't change.

Where to Go in Your Rental Car

Renting a car helps you comfortably visit Koh Samui's main attractions. We recommend these locations:

1. Wat Plai Laem Temple. One of the most visited tourist sites. This massive complex with unique architecture presents an entire ensemble of buildings in Indian, Chinese, and Thai styles. On its grounds stands a statue of the multi-armed Buddhist goddess symbolizing mercy, along with another statue of the Laughing Buddha.
2. Big Buddha. This 12-meter golden statue is located in the island's northeast. To reach it, you'll climb a 60-step staircase. The statue is surrounded by temple buildings and other sculptures. A viewing platform on the opposite side offers views of neighboring islands.
3. Namuang Waterfalls. There are two, but one is more impressive—water cascades from a height of 20 meters. You can swim in both, but only in designated safe tourist areas. You can climb to the top on foot or in a locally rented jeep with a local driver. Driving your rental car up independently is prohibited.
4. Guan Yu Shrine. A Chinese-style complex known for its colossal statue of the deity. You can visit tea rooms and browse the market stalls located along the road.
5. Magic Garden. A small attraction popular with tourists. Its grounds are set along a mountain hollow and filled with stone statues created by a local enthusiast, mainly depicting animals, Buddha, and other Thai deities.

If these locations aren't enough, visit the local safari park for elephant rides, one of the oldest fishing villages, Ang Thong Marine Park, or Ratchathammaram Temple.

Best Locations for Car Pickup in Koh Samui

You can collect your rental car in Koh Samui from various locations, such as:

• Near Samui International Airport
• At your hotel
• At the rental company office

You can select the location during booking, as not all rental companies offer vehicles at every location. Use the "Specify Location" filter and choose the option that suits you.

Top 3 Rental Tips

To rent a car properly in Koh Samui, read our helpful tips. They'll help you avoid issues throughout the rental period.

Prepare for Vehicle Pickup

Bring your passport, driver's license, and voucher (which can be displayed on your smartphone) to your meeting with the rental company manager.

Before receiving the car, you'll sign a rental agreement and handover certificate. Review both documents carefully. Additionally, photograph the car, particularly areas with any damage. All defects must be noted in the handover certificate.

Pickup and Return Flexibility

You can collect the vehicle in one location and return it to the same or a different one. When filling out the form, select pickup and return locations in the filters at the top. Returning the car to a different location may incur an additional fee.

No Need to Report Your Travel Plans

However, keep in mind that driving is only permitted on paved public roads. Insurance does not cover unpaved roads.

Frequently Asked Questions