on the island

Getting Around Koh Tao

Scooters from 200 THB a day, songthaews at 100 THB per hop, longtails to remote bays. The practical guide to moving around once you arrive.

The Getting Overview

What this guide covers

Once you arrive at Mae Haad pier, getting around Koh Tao is simple. Options are slightly different compared to bigger destinations, scooter is the most popular but not the only choice.

Pickup-truck taxis (songthaews) operate on shared or negotiated fares around the island. Longtail boats reach remote bays not accessible by road. In central areas like Sairee and Mae Haad, walking covers most things.

5 Sections

Every part of the page

Each section below covers a distinct topic. Click in or scroll through, the structure follows how most travellers actually plan their day.

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Section 01 / 05

Scooter rentals

Scooters are the most popular way to get around. Full flexibility to reach beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots at your own pace. Basic automatic 200 THB a day, semi-automatic and bigger bikes (Honda CRF 250 or 300) 400 to 800 THB. Helmet usually included, fuel separate (around 40 THB to fill).

Roads are winding and uneven in places, drive carefully and always wear a helmet. A valid motorcycle licence is required for travel insurance to cover accidents. Check the scooter before riding off, take photos of existing damage, and confirm the rental price in writing.

Best for: independent travel, multiple-bay days, viewpoint chasers.

Scooter safety tips

Section 02 / 05

Songthaews & taxis

Songthaews are pickup-truck taxis that operate on fixed routes or negotiated fares. Convenient if you are travelling with luggage or in a group. 100 to 200 THB per hop within the island, more for longer distances or odd hours.

Confirm the price before getting in, share rides with other travellers when possible to reduce per-person cost. Songthaews run later than you might expect, useful for late-night rides back from Sairee. Do not scooter after drinks, songthaews are the answer.

Best for: airport-style transfers, late-night rides, group travel with luggage.

Late nights

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Off the Road03

Section 03 / 05

Longtail boats

For beach hopping and reaching remote bays, longtail boats are essential. Many beaches like Mango Bay, Hin Wong, and Koh Nang Yuan are easier (or only) reached by boat. Round trip to Koh Nang Yuan 300 to 600 THB depending on negotiation, 15 to 20 minute ride.

Snorkelling tours bundle multi-stop longtail trips for 800 to 1,500 THB per person, includes equipment and food. Independent longtail charter for a half-day costs 1,500 to 3,000 THB depending on where you go. Negotiate and confirm the price before boarding.

Best for: half-day reef-hopping, Koh Nang Yuan trips, hidden bays.

Snorkelling tours

Section 04 / 05

Walking & central areas

In central areas like Sairee Beach and Mae Haad, walking is a great way to explore nearby restaurants, cafés, and shops. Most things in central Sairee are within a 10 to 15 minute walk of each other, the entire beach strip end to end takes around 20 minutes.

Walking is fine during the day. After dark on quieter sections of road, watch for scooters and use a phone torch on unlit stretches. Coastal hill paths are walkable but can be challenging in places, wear proper shoes.

Best for: central-Sairee bases, slow-pace travellers, post-meal returns.

Areas guide

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Section 05 / 05

Tips for getting around

Match transport to your stay. Sairee or Mae Haad base, you can manage with walking plus occasional songthaews. Outside those, a scooter makes a huge difference in flexibility and cost. East coast (Tanote, Ao Leuk) basically requires a scooter.

Carry cash for transport, songthaews and longtails are cash-only. Confirm prices before riding. After drinks, no scooter, ever. Songthaews run late enough to handle the night rides home.

Best for: planning the right transport mix for your stay.

Match transport to stay

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The questions travellers ask us most before they arrive.

How do you get around Koh Tao?

Scooters are the most popular for flexibility. Songthaew pickup taxis for shared rides and late nights. Longtail boats for remote bays and Koh Nang Yuan. Walking for central Sairee and Mae Haad.

How much is a scooter rental?

Basic automatic 200 THB a day. Semi-automatic and bigger bikes (Honda CRF 250 or 300) 400 to 800 THB. Helmet usually included, fuel separate.

Do I need a licence for a scooter?

Yes for travel insurance to cover accidents. Riding without a valid motorcycle licence is technically illegal and your insurance will not pay out if something happens.

How much for songthaew taxis?

100 to 200 THB per hop within the island. Confirm the price before getting in. More for longer distances, late hours, or solo trips.

How do I get to Koh Nang Yuan?

Longtail boat from Mae Haad or Sairee, 15 to 20 minute ride. Round trip 300 to 600 THB. Snorkelling tours from Koh Tao usually include Koh Nang Yuan as a stop.

Can I walk between beaches?

Some yes, depending on which beaches. Sairee internally is walkable. Sairee to Mae Haad is a 30-minute walk. Reaching Tanote, Ao Leuk, or Hin Wong from Sairee on foot is not realistic, scooter or longtail.

Is Koh Tao Uber-style ride-share available?

No. Local songthaews and longtails are the equivalent. Confirm prices and share rides where possible.

next step

Pick your transport mix

Match your stay to the transport that suits it. Most trips need a combination, not one option.

Transport guide