Koh Samui, an island that is located in the Gulf of Thailand, is considered as a melting pot for a slew of travellers – all with different wanderlust goals. As the second largest island in Thailand, it is a perfect place for people with very specific travel goals in mind.
Koh Samui is considered as a hot spot for tourists looking for a laid-back adventure off an island: similar to what the movie ‘The Beach’ depicts – searching to connect with nature for a much-needed idyll; or a haven for those who want to experience a luxurious escapade – like sipping your favourite afternoon wine on Samujana while watching the sunset slowly turn to a beautiful dusk.
Trivia: ‘The Beach’, which was released in 2000, is a movie adaptation of Alex Garland’s novel of the same name. The movie, starring Leonardo DiCarpio, depicts the quest of one person to find that perfect idyllic refuge from life – a promised utopia of some sort. After hearing of a mysterious island, the protagonist sets his eye and desires to visit the paradise. Thailand was chosen as the film’s location because of its pristine seemingly lost paradises plus the surrounding lush natural beauty.
Given its location, Koh Samui is strategically accessible via Bangkok with flights scheduled to Samui International Airport (USM) available daily. As the airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways, the airline handles the majority of the flights to the island; though there are some flights operated by two other airlines namely Silk Air and Thai Airways.
Booking international flights going to and from Koh Samui is also a worry-free activity. Guests coming from different countries such as China, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, United States, Korea, Russia, Canada, and Middle Eastern locations like Qatar and Dubai can easily find connecting flights to Bangkok and then to Koh Samui.
Ready to go back home? Koh Samui also offers a variety of flight options which makes everything an unforgettable travel experience. An approximate time of 8 minutes is all you need to reach Samui International Airport if you are staying at Samujana Villas. In addition to connecting flights, Bangkok Airways is also offering direct flights from Samui International Airport. From Koh Samui, guests can fly non-stop to Singapore, Hong Kong, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Pattaya, and other neighbouring South-east Asian cities. Another airline company—Firefly, also offers direct flights to Malaysia. The first is a non-stop flight to Penang (three flights per week); the second one is a direct flight to Subang airport located in Kuala Lumpur.
Koh Samui is not only accessible via plane ride. There is also another way to reach Koh Samui if flying by coach is not your style. Guests can experience a more distinct journey to Koh Samui by taking a boat ride. For an added thrill on your next Thailand getaway, one option is to ride a luxurious speed boat or take a more leisurely trip on board a ferry. Because of the topography of the country, there are a number of ports on the mainland that you can choose from as the starting point: Don Sak (the most commonly used port), Tha Thong, Chumphon, and Ao Ban Don. Guests can alight on any of the Koh Samui piers: Big Buddha Beach, Na Thon, and Mae Nam. To make your trip hassle-free, complimentary land transfers via taxi are available upon arriving at the docks of the island.
With all of these modes of transportation available and the perfect mix of adventure and luxe one can find on the island, it is no wonder Koh Samui is almost on every traveller’s bucket list.