Overview
Koh Samui Airport (USM) is a unique and picturesque airport located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui in Thailand. Known for its open-air design that harmonizes with the island’s tropical ambiance, the airport provides a delightful start or end to your Koh Samui experience. It is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, which dominates the majority of flight operations here.
Frequently described by visitors as “the most beautiful airport in the world,” the award-winning Koh Samui Airport proves that it is possible to be both environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing.
Location and Accessibility
The airport is situated in the northeast part of the island, near the popular Bophut area and approximately 2.5 kilometers north of the Chaweng Beach, the tourist center of Koh Samui.
Airlines and Destinations
Despite its small size, Koh Samui Airport accommodates several major airlines offering both domestic and international flights. Bangkok Airways is the primary operator, providing regular flights to destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Krabi. Additionally, international flights connect Koh Samui to cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur. Recently, Scoot has also started operating flights between Singapore and Koh Samui.
Facilities and Services
Koh Samui Airport is well-equipped with a variety of facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience:
Dining and Shopping: The airport features an outdoor shopping area with a selection of shops, including a Jim Thompson Thai silk shop and various souvenir stores. Dining options are also available, offering both local and international cuisine.
Transportation: Multiple transportation options are available from the airport including taxis/minibus taxis and car rental services. Taxi prices from the airport start at 500 THB and provide a convenient way to reach your destination. Car rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore the island independently.
Other Amenities: The airport offers currency exchange services, ATMs, car rental counters, and a tourist information center. The terminals are designed with comfort in mind, featuring open-air waiting areas that reflect the island’s natural beauty. The departure and arrivals areas are a short 2-minute drive from each other, making transfers quick and convenient.
Koh Samui Airport History and Expansion
Built at the behest of Bangkok Airways, who own and run the airport, Koh Samui Airport opened in 1989 and immediately scooped an Environment Impact Assessment Award for its use of locally produced palm leaves and natural, open-air cooling system.
In January 2004, the airport began a 500 million baht ($15m) expansion program. Six new terminals – four domestic and two international – opened in 2007, allowing the airport to accommodate 16,000 passengers a day and increasing the annual passenger capacity from 1.3 million to six million. In 2009, the airport handled 1.3 million passengers and 17,707 aircraft operations.
Design and Architecture
The aesthetics of the airport have not been compromised. The new terminals, built by Ritta Co Ltd, have been designed to look and feel like a tropical resort. It is a low-rise development with thatched roofs, palm-tree pillars, and wooden and rattan walls in an open-air layout that blends with its coconut-plantation surroundings.
Samui Airport has been designed to fit sensitively into its surroundings while being kind to the environment. Built using local materials such as palm, wood, and rattan, the largely open-plan design often negates the need for air conditioning. The new terminal at the airport combines the ambiance of a Polynesian resort and incorporates it with a contemporary Thai design, impressing visitors with its minimalistic architecture.
Koh Samui Airport has won several awards for its design, notably gaining first place in the Outstanding Architecture competition staged by Siam Architects under the patronage of the King of Thailand in 1998 and a Board of National Environment Award for aviation environmental protection and awareness in 1989.
Conclusion
Koh Samui Airport is more than just a gateway to the island; it’s a reflection of the island’s charm and hospitality. With its efficient services, beautiful design, and convenient location, the airport ensures a pleasant and memorable travel experience.
For more detailed information, you can visit the official Samui Airport Guide.
