Koh Samui Airport: A Compact Gateway To Paradise

Samui International Airport, also known as Koh Samui Airport, is a privately-owned international airport on the island of Ko Samui in Thailand. The airport is located in the island's Bo Phut subdistrict, roughly 2km north of Chaweng, the island's largest town. Construction began in 1982 and the airport officially opened in 1989. The airport has a unique, open-air design with plenty of tropical features, and is known for its relaxed atmosphere. In terms of size, the entire airport, excluding the runway and security perimeter, is roughly the size of Heathrow Terminal 5, with the domestic and international terminals within a 50-meter walking distance of each other. The airport's runway is two kilometres long, capable of serving medium-sized commercial aircraft.

Runway length

The runway at Koh Samui Airport has been extended to 2,100 metres to handle an increase in flight numbers. The airport is capable of serving medium-sized commercial aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320.

The airport was built by Bangkok Airways and opened in 1989 with a runway length of 1,800 metres. It is Thailand's seventh-busiest airport, handling more than one million passengers annually. The airport has a unique, open-air design, with indoor areas limited to the gift shop, ticket office, toilets, and VIP lounge.

Bangkok Airways plans to turn the airport into a second international air hub, offering direct flights to Dubai, Shanghai, Bali, and Kuala Lumpur. The airline has already added six mid-sized carriers, including the Airbus A320, to its fleet for international services.

Koh Samui Airport has been described as the most beautiful airport in the world, renowned for its environmentally friendly design and natural, open-air cooling system. The airport features a garden with a variety of trees, flowers, and plants, creating a relaxing atmosphere for passengers.

Terminals

Samui International Airport (USM) is a privately-owned international airport on the island of Ko Samui in Thailand. It is operated by Bangkok Airways, which runs almost all of the flights to and from the airport. The airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and one for international. The terminals are open-sided and have a unique, eco-friendly, open-air design, with plenty of tropical gardens. The domestic terminal has four sections, while the international terminal has two, and they are within a 50-metre walking distance of each other.

The airport has a runway that is two kilometres long, capable of serving medium-sized commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320. However, the runway is smaller than that of Phuket's airport, so Koh Samui Airport has fewer direct international flights as larger planes do not fit.

The airport has a dedicated food and shopping area called Samui Park Avenue, which is located on the non-secure side. Here, you can find gift shops, fashion products, and a decent selection of cafes and restaurants. There are also two duty-free shops, one in International Arrivals and one in International Departures.

There are three lounges at Koh Samui Airport: the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge. One is for international passengers, and the other two are for domestic passengers. To reserve a seat, you must purchase a lounge pass online. The airport also provides free Wi-Fi access to all passengers and has a currency exchange counter and ATMs in the arrivals hall.

Location

Samui International Airport (IATA: USM), also known as Ko Samui Airport or Koh Samui Airport, is located on the island of Ko Samui (Koh Samui) in Thailand. The airport is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways. It is situated in the Bo Phut subdistrict of the island, approximately 2 kilometres (1 mile) north of Chaweng, the island's largest town and main city. Chaweng is also known for its beach and luxury beach resorts. The airport is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) from Nathon, the island's administrative centre.

Koh Samui Airport is conveniently accessible from Route 4169, the ring road that encircles the island. This means that travellers can easily reach the airport regardless of their starting point on the island, as long as they can get to Route 4169. The airport is also located near the Big Buddha Pier, where ferries depart for nearby islands such as Ko Pha-ngan.

The airport is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby beaches, dense rainforest, and coconut groves. It is known for its unique, eco-friendly, and open-air design, with indoor areas limited to the gift shop, ticket office, toilets, and VIP lounge area. The airport has a garden with a variety of trees, plantations, and dazzling flowers like orchids and frangipani, creating a nature-friendly atmosphere.

Koh Samui Airport has two terminals: a domestic terminal and an international terminal. The terminals are within a short walking distance of each other, approximately 50 metres (0.03 miles) apart. The airport has a runway that is 2 kilometres long, capable of accommodating medium-sized commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320.

Transport options

Samui International Airport, also known as Ko Samui Airport or Koh Samui Airport, is a privately owned international airport on the island of Ko Samui in Thailand. The airport is located roughly 2 km north of Chaweng, the main city and largest resort centre on the island.

There are several transport options available to and from Koh Samui Airport.

Airport transfers

You can book an airport transfer to take you from the airport to your hotel or accommodation. This option offers a comfortable and stress-free journey, with air-conditioned vehicles available in various sizes to suit your group. You can also book a private transfer service with a chauffeur, providing a more luxurious and discreet travel experience.

Car rental

If you prefer to drive yourself, renting a car at Koh Samui Airport is a convenient option. All the major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, making it easy to arrange your transport for your stay on the island.

Taxi

Taxis are also available at the airport, offering a quick and easy way to get to your destination.

Ferry

For those looking to explore the surrounding islands, ferries depart from the nearby Big Buddha Pier, providing access to destinations such as Ko Pha-ngan.

Speedboat

You can also book a tour on a fast speedboat to explore the Angthong archipelago, which comprises 42 islands. This option often includes kayaking and snorkelling equipment, allowing you to discover the area's pristine waters and picturesque islands at your own pace.

With a range of transport options available, you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and travel plans, ensuring a seamless arrival or departure from Koh Samui Airport.

Food and shopping

Samui International Airport, also known as Ko Samui Airport or Koh Samui Airport, is located on the island of Ko Samui in Thailand. The airport is known for its unique, open-air design, with most areas being outdoors. The indoor areas include a gift shop, ticket office, toilets, and a VIP lounge.

Koh Samui Airport has an outdoor shopping mall with a variety of shops, including a Jim Thompson Thai silk shop and a bookshop with a range of books about Thailand. There is also a covered walkway if you prefer to shop in the shade. The airport's gardens feature a variety of plants and trees, including the cannonball tree.

The shopping area is located between check-in and departures, and there are also a few shops in the domestic departures area. However, options are limited on the international side.

Although food options are not specifically mentioned, it can be assumed that there are food options available at the airport, as it is Thailand's seventh-busiest airport, handling over a million passengers annually.

Frequently asked questions