I didn’t think that I would want to write separately about a small airport on Samui, but it is so pleasant that we were absolutely delighted with it. At one time I was amazed Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok, its size and modernity, an abundance of glass and shiny metal surfaces, it is understandable. It would seem, what can you like about a local and very small airport??
The content of the article
Samui airport
How to fly to Koh Samui
The airport belongs to Bangkok Airways and here it sets the rules, or rather a monopoly. The well-known Thai low-cost airlines AirAsia and NokAir do not fly here, which means that ticket prices are not as attractive as for other resorts. If you fly here from Russia, there are no direct flights, there will be at least one connection. I figured out this question in great detail in a post. how to fly from Moscow to Koh Samui.
Usually a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui costs somewhere around 3000-3600 baht (with fees), but we somehow got into the action, and the flight cost 2800 baht, which is more or less comparable to a flight from AirAsia if you fly with luggage on 20 kg. In addition, Bangkok Airways provides a free piece of baggage of 10 kg for an infant (up to 2 years old), unlike other companies, which can be very useful.
Tickets to Koh Samui can be searched through the flight search engines Aviasales.com and Skyscanner.com. You will see offers from all airlines, below in the calendar you can estimate prices in different months.
Online scoreboard of departure and arrival in Koh Samui
Below is an online scoreboard with arriving and departing flights. Information on the scoreboard is displayed in real time and you can always see which flight is expected, which is delayed, etc..
Departure area
The airport on Samui is called Samui International, code USM. Located in the northeast of the island. Despite its compact size, it handles over a million passengers a year. The airport is unusual in that it has no walls ... Generally 🙂 It is blown from all sides.
Once upon a time, I also wondered if there is an airport on Koh Samui, and it turned out that only two islands can be flown: Koh Samui and Phuket. All other islands will have to be reached in other ways. Cheap: bus + ferry, more expensive: plane + bus + ferry. Therefore, do not be surprised that, for example, AirAsia has flights to many islands in Thailand, because in fact these are not direct flights, but transfers..
We fly away from Koh Samui
Our impressions and photos of Samui airport
Firstly, it really does not have walls as such, and the surroundings are as if you are in a large thatched bungalow on the seashore. Warm breezes only contribute to this sensation. Secondly, it is beautiful in a European way. Flowerbeds, lawns, tubs of trees, paved paths, small shops, wicker furniture from the waiting room - everything is like in some fashionable resort. The only thing missing is a pond and a mini-waterfall. Although I would not be surprised if it is there somewhere in the corner. And you will be taken to the plane not on a regular bus, but on an open «golf car».
Airport on Koh Samui
Interesting lamp under the ceiling
Air conditioners cool locally
Mechanical scale for self-checking weight
Corner of Europe
Cozy and comfortable waiting room
Internet for those who do not have their own computer
Carriage of passengers to the plane
Thirdly, there was a playground at the Samui airport. Now we pay attention to such things, because our little boy is quite difficult to entertain with something. Even in the waiting room, you could drink free coffee, tea, cocoa, eat a couple of options for cakes and cheese sandwiches, nibble on popcorn while sitting in a comfortable chair, and connect your laptop / phone to wifi. I won't say that this is really necessary, you don't wait long, but it's still nice.
Playground at Koh Samui Airport
There is where to walk and sit
Some fast food before the flight
Some fast food before the flight
When we first flew to Koh Samui from Bangkok, we quickly ran out into the street and somehow did not even have time to look around. We returned back to Bangkok, having arrived a couple of hours before departure, and it was time to walk around quietly. Although it is not necessary to arrive so early, the airport is small, all procedures are completed in no more than 20 minutes, and boarding the plane begins about half an hour before departure.
How to get from Samui airport to the hotel
I will not paint for a long time, but you essentially have 4 options for everything: take a taxi, rent a car, order a transfer, minibus.
Minibuses
The most budgetary option is minibuses. They walk as they fill. Therefore, after arrival, there is no need to waste time, go straight to them. They cost from 100-200 baht per person depending on the required beach, small children are free. But I think it is clear that this option is more profitable for single travelers than for families with children. Since in a taxi you pay for the car, not for the person.
Minibus cost from Samui airport
Taxi
Although the airport is located not far from the nearest popular places, a taxi costs decent money for Tai there, 400-600-800 baht or more, depending on the beach you need and who you get to. But in general, it's probably easier to take a taxi right at the counter at the airport..
If you want to look for accommodation near the airport, you can see our personally compiled directory of houses on Koh Samui, where more than 80 houses with a map and a photo. Accommodation for a short period can be booked through RoomGuru, this is just a mega-service, you can immediately see in which booking system (Booking, Agoda, Hotels, etc.) the hotel you need is cheaper. We also have our own detailed review. best hotels in Koh Samui.
Taxi cost from Samui airport
Transfer online
Anyone who wants a minimum of body movements can order a transfer to Kiwitaxi via the Internet in advance. You will be met in the arrivals hall, picked up your luggage, put you in the car and taken to the right place. The method is good because there are no problems at all. I have already traveled with them several times and described my experience. It was in Phuket, but the meaning is the same.
Transfer to the hotel on Koh Samui>
You can also order a transfer at the hotel (if there is such a service) where you are going to live. Or you can search on Google for different sites of private traders that offer transfers. The price here is different, but it is comparable to the cost of a taxi..
Car for rent
You can rent a car in advance via the Internet and get it upon arrival at the airport. If you need a car for several days / weeks, then this is the most convenient and best way. By link read my post-instruction on all the nuances of renting, about insurance and deposits, driver's license and other documents.
Rent a car with a discount>
I highly recommend booking through the verified Economybookings website. Their rent is cheaper, sometimes even 2 times. More than once I have already taken and saved. They have only large international distributors represented. That is, there will be no problems with insurance, deposits, etc. But I no longer take from private traders, well, nafig, the price is the same, there is more crap. I arrive at the airport and the car is already waiting for me.
Where is the airport on Koh Samui
Located in the northeast of Koh Samui between Chaweng and Bo Phut. Also nearby is the good Chong Mon beach and, conversely, the so-so Bang Rak beach, where Big Buddha stands.
Samui airport
Samui airport
The only airport on the island. Bangkok Air has a monopoly on it, so you can't fly here on AirAsia. Very interesting wooden airport, practically without walls.
More details
The only airport on the island. Bangkok Air has a monopoly on it, so you can't fly here on AirAsia. Very interesting wooden airport, practically without walls.
