With miles of palm fringed beaches, crystal clear waters, lush green vegetation and an abundance of calm tropical charm, Koh Samui is a slice of pure paradise. Floating like a giant gemstone in the Gulf of Thailand the island is known as one of the most enchanting in the world, perfect for your dream Samui vacation. Located around 750 kilometres south of Bangkok, the island is easy to access by air or by ferry with regular scheduled flights and ferry crossings.
Once you arrive you'll find a climate that defines divine, a stunning mountainous interior and an array of exciting things to see and do. Choose the perfect holiday home from our exclusive collection of luxury villas, all located within a 45 minute drive of Samui Airport, which, like the island itself, is recognised as one of the most beautiful airports in the world.
Getting to Koh Samui couldn't be easier with plenty of travelling options to choose from and an exciting itinerary of things to do along the way. Most visitors arrive by air from Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore or via these cities from all the countries in the world. Some travelers choose to spend a few days exploring these cities en-route lured by their cultural heritage, museums, markets, temples, stunning scenery and more.
Other ways of getting to Koh Samui include taking a connecting ferry from the mainland with sightseeing options en-route. Guests can also fly direct to Surat Thani and take a ferry crossing or fly to Bangkok and travel to the ferry pier via car, coach or train.
Arriving by Air
A scheduled flight to Koh Samui is the quickest and most convenient way to access the island with plenty of direct flights from Bangkok and a regular service from Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. The direct flight to Samui Airport from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport is by far the most popular option with flight times taking just over an hour. Samui Airport is owned by Bangkok Airways who operate the majority of flights in and out of the island including flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and Singapore, and domestic flights between Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket.
Thai Airways, Firefly and Berjaya Air also operate scheduled flights from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur (Subang) It's also possible to fly to Surat Thani from Bangkok's Don Muang Airport with various low cost airlines and then connect to Koh Samui by ferry, however for the sake of convenience, most travelers opt to fly direct from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Flights to Koh Samui from Australia and the United Kingdom
Flights from countries all over the world including the UK and Australia can be found through numerous airlines - usually arriving via transfer from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Flights to Koh Samui from the major Australian cities of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney are routed through these regional hubs.
Short Breaks in Ko Samui
With plenty of direct flights and short flying times from Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, Ko Samui is also ideal for regional visitors looking for short breaks, romantic island getaways, long weekends, corporate trips or golf vacations. Our luxury Ko Samui villas offer the finest accommodation on the island set to impress even the most discerning guests and are perfect for couples, families, groups of friends and corporate guests.
Samui Airport
Known as the most beautiful airport in the world, Samui Airport is a delightful facility having won numerous international awards for its environmentally friendly 'outdoor' design, its shopping & dining arcade and its abundance of airy island charm. On arrival a colourful tram will greet you with a warm Samui welcome and takes you from the tarmac to the airport arrivals hall in style. The airport's layout has been designed to blend in with its natural surroundings with lush tropical landscaping, a luxury lounge area and fabulous Park Avenue arcade where you will find a whole host of first class shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. The airport is one of the only 'outdoor' airports in the world and is well worth exploring for a unique and enriching experience.
Airport Transfers
All of our luxury villa rentals either include airport transfers in the cost of the villa or offered as an optional extra. If airport transfers are included you will be met by the villa owners representative at the Airport Meeting Area and driven to your villa by private minibus or luxury car.
Our villa rentals in Samui are located at various stunning spots across the island, all just a short drive from the airport for the ultimate hassle-free holiday!
Travelling to Koh Samui by Ferry
The main ferry companies Raja Ferry and Seatran provide a regular service between Don Sak on the mainland and Koh Samui arriving at Nathon, the island's municipal capital and the pier at Lipa Noi a few kilometres to the south. Crossing times taking around 1.5 hours.
Travelling to Koh Samui by Bus
The cheapest way to travel to Koh Samui is by bus via Bangkok's Southern bus terminal. It's a long trip with the journey time taking around 12-13 hours, however the buses are comfortable with air conditioning and many have on-board toilet facilities. Buses terminate at Surat Thani where commuters transfer to Don Sak Pier for the ferry crossing.
Travelling to Koh Samui by Train
Taking the train is a comfortable and convenient option with overnight sleeper facilities. Combination tickets are available which include a train to Surat Thani followed by transfer to the pier and a ferry crossing to Koh Samui. Around ten trains per day leave from Bangkok's Hualampong Station and several points in between. Those travelling by train to Koh Samui will need to transfer to the ferry pier once they arrive in Surat Thani.
Driving to Koh Samui
Driving to Koh Samui is an appealing option for travellers who prefer to travel in their own time and indulge in a spot of sightseeing along the way. From Surat Thani vehicles can board a ferry at Don Sak allowing guests the option of driving to Koh Samui. Drivers can take a car from Bangkok or various points in between.
If you are hiring a car ensure you have the rental company's permission to take the car off the mainland
Travelling Around Koh Samui
Despite its abundance of attractions, Koh Samui is relatively small in size and is very easy to get around. Many visitors choose to hire a car, motorbike or jeep to explore the island depending on the adventures they wish to embark on; alternatively tourists can take a taxi or a minibus to get about. A ring road loops around the island's coast and rich rainforest interior linking its towns, villages, beaches and other attractions.
Koh Samui's repertoire of things to do is diverse and interesting; its most popular towns and beaches are Bophut, Chaweng and Lamai known for their exciting nightlife, shopping, water sports activities and sightseeing opportunities. Behind its dreamy exterior the island offers more than just a beach-based vacation with its rich history, stunning landscape, cultural sites and lively cosmopolitan charm.
Koh Samui offers every kind of adventure and is sure to grant all your holiday wishes whether you want to laze the day away on a tropical beach, visit sacred Buddhist temples, glimpse the local lifestyle or be pampered in your private villa. The entire island only takes around two hours to drive around making self-drive car hire the best way to get around.
Car Hire in Koh Samui
The island boasts a great choice of car rentals via well-known multi-national and several reputable local companies all offering recent models at competitive rates. We always recommend car hire to our guests for the sake of convenience, flexibility and personal safety. Guests can choose to pick up their hire car at the airport and make their own way to their villa, alternatively a few companies will offer to deliver the hire car direct to the villa free of charge. Whichever option you prefer we can help every step of the way, either by arranging car hire on your behalf or providing a website link for guests to make their own arrangements.
Visitors flock to the island during high season which runs from December to April, whilst late spring and summer months are also very popular, therefore we recommend booking in advance, preferably at the same time as the villa to ensure availability. A wide range of fully insured vehicles are available to choose from including various size cars and 4-wheel drives which are essential for off-road excursions. Drivers are required to produce a valid driving license, a passport, a credit card and rental confirmation when taking delivery of their car.
Motorbike/scooter Hire in Koh Samui
Motorbike and scooter hire is by far the cheapest way to get around Koh Samui with rental outlets located all over the island. This mode of transport is most popular with locals and younger holidaymakers, however it is known as being notoriously dangerous with the majority of accidents on the island involving two wheelers. Riders do not require insurance therefore it is up to the hirer to pay for any motorbike or third party damage. It is illegal to ride without a helmet and riders who break the rules and so many do, are subject to an on-the-spot fine.
Driving in Ko Samui
Driving in Ko Samui is straight forward as long as drivers take their time and are aware of local motoring habits and driving conditions. Road signage, where it exists is mostly bilingual so international visitors can find their way around - the island also boasts several petrol stations and numerous roadside kiosks selling one litre bottles of fuel for motorbikes. In common with most countries seat belts are mandatory and mobile phone use whilst driving is illegal; there are also strict rules regarding drink driving, lane discipline and overtaking however locals are known for ignoring all these rules and more, so be aware of dangerous drivers. All of the villas listed in our website have ample parking and there are also plenty of places to park whilst out and about on the island.
Public Transport in Samui
Travelling around Samui by public transport is easy with a range of cost effective options including taxis and the island's ubiquitous songthaews; a covered pick-up truck with bench seats. Taxis are numerous and can be distinguished by their yellow colour and a 'taxi meter' sign on top. Despite the sign, meters are rarely used and visitors are advised to agree a price before getting into a taxi to avoid any dispute at the end of their journey.
A minibus is an ideal way of getting around Samui in groups; these can be hired by the hour or by the day and are a great option for group tours, day trips or evening excursions to restaurants and bars. A minibus with driver can be arranged through the villa manager, usually at relatively short notice.
Sonthaews are known as the island's bus service for locals and visitors alike, with low-cost fixed fares dependant on distance. To board a songthaew simply wave one down, check if it's going your way and hop on.