Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Ko Samui

There is a version of Ko Samui most visitors never see, and it starts the moment you throw a leg over a motorcycle. Beyond the beach chairs of Chaweng Beach, the island unfolds into jungle switchbacks, golden temple roofs and quiet coastal pagodas that a taxi driver simply won't detour for. Ride out early and you can watch the sun catch the 12-metre Big Buddha Temple before the tour buses arrive, then keep going wherever the road leads.

Samui has no real public transport network — just taxis and shared songthaews that run fixed routes and rarely go where you actually want. The island is only about 25km across, and its ring road is smooth and easy to follow, so a scooter alone would get most travellers around fine. But the interesting bits sit off that ring road: steep, winding tracks up to hillside gardens and inland waterfalls, the kind of gradient where a proper motorcycle in Samui earns its keep over a basic 125cc scooter.

Top 10 things to see in Ko Samui by motorcycle

1. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) — Samui's most iconic landmark on a causeway islet near the airport, an easy first stop with a golden 12m Buddha.
2. Wat Plai Laem — right next door to Big Buddha, with a striking multi-armed Guanyin statue rising over a lotus pond.
3. Hin Ta Hin Yai (Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) — famously suggestive rock formations at the south end of Lamai, a classic short detour off the ring road.
4. Na Muang Waterfalls 1 and 2 — two jungle falls inland from Nathon, reached by a winding hill road that's a ride in its own right.
5. Secret Buddha Garden — a surreal hillside sculpture garden up a steep, twisty mountain track in the island's interior, genuinely off the beaten path.
6. Lamai Beach — the island's second-biggest strip, with a good coastal road past bars and viewpoints.
7. Chaweng Beach — the main beach and nightlife hub, and most riders' anchor point for measuring distances.
8. Bophut Fisherman's Village — a restored wooden shophouse strip on the north coast, best ridden in for an evening at the walkable night market.
9. Mae Nam Beach — a quieter north-coast stretch with a scenic road connecting toward Bophut.
10. Laem Sor Pagoda — a golden pagoda on a spit on the southeast coast, a good excuse to explore the quieter south side of the ring road.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Ko Samui?

Thai law requires a motorcycle-category licence — either a Thai licence or your home licence backed by an International Driving Permit with the motorcycle entitlement. Some shops won't ask to see one, but police checkpoints do, and without it your insurance is generally void. Most rental shops set a minimum age around 18. Expect to leave a deposit; we'd recommend offering cash or a passport photocopy rather than handing over your actual passport.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Ko Samui?

Average rental price is around 900–1,000 THB per day in low season, rising to roughly 1,200–1,500 THB in high season. Larger-CC or newer models typically run 1,500–2,200 THB per day.

• Prices peak in December and January, around the Christmas and New Year rush.
• They drop through May, June, October and November, the quieter, rainier months.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Ko Samui?

High season runs November to February, when demand and prices both climb, so booking a few days ahead is worth it. Low season stretches May to October, with softer prices but more rain showers to plan around. If you want the best mix of good weather and calmer roads, aim for November or February at the edges of high season.

Local traffic rules in Ko Samui

Thailand drives on the left, so keep to the left and overtake on the right. Helmets are compulsory for both rider and passenger, and police do issue on-the-spot fines for riding without one. Speed limits sit around 60 km/h in town and up to 90 km/h on open rural roads. The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, and roadside breath tests are common, especially around holidays. Watch for sand and loose gravel on coastal bends, and keep documents on hand — checkpoints are frequent on the island.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!