Samui Airport serves Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination in Southern Thailand. The airport is the busiest air field in Surit Thani province and the seventh busiest airport in Thailand. It handles more than a million passengers a year. There are flights to several domestic and foreign travel destinations.
In This Post
Samui Airport Overview
Not only is Samui Airport (USM) a hub for Bangkok Airways, which flies from the airport to both domestic and regional travel destinations.
In fact, the airline owns Samui Airport and therefore operates almost all of the airport’s flights. As a result, the lack of competition means that airplane tickets tend to be on the high side.
But some travelers think that is a plus because it adds to the island’s sense of exclusivity.
Bangkok Airways’ domestic travel destinations include Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Krabi International Airport, Pattaya-U-Tapao International Airport, and Phuket International Airport.
In addition, Bangkok Airways flies to a small number of international travel destinations including Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Chengdu Airlines offers seasonal service linking Chengdu with Koh Samui.
Singapore-based budget carrier Scoot is launching daily service between Samui Airport and Singapore on 13 May 2024. It will increase to double daily service on 6 June.
Located in Southern Thailand, Koh Samui is Thailand’s second largest island after Phuket. It is a a popular beach resort.
RECOMMENDED
Arrival at Samui Airport Thailand
One of the nice things about flying into Samui Airport is the approach. So try to get a window seat on the left-hand side of the aircraft for dramatic views of the island as your plane approaches Samui Airport.
The real fun comes after touchdown, when your aircraft parks on the tarmac. Just like in the pre-jet era, you will deplane by walking down the mobile case of boarding stairs. No jetways here!
Depending on where your aircraft parks, you might need to board an open-air shuttle for a scenic trip to the arrivals area. 
The airport’s picturesque, open-air terminals are surely among the cutest airport terminals in the world, featuring a traditional Thai-inspired design complete with thatched roofs!
Departure at Samui Airport Thailand
If you are departing from Samui Airport, try to get to the airport early as it is a fun place to explore.
In addition to numerous shops, cafes, and day spas, the airport is beautifully landscaped with tropical gardens. In addition, Bangkok Airways operates a Blue Ribbon Club Lounge at Samui Airport.
Changing Money in Koh Samui
You can change money at Samui Airport at currency exchange counters or ATMs.
However, you will usually get a better rate if you exchange money away from the airport. But that doesn’t mean you should change money at your hotel. Usually, hotels and resorts don’t offer good exchange rates, either.
If you need cash to get to your hotel, exchange only enough to get there and then exchange the rest of your cash at a reputable money exchange operator.
Ground Transportation from Samui Airport
If you’re staying at a hotel, your hotel might provide a complimentary or a paid shuttle service to and from the airport.
If it does, there will probably be someone waiting for you outside the terminal holding a sign with your named imprinted on it.
Other transport options include private taxis, private minivan taxis, shared minivans, and rental cars.
If you would prefer to book a taxi in advance, check out Taxi2Airport.
You might also want to try booking a Private Airport Transfer by Car. It is best to reserve in advance.
Location of Samui Airport
Samui Airport is located on the Northern part of the Ko Samui, approximately two kilometers east of the township of Bophut and two kilometers north of Chaweng Beach, where most of the island’s hotels are located.
Samui Airport is close to the Big Buddha Pier, where ferries depart to Ko Pha Ngan. The airport is 6 kilometres southeast of Maenam Beach Pier, where high-speed ferries depart for Ko Tao and Chumpton.
Pre-departure Tips
When you depart Koh Samui, try get to the airport a bit early. After checking in for your flight, resist the temptation to take the shuttle bus from the check-in terminal to your gate.
Instead stroll down Samui Park Avenue, an outdoor pedestrian mall lined with boutiques, day spas, a bookstore, a post office, restaurants, cafes, and coffee houses.
Unlike most airports, Samui Airport (USM) is privately owned. As a result, airline ticket prices to and from the airport tend to be higher than those to and from other airports in Thailand.
Samui Airport is owned by Bangkok Airlines, the airport’s dominant air carrier.
A Passenger’s Guide to Samui Airport (Thailand) is the fifth in a series of passengers’ guides to the Airports of Thailand (AOT).
