Discover Thailand’s Outdoor Airline Passenger Terminal in the Island Paradise of Koh Samui

Known For its Palm-Fringed Beaches

Koh Samui is Thailand’s second-largest island and is best known for its remarkable beauty. It is perched in the Gulf of Thailand off the country’s eastern coast. This popular tropical island is approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Surat Thani town on the mainland. Known for its palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, and dense, mountainous rainforest, Koh Samui is truly a magical Asian tropical destination that draws visitors from all corners of the world.

Relaxed and Tranquil Setting

One of the main attractions of Koh Samui is its stunningly gorgeous beaches. Chaweng Beach is the largest and perhaps most popular, serving up a lively atmosphere with numerous beach bars, restaurants, and local shops. Lamai Beach is somewhat more subdued but equally impressive. For a more relaxed and tranquil setting, Bophut Beach and Maenam Beach provide peaceful surroundings with relaxing postcard-like views.

Fully Immersed in the Breathtaking Scenery

The island’s inherent natural beauty is perhaps its most captivating highlight. The Ang Thong National Marine Park, an archipelago comprised of 42 islands, is a must-see with its towering limestone mountains, dense jungles, and many secluded hidden coves. Visitors can go snorkeling, kayaking, or hiking to become fully immersed in the breathtaking scenery. Further inland, the Na Muang Waterfalls are a favorite spot for a refreshing dip and a scenic picnic.

Fisherman’s Village

Cultural and spiritual experiences are also well represented. The Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) boasts a 12-meter-tall golden Buddha statue and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Wat Plai Laem, another significant temple, is an 18-armed statue of the Goddess of Mercy flanked by a serene lake. For a more local experience, Fisherman’s Village in Bophut is a friendly and welcoming area with traditional wooden shophouses, trendy boutiques, and beachfront eateries.

Jungle Zip-Lining

The Friday night walking street market is particularly vibrant. Those in search of adventure can partake in activities like jungle zip-lining, and ATV off-road tours, and in true Thai tradition, there is of course elephant trekking. For nightlife seekers, Chaweng offers a dynamic scene with many nightclubs, beach bars, and entertainment spots. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Koh Samui has something for everyone, making it the quintessential tropical getaway.

The Journey Will Take About 24 Hours

So, what is the best way to get to Koh Samui, you may ask? Well, there are indeed many over-the-water options. For example, a recent addition for those who prefer water vessel transportation is the Seahorse Ferry. This unique travel option from Bangkok to Koh Samui is a fantastic alternative to traveling by air. However, the journey will take about 24 hours and is a great new slow-mode travel option from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Safely Transiting the Gulf of Thailand

With its large ferry, it offers a safe and comfortable travel experience with pleasant accommodations, a host of onboard amenities, and stunning ocean-going scenery. The onboard restaurant serves great-tasting Thai-inspired meals, and a friendly café has available a variety of beverages for the cruise to the islands. It’s an ideal blend of efficiency and pleasure making its way to the tropical paradise of Koh Samui while safely transiting the Gulf of Thailand.

The idyllic Island of Tranquility

Boat travel aside, there is an even more popular way of getting to this island sanctuary. Traveling by air is a fast, safe, and efficient way to visit Koh Samui and its smaller neighboring island Koh Phangan. However, note that Koh Phangan is only accessible by water taxi, but it is well worth the effort to see an even more remote and idyllic island of tranquility and beauty. What truly stands out when flying into Koh Samui is the outdoor-style airport terminal.

The Island Paradise Up Close and Personal

This is no ordinary outdoor airport terminal, it’s a passenger handling facility that has become infused with its tropical surroundings. Whether departing or arriving, the immediate sense while in the passenger terminal area, is that you are already experiencing Koh Samui, the island paradise up close and personal. Tropical flowers, the warmth of the island sun beating down, and décor that is worthy of the best beach residence are all on tap.

The Best-Planned Commercial Passenger Airport

There is little debate that there are many stunningly captivating airports found across the globe, but this one, Samui, is indeed unique and special in several ways. This iconic airport holds the unofficial distinction of being quite possibly the “crown jewel” in terms of the most beautiful and the best-planned commercial passenger airport structure that is perfectly in tune with its gorgeous natural surroundings. Samui Airport is a privately owned facility that is maintained by Bangkok Airways. As such, most flights are operated by Bangkok Airways. However, Thai Airways and others did begin limited flights to Samui in 2008.

Non-Stop Flights to Singapore and Hong Kong

Ground was first broken for this new and innovative airport in 1982, eventually being officially opened in 1989. The airport is situated in the northern section of the island near Bo Phut Beach. The long-term planning for the airport is to transform it into more of an international hub. These lofty goals by airport planners would eventually make Samui second in international flights only to Thailand’s main airport in Bangkok, called Suvarnabhumi. There are already non-stop flights offered to Singapore and Hong Kong from Samui.

The Clever Use of Palm Leaves

Koh Samui International Airport has been carefully and thoughtfully crafted to blend in perfectly with its surroundings, maximizing the airport grounds by constructing fewer buildings and greater outdoor space utilization. The terminal was built by incorporating many local materials like rattan, wood, and palm into the design. The clever use of palm leaves and the natural, large open-air architecture promotes a natural style air-cooling system, making the airport a beacon of eco-friendly design.

Leveraging Polynesian Architecture

Samui Airport is a true example of how to use the local natural environment to create an inviting and relaxing airport terminal. Leveraging Polynesian architecture in symbiosis with lush local vegetation results in what is arguably one of the most serene waiting lounges found anywhere in the world. Creative interior design concepts like an aquarium that is built into the men’s restroom facilities add even more appeal and uniqueness to the experience.

Graciously Welcoming People

Koh Samui Airport artfully combines the perfect blend and the right mix of nature, elegance, and operational functionality. It is far more than just an airport, it’s an interconnected local nature hub with the intent of graciously welcoming people from all over the world to this wonderful Southeast Asian Island. Koh Samui International Airport has been an important contributor in advancing the tourism sector of not just the island, but Thailand as a whole. Why not plan an exciting visit today?