There are a few minor concrete roads, which you can explore.The remaining roads are dirt tracks, mainly in poor condition
and can be quite hazardous (even for a very skilled driver),
especially when the potholes are flooded.That is why 4x4 pickup cars are most used here.
There are no clear signs on any of the roads and tracks are very
narrow and sandy-mixed.
If you are a driver,
you should be prepared to move over for something coming from the
opposite direction, maybe even into the jungle!
Jeeps and motorcycles, of all sizes, can be hired by the day, prices
start at 150 Bht to 1,000 Bht upwards. Unless you are very confident
of driving in rough terrain it is best to take one of the pick-up
taxis.Always expect
unexpected when on a motor bike, falls are frequent because of the
road conditions and sudden obstacles, even the dirt tracks can be
hard as concrete when they are baked by the sun!There are several ways of getting around:
There are no clear signs on any of the roads and tracks are very
narrow and sandy-mixed.
If you are a driver,
you should be prepared to move over for something coming from the
opposite direction, maybe even into the jungle!
Jeeps and motorcycles, of all sizes, can be hired by the day, prices
start at 150 Bht to 1,000 Bht upwards. Unless you are very confident
of driving in rough terrain it is best to take one of the pick-up
taxis.Always expect
unexpected when on a motor bike, falls are frequent because of the
road conditions and sudden obstacles, even the dirt tracks can be
hard as concrete when they are baked by the sun!There are several ways of getting around:
Taxis and Motorbike Taxis
These can be found at Mae Haad Pier area or can be stopped on the
roadside.They run from
early morning until 11 p.m. Please be aware that taxi prices are not
fixed and tend to double after darkness, to avoid misunderstandings
always discuss the fare before the ride.
Guideline to taxi prices per person:
From Mae Haad to
Sairee or Chalok Baan Kao 30 Bht
Tanote Bay 50 Bht, min 4 persons, single 200 Bht
Hin Wong Bay 50 Bht, min 2 persons, single 100 Bht
Ao Luk or Thian Og 40 Bht, min 2 persons, single 80 Bht
From Sairee to
Chalok Baan Kao 50 Bht
Ao Luk 60 Bht, min 2 persons, single 120 Bht
Long-tail Taxi Boat
You can reach the most
beautiful beaches, otherwise hard to get to, in a
traditional Long Tail Boat.These can be found at each side of the pier at Mae Haad.They will take you anywhere you want to go, and operators
will suggest places you may like to visit.You can decide on the length of the trip, either half day
or all day, but agree on the price before departure and
dont offend by bargaining too hard.The prices are quite consistent and reasonable.
Below are a few price guides for boat trips:
To Chalok Baan Kao 150 Bht per person
To Koh Nang Yuan 50 Bht , min 2 persons, single 100 Bht
To Tanote Bay 100 Bht, min 3 persons, single 300 Bht
Around the island 2 persons 1000 Bht, 4 persons-400 Bht each
Find a map in most shops and resorts around the island.Its very details and highly recommended for all tourists.
Keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals and the
environment with the necessary respect.Your customs are not standards here. For example, Thais are
offended by nudity; decent clothing in religious sites is required;
heads are not to be touched; feet are not to point.
Be friendly, polite, calm, and keep smiling when things go
difficult.Most of Thais are helpful.
Be careful, if you decide to sleep under coconut trees.It might not be so relaxing as it seems, because a nut can
drop down while you are there.
Keep in mind that you are a visitor and treat the locals and the
environment with the necessary respect.Your customs are not standards here. For example, Thais are
offended by nudity; decent clothing in religious sites is required;
heads are not to be touched; feet are not to point.
Be friendly, polite, calm, and keep smiling when things go
difficult.Most of Thais are helpful.
Be careful, if you decide to sleep under coconut trees.It might not be so relaxing as it seems, because a nut can
drop down while you are there.
There are no streetlights, so get yourself a flashlight.It will be useful when you are back to the bungalow after
dinning out.