Getting around Koh Tao by taxi
The road to Ao Lang Kaay is pretty bumpy
There is a single main road on Koh Tao which runs down the east coast from north of Haad Sairee all the way south past Mae Haad pier to Chalok Baan Kao in the bottom of the island. This main route has many smaller tracks branching off it to Ao Hin Wong and Tanote Bay to the west, Ao Leuk to the southeast and Ao Thiang Og to the far south.
Some routes follow over the ridge of small mountains which runs along the centre of Koh Tao. These are hardly ever paved and so quickly become unpassable after a heavy deluge. Even in good weather they can be slipperly and caution is advised. Taxis are plentiful both from the port in Mae Haad and Sairee Village; however, fares tend to be poor value owing to the touristy nature of the island.
Longtail boats offer rides around the different beaches of Koh Tao, and rates must be negotiated directly with the boatman. Short trips cost only 100-200 baht per person, with a full day rental around 2,000-3,000 with a good deal of haggling. All prices depend on seasonal flutuations and the time of day, but this is definitely the quickest and most comfortable method of getting between beaches for most of the time.
Bicycles and motorcycles can be rented at lots of places in all the main tourist centres of Koh Tao (150-300 baht a day), and despite what carefree locals and tourists do you should always wear a helmet. ATVs may seem safer but are just as dangerous and two or three times more expensive.
A major scam on Koh Tao (and all over Thailand these days) is rental shops charging foreigner huge sums for phantom 'damage' which is suddenly spotted when the vehicle is returned. Always check over your bike carefully and make them note down even the smallest speck of rust to avoid being hit with a heft bill later on. Save Way Travel and Owen Bikes, both in Haad Sairee, have been accused of this in the past.
Motorcycle taxis or shared taxi pick-up trucks known as songthaews can be found in busy areas, or waved down by the roadside. They run from dawn until around 23:00, and perhaps a little later during big party nights. Prices generally double after dark, and always agree a price beforehand to avoid a nasty surprise when you arrive.
Fares from Mae Haad pier north to Sairee Beach or south to Chalok Baan Kao should cost around 30 baht per person, with journeys to Hin Wong 100 baht, Tanote 200 baht, and Ao Leuk / Thian Og around 100 baht. Songthaews may insist on waiting for more people who share your final destination before setting off.
