How to find a cheap car hire deal in Koh Samui
In search of a cheap rental car in Koh Samui? With an average price of $97 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're wanting an economy ride, a spacious family car, or anything in between, we compare all the best deals to land you a bargain.
Daily home prices in Koh Samui start from just $20.
Staying a little longer and want to explore beyond the tourist trail? $134 is the best rate for a weekly home.
Timing can make all the difference when it comes to finding the best price on a Koh Samui car hire. Try booking around four weeks before your departure date.
Line up your ride with asap car hire, Hertz or Drive Car Hire. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage asap car hire or another company offers for your Koh Samui car hire can vary, so always read the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Booking one-way could score you a discount on your home. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be relocated. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Koh Samui.
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car with a full tank, so you pay only for what you use. You won't get hit with overpriced refueling charges either.
Hit the highway without counting the miles and racking up additional charges. Go to the 'Policies' filter and choose 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $40 a day.
Offering daily rates of around $58, this provider is next in line.
The third option also makes your money go further. Expect to pay roughly $50 a day for one of their homes.
The Large home category is a dependable choice if you're not quite sure what kind of wheels you need. It's also the car type that's booked the most in Koh Samui.
Flying to Koh Samui? Think about an airport pick-up
Keep arrival day hassle-free by booking a car hire at Samui International Airport. If you're flying to Koh Samui through this airport, simply pick up your ride after landing and get moving. The drive to the city centre is about 11 kilometres and takes around 20 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Koh Samui
Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Koh Samui puts you on the road for less. These agile, fuel-efficient rides are ideal choices for short trips and city driving.
Medium: A reliable pick when you want something that's easy to drive but with a few more features. This category includes compact and intermediate models that offer a bit of extra space compared to smaller cars.
Large: Offering a more comfortable driving experience and improved tech features, this Koh Samui car hire category includes full-size cars. With roomier back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV is ready to roll. It's your ultimate road trip buddy, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also promise extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this category of vehicle when you need a car for rent in Koh Samui that can handle the big jobs. Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're built to carry more, whether that's supplies, baggage or a bunch of your favourite people.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Koh Samui car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of an accident or theft. Insurance policies can vary between home providers, so always compare your options.
Take your ride to the next level with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. They can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Koh Samui.
Good to know
Age requirements vary by company (and even car type), so be clear on the rules before you book. Some suppliers in Thailand may rent to younger drivers for an extra fee. If you fall outside the typical age range, simply uncheck 'Driver aged between 25–70' and then enter how old you are to unlock the right options.
Add a car seat to your Koh Samui car rental reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from place to place, but using a child seat suited to their size, weight and age is always the safest way to go.
You'll be asked to provide some documents when you get to the home desk. As a rule, bring your physical driver's license, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking will lay out the exact list.
If you've never driven in Thailand, remember that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits can vary, but it's usually around 55kph in urban areas and 110kph or so on highways. Always go with what's posted on the road signs.
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Thailand is 0.05%. Since alcohol's effects vary from person to person, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink at all.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
You'll be using the Thai baht (THB) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, have some cash on hand for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Koh Samui for drivers
Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time making the most of Three Trees Samui Resort - Sarocha Villa. About 8 kilometres from central Koh Samui, it comes with parking, massage services and express check-in.
Tembo Beach Club & Resort makes things simpler with parking and features such as a beauty salon and a bar. It's roughly 3 kilometres from the city centre.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Koh Samui
Surat Thani is around 88 kilometres southwest of central Koh Samui and deserves a place on your itinerary. Hot springs field is just one of the many reasons to visit.
You'll be well looked after at Myplace@Surat Hotel and B2 Surat Thani Premier Hotel, two comfortable accommodation options with parking in Surat Thani.
Or pick up your cheap car hire in Koh Samui and drive around 48 kilometres southwest to Don Sak. Featuring White Buddha and Kitti Sin Udom Fish Stone Museum, its highlights live up to the hype.
Relax after a day out and about in Don Sak at The Blue C Donsak or Janpa Resort. These hotels cater to visitors bringing their own car.
Drift off to sleep in Ban Mai at either The Singora Hotel or Songkhla Tae Raek Antique Hotel. They've got a room waiting for you and parking availability too.
