Exploring Sam Roi Yot

A Guide to Getting Around the Enchanting Coastal Gem

There are various local transport options when exploring Sam Roi Yot. Car hire is probably the most obvious choice but if you prefer a more adventurous experience, renting a motorbike or bicycle can be a great way to navigate the scenic roads. Additionally, boat tours and longtail boats offer a unique way to explore the coastal areas and nearby islands.

Fortunately the enterprising locals provide many options, most of which are to be found along the Beach Road that will enable you to get around easily. Most of the restaurants, bars, shops and massage vendors have a sideline in renting some if not all of the following;

Prices will vary dependent on the age and type of machine that you hire as well as the time of year. You should expect to pay more in high season (December, January and maybe into February) when theoretically there is greater demand.

When exploring Sam Roi Yot, regardless of the choice of machine, time invested researching what’s available at what price will stand you in good stead when the time comes to strike the deal. The volume of outlets should enable you to play one vendor off against another as a negotiation tactic to get the vehicle you want at the best price. Rates will range from around 200 THB per day for scooters and 1000 THB per day for cars with salengs and sidecar combinations pitched in between. Rentals can be arranged on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and the price should go down for longer rents.

Motor Vehicle Rental

When renting scooters, motorcycles or cars check that the (square embossed) road tax badge is still current, the year is denoted using the Thai Calendar to convert from Gregorian to Thai simply add 543 to the current year.

With motorbikes or scooters ensure that you include a helmet in the deal. In Thailand, despite the number of people both Thai and foreign, that you will see flouting it, wearing a helmet is obligatory by law for the driver, although curiously not for the pillion passenger. Not using a helmet is the easiest way for a tourist to get stopped by the police in Thailand.

Whilst the application of the law relating to driving and especially motorcycles may seem quite lax or relaxed in Thailand. If you are stopped by the police (or have an accident) you will be expected to show an applicable driving license along with an International Driving Permit (if not using a Thai license). The implication of not having these is, as a minimum, an on-the-spot fine increasing in severity dependent on the nature of the incident. Any insurance that you may have is also unlikely to cover you in the event of a problem if you are not properly licensed.

Bicycle Rental

If you decide motor vehicle rental is not for you then bicycles are available for rent from some, although less, of the vendors mentioned above and from many of the resorts. Many of the local attractions are within cycle distance of Sam Roi Yot Beach and given that the majority of them are sited at sea level there are, for the most part, no hills to negotiate.

Cycling is now a very popular hobby in Thailand, and there is a growing network of cycle paths along the Royal Coastal Highway between Sam Roi Yot and Hua Hin. So long as you are in reasonably good health, cycling in Sam Roi Yot is a good and safe way to explore the local area. In going by bicycle there is also a very good chance, traveling at a quieter more leisurely pace, that you will see more of the native wild life and nature and also have a better opportunity to interact with the local comunity.

For journeys that are not within cycle distance the same outlets that provide the rentals can usually arrange taxis or transport for individual journeys, pick up and returns or full trip itineraries for sight seeing and days out either for individuals or groups. You will find these advertised all along Beach Road, most resorts will also be able to arrange this on relatively short notice although again theoretically High Season will be the busiest period and more notice may need to be given.

With a range of transport options, getting exploring Sam Roi Yot is a breeze, allowing you to fully enjoy all the wonders this beautiful destination has to offer.