[
Jamie73, 08.01.2008] I travelled through Ko Samui airport when visiting Ko Samui in October 2007.
I have travelled through quite a few airports in my time but I have to say that Ko Samui Airport is the quaintest and most picturesque airport I have had the pleasure to visit. The first thing that stuck me about Ko Samui Airport was that fact that it blends perfectly into the tropical surroundings and doesnt really look like an airport at all. The airport consists of several building with straw roofs, and a lot of the buildings are left open air. For example, one of the departure lounges has loads of comfy seating areas which are out in the open, meaning that while you are sitting waiting for your flight, you can enjoy the fresh air and warmth of Ko Samui. There were no walls or doors, just glass sheets overhead which help to shade people from the sun.
The security procedures were pretty similar to procedures in all other airports, your baggage is scanned upon entering the airport and you are asked all the usual security questions when checking your luggage in.
There are several information boards dotted around the airport providing you with information regarding your flights. Be warned, there is no announcement to let you know when your flight is boarding so keep a close eye on the boards and follow the instructions for your flight.
There was a small Duty Free shop which was air conditioned. Although small, this still sold all the usual items such as perfume and alcohol although it did not sell cigarettes. There were also various souvenir items on offer.
I was very impressed with all the facilities on offer; there was even a free drinks area for all visitors to use and here, you could help yourself to tea, coffee and a selection of fruit juices.
When we arrived at the airport, we were directed to the luggage collection point which consisted of a tiny circular conveyor belt, and collecting our luggage probably took around 15 minutes. In the luggage collection area, there are several stand which offer free books and leaflets packed with information on things to see and do while you are in Ko Samui.
After collecting our luggage, we headed towards the front of the airport where there is plenty of public transport for people to choose from if you do not already have a transfer booked. To get to the front of the airport, you need to take a short ride on the brightly painted trams which are readily available and travel every 5 minutes.
All the lounges were extremely comfortable and relaxing; I just wish there were more airports like this one as it really made flying an enjoyable experience. In total, we had to visit to Ko Samui Airport, our arrival and our departure and we were pleased to find that although very relaxed, the airport was also very well organised and both our flights were on time.
Spain
France
Sweden
Poland
Russia
Italy
Greece