Koh Samui is known for all the right reasons – soft sand beaches fringed with coconut palms, appealing shopping choices, as well as world-class beachfront restaurants and bars. To explore the island, motorbikes and scooters have long been the preferred way to get around. For more than 10 years, Samui Bike Week has been reminding residents and visitors to Thailand’s third-largest island the importance of safe riding. While you probably wouldn’t travel to the island just to join this event, it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of motorbikes, or if you want a change of scene from the postcard-perfect shoreline.

Samui Bike Week highlights

Every May, organisers set up at Phru Chaweng Park (Chaweng Lake), bringing bikers together for two days of everything motorbike-related. Participants ride together in a parade around the island, raising awareness on the importance of wearing a helmet. There’s lots of cool bikes on display, competitions, demonstrations and workshops in safe riding. In the evenings, concerts entertain the crowd as they peruse the booths selling bike accessories and food. All proceeds from the event go towards charity.

Renting a bike on Koh Samui

If you’re experienced and properly licenced, exploring Koh Samui on two wheels can be a fun and rewarding experience. Keep in mind though, that the roads aren’t in the best condition – it’s a tropical island after all – so make sure you wear a helmet (if you can bring your own, even better). Also make sure to double check your travel insurance covers road scrapes.