Koh Samui is a tourist hub full of couples and family-friendly activities. When traveling, one must consider their budget and possible ways by which they could travel around an island of such extreme beauty and charm.
With various services, Koh Samui has modernized to become an internationally renowned travel destination. Whether you fly there or get the train, car, or ferry- you can commit to reaching Koh Samui island by any means possible.
You can fly into Koh Samui. The Samui International Airport offers domestic and international flights. Operating through six different airlines, the airport is eco-friendly and offers amazing services. Moreover, flying is not the only option- you go by train, bus, or take a ferry to the island.
If you are looking to plan your next trip to Koh Samui, then it is time to research and learn a bit about their airports, private planes, and different ways where you can get around the island.
Fly into Koh Samui International Airport
Koh Samui has one airport called the Samui International Airport. Bangkok Airways operated and owned the airport; the airport began business in 1989 when a bamboo thatched structure now resides as a modern-day luxury airport (1).
With eco-friendly criteria, the design has various open-air spaces, including a Thailand Greenhouse Gas management awarded a Carbon Footprint title in the years 2016 and 2017 (1).
Moreover, near the airport are two of the most popular beach resorts in Bophut and Chaweng. One of the most critical aspects of the airport is that it can handle over six million passengers every year (1). With a runway of two kilometers in length, the airport can service medium-sized commercial aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and the Boeing 737 (1).
Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority is looking to improve and expand the entire airport due to a rise in traffic. With over seven kilometers, the airport has six different terminals, four of which are for domestic passengers and two for international passengers (1). A few examples of the operating airlines in Koh Samui are Bangkok Air, Chengdu Airlines, Berjaya Air, Lucky Air, Tibet Airlines, and Silk Air (1).
Not only can you fly into Koh Samui, but you can fly comfortably and with class. The Samui International Airport provides various services and facilities. For example, this airport is packed with an entire shopping plaza, full of retail shops, restaurants, showrooms, and cafes. Alongside international brands are renowned local companies such as Bookazine and Jim Thompson.
Furthermore, one of the best places to rest is the Taste Internet Cafe, which offers a fast internet connection and light snacks (1). Moreover, there is a food court that renowned Thai, Japanese, and other South-Asian dishes. Skincare shops, electronic facilities, cheap souvenir shops, and gift shops are also available (1).
Another part of the airport is the lounge; all three lounges have the same name, the Blue Ribbon Club Lounge (1). Entrances one and two hold the airport lounges for domestic passengers, while gate 6 holds the lounge for international passengers. Lounge passes cost around 880 baht (USD 28).
You can also purchase tickets online and get refunds within 24 hours of arrival. Another exciting part of the airport is the garden (1). Retaining a nature-friendly attitude, it is home to trees, flowers, and plantations that scatter the airport.
Bangkok Airways has plans to upgrade the Koh Samui airport by handling more international flights. For example, direct flights from famous cities like Dubai and Bangkok are at the top of the list (1). The airport also hopes to add six more mid-sized carriers for international services. With a vast amount of international travel and flooding, the airport plays a role in sustaining the tourist and economic activity of the island (1).
How to Travel After Your Arrival
After your flight has landed, you can easily access transportation services that make it easy to commute around the island. For example, you can book a private taxi upon arrival at your terminal or online (1). Additionally, private minivan taxis can carry 6-8 people.
On the other hand, shared minivan taxis can take 5 to 6 passengers and drop them at their ideal locations (1). If you are looking to book a rental online, you have to have a permit to drive on an international level (1). Lastly, ferry and speed boats are also available and cheap. You can travel to neighboring islands such as Koh Phangan and Koh Tao from the Mae Pier and Thong Sala Pier (1).
Flying Private Planes
The Koh Samui Private Jet Charter Service was founded in 2005. Since then, Paramount Business Jets has specialized as a domestic and international private flight service in Koh Samui (2). While this island makes up as a dream travel destination, it is also convenient and has straightforward access to airports, just four miles from the central city.
The company offers an assortment of over 15,000 jets, including light jets such as the Beechjet 400 A and Citation CJ3 (2). Additionally, they provide midsize jets such as the Hawker 800 XP and large jets like the Falcon 2000 LX (2). No matter your dream plane, Paramount Business Jets can help make your ideal flight a reality. You are free to contact their services for questions at +1 877 727 2538 (2).
Alternatives of Flying to Koh Samui
Even though flying is an easy way to get around Koh Samui or reach that particular destination, other cost-saving alternatives exist (3).
Overnight Trains:
These are considered a cost-effective source of travel for those who wish to get somewhere over one night. Bangkok’s Hualamphong Station goes straight to Surat Thani train station (3). Taking 9-12 hours depending on the train, you can take the Don Sak Ferry to Koh Samui (3).
Bus:
The cheapest way to travel from the central city to Koh Samui is by bus. You can directly purchase a ticket at the Sai Tai Mai terminal in Bangkok (3). There are various buses such as VIP, air-conditioned, and non-air-conditioned buses. VIP and AC buses, however, have toilets and require reserved seating (3).
Conclusion
All in all, it is safe to say that you can fly to Koh Samui. With modern-day machinery and new technology, Koh Samui is becoming more advanced. With a luxury airport and connections to various airlines and countries, it is only expected that airport facilities will continue to grow. Moreover, do not fear if flying is not for you because there are endless other options for traveling to the island.
Like always, if you want to discover more about Thailand, stay guided with ThaiGuider. You might learn something you never knew about this unique country.
References
1. Ahmad, Shaif. Airports In Koh Samui – Details About Samui International Airport. Holidify. [Online] October 15, 2019. https://www.holidify.com/pages/airports-in-koh-samui-2155.html/.
2. Paramount Business Jets. Koh Samui Private Jet Charter. Paramount Business Jets. [Online] [Cited: December 30, 2021.] https://www.paramountbusinessjets.com/cities/koh-samui-thailand.html/.
3. Ilse. HOW TO GET TO KOH SAMUI – The Complete Guide. Digital Travel Couple. [Online] November 27, 2019. http://digitaltravelcouple.com/how-to-get-to-koh-samui/.
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