Koh Samui Airport
Address: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Airlines: Bangkok Airways
Have you ever experienced the luxurious feeling of stepping off a plane and walking through an airport that feels like an open resort? If not, then Samui Airport located in Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani, Thailand, is your answer. Samui Airport is a privately-owned international airport operated solely by Bangkok Airways and it welcomes almost 6 million passengers annually. In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at Samui Airport, its facilities, and why it stands out among international airports.
Map of the Samui Airport
Koh Samui Airport has recently opened a whole new modern terminal and closed the old thatched roof area. It is still fitting with the surrounding areas and has much more to offer the visitor now, with an arcade of shops, better security, and a greater emphasis on customer service. The rest of the area is very pleasant with palm trees at the entrance and lush green tropical gardens.
There are two separate entrances to Samui Airport, one for Departures and one for Arrivals. The departure entrance is located closer to the Chaweng side of the airport while the Arrivals is further north towards Big Buddha Beach. Do not worry if you take the wrong entrance; they are only five minutes apart, so you will not miss your flight.
Routes to and from Samui Airport
- Koh Samui <> Bangkok
- Koh Samui <> Phuket
- Koh Samui <> Singapore
- Koh Samui <> Rayong
- Koh Samui <> Chiang Mai
- Koh Samui <> Krabi
- Koh Samui <> Chengdu
Samui Airport is a bustling transportation hub, connecting travelers to some of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia. For those looking to explore Thailand’s cities, Bangkok takes the lead with 144 flights per week, making it the top route from USM. Phuket comes in at a close second with 35 weekly flights, followed by Singapore with 14. Rayong, Chiang Mai, and Krabi are also popular choices for those seeking a more off-the-beaten-path adventure, each offering seven flights per week. And for those looking to venture beyond Thailand, Chengdu is a unique option with three weekly flights departing from Samui Airport. With so many options, it’s no wonder why Samui Airport is a key gateway to some of the region’s most exciting destinations.
History of Samui Airport
Samui Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is an open resort-like experience with mesmerizing architecture, lush greenery, and water features that stun travelers and make them feel welcomed and relaxed. Its construction began in 1982 and was officially opened in April 1989. Travelers highly appreciate its interior design and amenities. It’s also a great place to take photos for Instagram! The comfortable setting makes it stand out from other airports worldwide.
Facilities at Samui Airport
Within its 7,300 square meters, Samui Airport provides different facilities for passengers to ensure that their experience at the airport will not be stressful. For instance, passengers can even escape the monotony of waiting by visiting the airport’s small library with a wide range of books.
Passengers can also keep their devices charged up at phone charging stations around the airport. Additionally, lots of cafes and restaurants available serve tasty cuisine to passengers who feel peckish.
The airport on Koh Samui is still relatively small compared to others in Thailand but retains a unique quality of knowing you are somewhere special when you land here. When you land you are often greeted with a necklace of orchids to let you know you have a tropical wonderland.
Before you leave Samui take some time to wander down Park Avenue at the airport where you can find a street full of great shops and filling restaurants for last-minute gifts or to fill you up on the way home.
Transportation from Samui Airport
There are a few transport options from Koh Samui Airport, and it’s easy enough to get to your destination. Unfortunately, a taxi mafia tends to prevail on the island and most arrivals are faced with a relatively expensive set fee (about 500 baht) to any destination on Koh Samui, without the meter.
The most expensive option is to take a private taxi. Still, there are also minivans – where the price will depend on the number of people traveling, the cheapest option is to walk out of the airport and take a songthaew if you can find one, or balance yourself and your luggage on the back of a motorbike taxi.