Airplane Information Part One

The Bangkok Air service between Koh Samui and Bangkok has cut several flights and they've simplified the timetable so all flights except the 12:30 go every day. This is the Winter 2009 timetable. Until March 31 the earlier and later flights are on a promotional price. For Samui to Bangkok it's 2,000/2,400 THB one way and 4,000/4,800 return; and for Bangkok to Samui it's 2,600 THB single and 5,200 THB return. Of course, if you catch the later flights down from Bangkok to Koh Samui you will miss the last ferry to Koh Phangan.

The airport building in Koh Samui is only a few years old. It is a stylish building set in tropical gardens. The nearest pier is Big Buddha. It takes about 20 minutes to get from Big Buddha to the airport by taxi. The Haad Rin Queen goes from Haad Rin to Big Buddha pier. The next closest is the Lomprayah service from Tongsala (Koh Phangan) to Bohput (Koh Samui).

Koh Samui taxis, like Bangkok taxis, are yellow with a sign on the roof saying "meter". However, the drivers refuse to go on the meter despite an effort by Koh Samui authorities to fine taxis that refuse to give metered fares. So bargain hard or if you're travelling from Big Buddha pier to Koh Samui airport. The advantage of the Lomprayah ferry service is that the ticket price includes a transfer to anywhere on the island. This reduces stress.

Some distance from Suratthani there is a government airport. Air Asia is the one budget operator flying from Suratthani airport to Bangkok. They offer flights to and from Bangkok for about 1,700 thb each way. However, when you factor in the 5 hours it takes to get to Suratthani airport from Koh Phangan and the cost of taxis and boats it seems a less appealing alternative. The timetables for Air Asia are on the Airplane Part Two page.

The issue of airlinks and prices has been a hot topic for several years. Rumours abound of breaking Bangkok Air's monopoly of Koh Samui airport, and thus reducing fares. It has been rumoured in the press that Bangkok Air are in negotiations with local authorities to build an airport on Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan's mountainous terrain as well as local worries about turning Koh Phangan into an over-developed tourist destination like Koh Samui make the future of Koh Phangan airport uncertain.