Koh Samui Airport in Thailand

Koh Samui Airport. Koh Samui International Airport is the first thing you'll notice when you arrive on the picturesque island of Koh Samui. This uniquely designed airport catches your attention immediately, as it blends subtly - yet unmistakably - into the island's already stunning natural beauty. The architects had a deep understanding of the idea that there's no second chance to make a first impression.     Koh Samui International Airport has a timeless character that makes it hard to tell just how long it has actually existed. This beautiful structure was developed in 1982 by the CEO and President of Bangkok Airways, Dr. Prasert Prassarttong-Osoth. He wanted the new airport to help him launch Bangkok Airways, a brand-new airline. His vision was realised seven years later with the help of the Habita Company. The brilliant minds behind this project created a breathtaking design that takes the natural surroundings into account. Koh Samui International Airport was specifically tailored to its environment and maximises space by using very few buildings. It was built from local materials such as rattan, wood and palm leaves. The use of palm fronds and the natural, open-plan design act as a natural air-cooling system and reduce the airport's carbon footprint. The airport got a new terminal, built in 2008, that fully embraces Polynesian architecture. Rounded shapes are just as important to this style of design as the large openings. Koh Samui International Airport doesn't skimp on modern comforts either, as the warm colours and wooden interior create a natural, relaxed atmosphere. Naturally, embracing Polynesian architecture doesn't come without lush local vegetation, which makes it the best lounge you could wish for on any trip. Clever design touches, like the aquarium in the men's restroom, add a fantastic touch of class.       Although Samui International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Thailand, getting through it is fairly straightforward. Immigration, customs and baggage claim usually only take a short amount of time. It's genuinely impressive how easily and pleasantly you can get through immigration - not to mention the equally simple baggage collection. The necessary formalities could hardly be handled better than the people of Samui manage them on this holiday island. Tip: You can log straight into the airport's free WiFi after you arrive, or buy a Thai SIM card from providers DTAC, AIS or TRUE.  

The best tours on Koh Samui Explore now

          The first step of any Thailand holiday is getting through the airport. If you travel often, you know the drill... Koh Samui Airport isn't really any different from other airports in that respect. Here your plane lands, you pass through security and customs, collect your bag and finally start your holiday. But before you head into paradise and dive into Koh Samui's activities, here are some more interesting facts about what is probably the most beautiful airport in the world, on Koh Samui. #1 True to its tropical paradise character, everything on the island looks and feels straight out of a Thailand holiday postcard. Even Koh Samui Airport doesn't escape the tropical resort atmosphere. The moment your plane lands at Koh Samui Airport, only one thought comes to mind: you're in paradise now. The design of Koh Samui Airport makes use of the exotic island setting, with coconut palms and wooden furniture. Two terminals are open-air, and many facilities are outdoors, with the exception of a few indoor spaces such as the airport offices. The architecture of Koh Samui Airport captures the island's tropical paradise personality, setting it apart from the usual sleek, modern, industrial-looking airports you'd normally see. #2 To keep up with the tropical getaway atmosphere, there's a holiday "staple" right at Koh Samui Airport. The recently introduced wellness offerings now await travellers for one last relaxing hurrah before you board your flight. With the new wellness options at Koh Samui Airport, you can make the most of your Thailand holiday right up until the very last minute! #3 Samui Park Avenue is Koh Samui's shopping centre. But instead of looking like a luxury mall, the shops at Koh Samui Airport look more like an open-air promenade. Samui Park Avenue at Koh Samui Airport sits in an open space surrounded by coconut palms and offers a wide selection of shops and restaurants where you can shop and dine while waiting for your flight. #4 Koh Samui Airport is currently the sixth-largest airport in Thailand. With over two million visitors in 2014, travel volume here shows no sign of slowing, especially given plans to turn Koh Samui Airport into Thailand's hub for international visitors. There's currently a range of flights to Koh Samui, but future plans envisage the authorities adding further direct international flights to Koh Samui. A large share of the flights landing at Koh Samui Airport come from Bangkok Airways. #5 Since its construction in 1982 and its opening in 1989, Bangkok Airways has operated Koh Samui Airport. Privately owned, most flights at the airport belong to Bangkok Airways, including budget flights to Koh Samui and direct flights to Koh Samui from domestic and international destinations. Since its construction and operation began, Koh Samui Airport has opened the door to a Thailand holiday on Koh Samui. Now everyone has the chance to experience the many different things Koh Samui has to offer. A Thailand holiday, especially on Koh Samui, is truly an experience you can't afford to miss. From the moment you step into Koh Samui Airport, you enter a tropical paradise like no other.