Songthaews (shared red pickup trucks)

Summary

Songthaews are Koh Samui's only form of public transport: red pickup trucks with two benches in the back ('songthaew' means 'two rows'). They run along the ring road in daytime, you flag them down anywhere, and they are the cheapest way to hop between the main beach towns.

Details

What it is

A songthaew is a converted pickup truck with a covered back and two bench seats. On Koh Samui they are bright red and work like a shared bus with no fixed stops.

How to use it

Stand on the main road (Route 4169 ring road), wave the truck down with your palm facing down. Tell the driver where you are going, confirm it is a shared ride, and get in. Pay when you get off, through the driver's window. To stop, press the buzzer or knock on the cabin.

Routes

Songthaews circle the ring road connecting Nathon, Maenam, Bophut, Chaweng and Lamai, plus some northern and southern side loops. Destinations are often marked in English on the truck. They do not serve the airport directly and rarely serve the quiet south/west coast.

Fares

No meter and no official fare table. Daytime shared rides are commonly quoted at about 50-100 THB per person for typical hops (e.g. Chaweng-Lamai); a 2026 local guide lists Chaweng-Bophut at 40-50 THB and Nathon-Chaweng at 70-90 THB. Travelers report large variance - one 2026 source was quoted 300 THB then 100 THB for the same ride - so fares are approximate and negotiable. After dark (roughly after 18:00-21:00 depending on area) trucks switch to private charter mode and prices rise sharply; agree the price before getting in.

Hours

Daytime service roughly 06:00-18:00/21:00 depending on route; very limited after about 21:00-22:00.

Local tips

• Carry small bills; drivers often have no change for 1,000 THB notes.
• If you are the only passenger, make sure you have not accidentally chartered the whole truck.
• Know the rough price for your hop before you flag one down, and politely walk away from inflated quotes - the next truck is usually close behind.
• For late-night, airport or off-ring-road trips, use a taxi or Grab instead.

Safety

• Hold on when standing or sitting at the back; benches have no seatbelts.
• Agree the fare before the ride to avoid disputes at the end.

Frequently asked questions

What is a songthaew?

A shared red pickup truck with two benches in the back - Koh Samui's version of a public bus.

How much is a songthaew on Koh Samui?

Usually about 50-100 THB per person for daytime hops along the ring road, but prices are not fixed and tourists are sometimes quoted more. Negotiate and confirm before boarding.

Do songthaews run at night?

Mostly no. After dark the same trucks work as private charters at much higher, negotiated prices.

Do songthaews go to the airport?

No, not directly. Use the airport taxi counter, shared minivan or Grab for airport trips.