Since Koh Samui is an island, the most logical way of traveling to Bangkok is by plane. And since Bangkok Airways is the only airline plying the route, you don’t have to consider which airline to take. The only question is, which airport do you want to fly into: Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang? A second consideration is, which kind of aircraft do you want to fly on?
In This Post
Why I Was Traveling
I spent almost two weeks in Koh Samui, and I had a fabulous time. I spent the first week undergoing a men’s vitality program at Absolute Sanctuary.
The second week, I spent several nights at a series of three beachfront resorts. One was exclusive, one was mass market, and one was budget. But they all had equal access to the beach.
When it came time to book a flight back to Bangkok, it was an easy decision which airline to take. Bangkok Airways is the only airline that plies the route.
But I did have a choice of airports. There were three flights a day to Don Mueang International Airport and 10 flights to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
The airports were equidistant from my hotel. I opted for Suvarnabhumi because the airport is newer and more convenient.
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 The ATR 72-600
The ATR 72-600 is a twin-engine turboprop suitable for regional airlines operating short flights and landing at airports with runways as short as 1,050 meters and limited facilities.
Its high-wing design gives passengers an unobstructed view, which is a serious advantage on flights into and out of Koh Samui. The views are absolutely gorgeous!
Bangkok Airways currently has a fleet of 23 aircraft, including 10 ATR 72-600s, 11 Airbus A319s, and two Airbus 320s.Â
Key Bangkok Airways ATR 72-600 Stats
- Flight Number: PG1150
- Aircraft: ATR 72-600
- Number of Seats: 70
- Configuration: single class with single aisle and two and two configuration
- Departure: 1.05 pm
- Arrival: 2.35 pm
- Flight Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes
- Distance: 1,032 kilometers (641 miles)
The Pre-flight Experience
Samui Airport has got to be the world’s cutest airport! The terminal buildings are all open-air. And there is a street between the check-in counters and the gates lined with shops, cafes, and day spas.Â
After checking in, you can either take the shuttle to your gate, or you can walk along the street.
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I wanted to window shop and have coffee, so I decided to walk to the gate. The tropical landscaping was absolutely gorgeous!
I remembered from my Bangkok Airways flight from Chiang Mai to Koh Samui that lunch would be served on the plane, so there was no reason to have anything to eat before boarding.
But I was tempted! There were some very attractive cafes and coffee houses along the way!
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All good things must end. I was delighted when the shuttle pulled up to the plane, and it was a propjet! Not only did it have propellers, it also had overhead wings and large windows.
If I had known, I would have booked a window seat!
 The In-flight Experience
I found my seat, stowed my carry-on luggage, and waited for the plane to depart.Â
For this first and only time on this trip, I sat next to someone that wanted to chat. So we had a pleasant conversation while winging our ways back to the Big Mango.
Lunch consisted of stir-fried pork and slices of carrot and cucumber with boiled rice on the side.
The Post-flight Experience
Flies times when you’ve got an intelligent seat-mate to chat with. Before I knew it, we were touching down at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
There were no hotel greeters waiting for me outside customs. I was on my own to get to my next hotel on my own.
The Verdict
This was at least the third time I’ve flown on Bangkok Airways, and I’ve got no complaints!
Best of all was flying on a prop-jet with those large windows and high strung wings, allowing an excellent view.Â
If I had it all to do over again, I would have booked a ‌window seat. But there’s always next time
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