5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Koh Samui
What Not to Do in Samui on Your 1st Visit
The mistakes people make when visiting Koh Samui can be quite expensive and potentially ruin your vacation experience. However, the island is a very safe destination to visit, and such mistakes are easily avoided if you know what to look out for. Most of these potential scams and hazards are fortunately already pretty well-known and may even sound obvious to experienced travelers. However, it’s easy to forget them in the excitement of discovering such an exciting, exotic destination.
The old quote “forewarned is forearmed” sums it up nicely, which is why we’ve listed a collection of known problems to avoid in Samui below.
5 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Koh Samui
- Being unaware of Samui taxi cabs rules
- Underestimating how dangerous the roads are
- Ignoring the personal watercraft scam
- Getting careless and inattentive at night
- Failing to look out for creepy crawlies
1. Being unaware of Samui taxi cabs rules
Knowing what to expect can save money and time
Categoría: Económico, Parejas, Familias
There are two types of taxi cab in Samui; metered taxi cabs and songthaews (pick-up trucks used as buses). If you choose a taxi, always ensure that the meter is turned on and don’t accept any discussion of a flat fare with the driver. If the driver refuses, find another taxi cab. Late at night as all taxi cabs might start using flat fees, so just haggle it down as low as you can.
Songthaews are cheaper than metered taxi cabs but they have a set route so they might not take you exactly to your destination. Some drivers try double pricing for tourists but even then the price is still pretty cheap, so just smile and pay the fare.
Being unaware of Samui taxi cabs rules
2. Underestimating how dangerous the roads are
You might hit a pothole if you’re not careful
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
Driving in Samui, and more generally in Thailand, can be somewhat risky. Samui roads are generally in poor condition due to the increasing number of vehicles that use them and the tropical maritime climate which, in rainy season, wreaks havoc on the road surfacing.
That said, driving in Samui can be very pleasant for experienced drivers, it just requires more attention and prudence, especially if you’re on a motorbike. It’s certainly wise to take it slow, especially at night. Above all else, do not expect other motorists to behave like they would in your home country. Expect the unexpected at all times.
Underestimating how dangerous the roads are
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3. Ignoring the personal watercraft scam
Photos might save your day
Categoría: De aventura, Económico
The personal watercraft trick is simple: you’ve enjoyed a jetski ride and upon returning the watercraft, the owner claims that you’ve damaged it. They say that you’re liable to pay exorbitant amounts of money to get it fixed, otherwise he’s going to call the police.
The best way to avoid this is to simply not rent a personal watercraft. If you really want to go out on a jetski, take as many photos of the vehicle as possible, including close-up shots of any pre-existing damage, before you ride it. And always, remember to update your insurance policy before you travel and rent any vehicle.
Ignoring the personal watercraft scam
4. Getting careless and inattentive at night
Pickpockets and scammers live for your mistakes
Categoría: De aventura, Vida nocturna en
Going out at night in Samui is pretty safe, but the same general precautions you would take anywhere else in the world should be applied here. Vigilance is the only way to avoid trouble while going out at night: pickpockets, drink spikers, and other scammers are in a tiny minority, but they are present in Samui. And it only takes one to ruin your night.
It’s wise to only carry the cash you need for that night and be discreet. Also note that people can be rather hot-tempered after a few beverages, so it’s best not to get involved in any kerfuffle. Leave it to the authorities because things can get out of hand rapidly.
Getting careless and inattentive at night
5. Failing to look out for creepy crawlies
Tropical insects and reptiles are part of the package
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
Koh Samui is a tropical island covered by lush vegetation, sheltering a variety of insects and reptiles. The chances that you’ll encounter a centipede, scorpion, or cobra during your vacation are pretty slim, yet it may happen.
To stop any unexpected visitors entering your room, keep windows and doors closed and, if you store your shoes outside, double-check inside them before putting them on. Some mosquitoes in Samui may carry diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Don’t forget to use a good mosquito repellent, especially between 4 pm and 8 pm, when the Aedes aegypti (the mosquito that spreads these fevers) is the most active.
Failing to look out for creepy crawlies
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