Samui Airport – Air Links and Property Markets
…Air miles with a smile
 
Air links to Koh Samui have improved drastically since Samui International Airport first opened in 1989 to the point where Koh Samui has become Thailand’s second international flight hub. The link between good air connections and a developing real estate market is long established. With stunning beaches, awe-inspiring views, fine cuisine, vibrant island nightlife and a vast array of quality properties to suit all tastes backed up by excellent international and domestic air links, it’s not surprising that Koh Samui real estate market is attracting a steady stream of investors from all over the world.
 
But how often do you hear an airport called charming and lovely? Well, Samui International Airport is both of those things, but it’s also fabulously placed for anyone visiting Koh Samui or buying a property on this lush tropical island. Situated in the northern part of Koh Samui, it is just a few kilometres from Bophut and Chaweng and a mere 6 kilometres from Maenam Beach. Koh Samui is small, with a ring road around the whole island of just 51 km, so wherever you stay on this beautiful island, you’re never too far from the airport!
 
It’s always a joy to land at Samui International Airport. After descending through the clouds and catching sight of the turquoise ocean, the white sandy beaches and the vibrant green vegetation, the holiday mood is already set. And, that’s before getting off the plane and feeling that rush of hot tropical heat and hopping aboard one of the airport’s buggies which takes you to the arrival’s hall. However, it’s once you enter the airport itself that you realise that you’ve arrived at somewhere completely out of the ordinary. Samui’s little airport has the individual appeal that that you’d expect to find at a boutique hotel – from the traditionally thatched roofs and the open-sided passenger lounges with comfy chairs to the pretty gardens with water features and ponds and the squeaky-clean loos with aquariums! Then there’s the complimentary refreshments and the friendly, helpful staff who extend a typical warm Thai welcome. Visitors sing the praises of this unusual little airport and it’s little wonder why...
 
Consistently rated as one of the most relaxed airports in the world, Samui International first opened its doors for business in 1989. Built by Bangkok Airways, it has domestic and international terminals serving Bangkok Airways, Orient Thai Airlines. Lucky Air, Firefly, Berjaya Air, SilkAir and Tibet Airlines. This September, Thai Airlines ended its twice-daily flights to Koh Samui, but Bangkok Airways still operates an impressive 128 flights to the island each week. The first flight of the day currently leaves at 6.00 am from Bangkok and the last at 8.50pm in the evening. Flight times are around one hour, ten minutes and though it’s a short flight the crew still manage to serve up a meal.
 
At present, a handful of international flights operate to China and Singapore. British Airways has great value flights to Koh Samui via Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Flight times from London Heathrow to Koh Samui are around 14 hours and 45 minutes, including the flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui on the partner airline Bangkok Airways. It’s worth checking major airlines such as Singapore, Qatar, Qantas and Emirates, KLM and Bangkok Air for deals too.
 
Expect more international flights in the future with plans for routes to Dubai, Shanghai, Bali and Kuala Lumpur in the pipeline. Bangkok Airlines has not confirmed dates for these new routes but with growing demand from tourists to the island this exciting new development shouldn’t be far off. In the meantime, you’ll always find a comfy seat and a free cup of tea in possibly the most chilled and cheerful airport the world!
 
For Information about transfers to and from the airport and car hire: https://www.samuiairportonline.com/transportation/