Koh Samui Airport
Samui Airport
Image Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Samui Airport (IATA code: USM) is also known as Ko Samui Airport, or Koh Samui Airport.
USM is a privately owned airport on the island of Ko Samui (or Koh Samui) in Thailand. The airport was designed, built, and is operated by Bangkok Airways, which uses the airport as a hub. The airport was built in 1982 and opened in 1989.
Samui Airport is conveniently located between Bophut and Chaweng beaches and used to be the site of a coconut plantation. The airport was designed to remain in tune with its beautiful natural surroundings. The opriginal buildings were made from bamboo-and-thatch, and, although the airport has modernized sinse, still remains charming and exotic.
Today, both domestic and international flights operate from the airport.
Top Tip: Discovering Thailand? Find out all you need to know about flying domestically within Thailand in our guide.
Location
Facilities
Facilities Include:
Ko Samui Airport has a unique open-air design, with shops, bathrooms, and other facilities located in open-air areas, all surrounded by coconut trees.
Shopping and eating: The airport has a modern and comprehensive shopping and dining area, which is called Samui Park Avenue. The outdoor shopping mall is home to a few boutiques and shops, including a Jim Thompson Thai silk shop, a little book shop. For eating, choose from a small number of restraunts and cafes, including a pizzeria and pub.
Looking for something a little different? Just outside the airport passengers can find a Samui Robot Group shop, which sells handmade artifacts and Alien/Preditor like sculptures made from recycled motorcycles.
WiFi: Free for all Bangkok Airways passengers, inside the lounges.
Children's playroom: A childrens play room (open sides) can be found in the domestic departures area.
Spa: Recently launched, spa services are now available.
Lounges Include:
Blue Ribbon Lounge: Bangkok passengers can an enjoy exclusive service at the airport. This includes a complimentary refreshments and drinks, comfortable seating with air conditioning, free WiFi, TV, newspapers/magazines, and flight monitors. Locations: International Terminal, Airside (Gate 6); Domestic Terminal, Airside (between Gates 2 and 3); and Domestic Terminal, Airside (near Gate 1).
Image Credit: Samui Airport
Runways
The airport has one runway, measuring 2,100 meters long and 45 meters wide.
The runway is strong enough to support the landing of a large jet aircraft, such as Airbus A320-A319 and Boeing 737. These jets take just 50 minutes to fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui.
Terminals
The airport has six small terminal buildings, four for handling domestic flights and two for international flights.
Airlines that fly to Samui Airport
| Airline | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Bangkok Airways | Bangkok–Suvarnabhumi, Chengdu, Chongqing, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Krabi, Kuala Lumpur–International, Pattaya–U-Tapao, Phuket, Singapore |
| Chengdu Airlines | Chengdu |
| Lucky Air | Kunming |
| SilkAir | Singapore |
| Tibet Airlines | Xi'an |
Charter
Berjaya Air also provides charter flights to Kuala Lumpur-Subang
Transportation to Ko Samui Airport
Private Transfer
The Samui Accom Company provides airport transfers, including both private (car/minivan) shared (minivan) services. This option is usually cheaper than taxi. On some occasions, expect to wait 15-45 minutes if sharing a minivan with other passengers.The Transport counter is located at the arrival hall.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in the ground transportation area of the airport.
Car Rental
Car rental counters are located in the arrivals area. Companies include Hertz, Sixt, Budget, and Avis.