Samui Airport (USM)
Na Thon (Ko Samui Island), TH 🇹🇭 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
VTSM
IATA
USM
Elevation
64 ft
Region
TH-84
Local Time
Loading...
Loading...Airport Information
GPS Code: VTSM
Local Code: Not available
Location: 9.54779° N, 100.061996° E
Continent: Asia
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
Share Your Tip
Help fellow travelers by sharing your experience at Samui Airport. Tips are reviewed before publishing.
Online Reviews Summary
Samui Airport (VTSM/USM) consistently receives high praise from travelers, often described as a unique and beautiful resort-like airport that enhances the overall holiday experience. The general sentiment is highly positive, with many appreciating its open-air design and relaxed atmosphere, making it a pleasant start or end to a trip.
What Travelers Love
- Unique Open-Air Design and Ambiance: Travelers frequently highlight the airport's distinct open-air terminals with thatched roofs, lush gardens, and tropical flowers, creating a serene and resort-like atmosphere. Many find it a refreshing change from typical enclosed airports.
- Efficient Check-in and Immigration: The check-in process is generally described as efficient with no long queues, and immigration for international arrivals is typically smooth and quick, especially since it often handles only one international flight at a time.
- Complimentary Amenities: Bangkok Airways (which owns and operates the airport) provides complimentary snacks and drinks at the gates for all passengers, and free Wi-Fi is also available, particularly for Bangkok Airways passengers.
- Beautiful Facilities and Shopping: The airport features charming market-style shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, particularly in Samui Park Avenue, offering local treats and souvenirs. There are also comfortable seating areas, including bean bags and hammocks.
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews commend the warm, helpful, and laid-back staff, contributing to the overall pleasant island vibe.
Common Complaints
- Cleanliness Issues (Toilets & General Areas): Some recent reviews (July 2024) mention that while the airport is generally cool, the cleanliness isn't always the best, specifically noting dirty and smelly toilets and insects.
- Heat (Lack of Air Conditioning): Due to the open-air design, there is little to no air conditioning outside of offices and gift shops, which can make the airport feel uncomfortably hot for some, especially in warm weather.
- Wi-Fi Connectivity: A few travelers have reported poor or unreliable Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Expensive On-Airport Transportation: Taxis from the airport can be significantly more expensive than ride-hailing apps like Grab or Bolt if booked outside the airport premises.
- Monopoly of Flights: Bangkok Airways largely has a near-monopoly on flights to and from Samui, leading to potentially higher flight costs compared to other routes.
Overall, Samui Airport offers a truly memorable and pleasant travel experience due to its unique open-air, resort-like design and efficient services. While some minor issues regarding cleanliness and the lack of widespread air conditioning exist, these are often overshadowed by the airport's charming ambiance, friendly staff, and convenient facilities, making it a delightful gateway to Ko Samui.
Researching traveler experiences online...
Community Tips
No community tips yet for Samui Airport.
Be the first to share a helpful tip for fellow travelers!
Current Weather Conditions
Loading weather data...
Airport Routes
Samui Airport (USM) offers 9 flight routes operated by 2 airlines. Major carriers include Bangkok and Scoot. Popular destinations from Na Thon (Ko Samui Island) include Singapore Changi, Don Muang Int'l (Old Bangkok Int'l), Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Int'l, U-Tapao Int'l and Hong Kong Int'l.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Loading...
Loading routes...
|
||||||
Top Airlines
Operating at Samui Airport
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
17/35 |
6759 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 129.6 MHz |
| ATIS | ATIS | 128.6 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.9 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Official airport taxis and private transfers are readily available. You can find the transport counter in the arrivals hall where you can book a taxi. Fares are typically fixed based on the destination zone (e.g., Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut). This is the most direct but also the most expensive option.
Rental Cars
Several major car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz, Sixt, and Budget, as well as local providers, have service desks within the arrivals area. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak season. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is often required along with your standard driver's license.
Public Transportation
The main form of public transport from the airport is a shared minivan service. You can buy a ticket at the transport counter for a fixed per-person price to major beach areas. This is a cost-effective option, but the van will make multiple stops to drop off other passengers. For the cheapest option, you can walk to the main road outside the airport to hail a 'songthaew' (a red pickup truck taxi).
Nearby Airports
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
Nakhon Si Thammarat, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport
Nakhon Si Thammarat, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service