This Airport In Thailand Is As Tropical, Welcoming, And Stress-Free As Its Breathtaking Island Home

Behind every successful flight is a stressful airport experience. Did you pack an extra pair of pants? Do you have your passport? Are you sure you didn't cram all your skincare products into your carry-on? Now, add a chaotic airport to that mix, and you're already exhausted before even getting to your destination. While people will give you all sorts of tips for finding quiet areas in an airport or trying to avoid flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as it's the busiest in the U.S., some airports simply take that pressure off of you. When you've chosen the island of Koh Samui in Thailand as your tropical retreat, the airport will greet you in the best way possible. We're talking luggage in one hand and a coconut in another — you might do a double take to make sure you're in the right place. No anxiety, no hassle; just laid-back vibes — in an airport, of all places.

Koh Samui Airport, also referred to as Samui International Airport, is unlike any other place you've ever landed. Not only is it Thailand's first private airport, but it's also the first in the country to obtain Carbon Footprint Mark certification from the Greenhouse Gas Management Organization. The al fresco airport truly embodies the island it serves — no need for noise-canceling headphones here to stay calm. Since it was originally a coconut plantation, the airport features coconut tree wood and other natural materials to match the island's aesthetic. You won't even notice when you leave the airport and start vacationing in Koh Samui.

To fly into Koh Samui Airport, you must book your tickets from either Bangkok Airways or the low-cost Singapore airline, Scoot. With Bangkok Airways, you can get to the island from cities like Chiang Mai, Phuket, and, of course, Bangkok.

Unlike Saudi Arabia's King Fahd International Airport — the world's largest — Samui International is rather small. For starters, it boasts six passenger terminals — two being international — which makes it much easier to navigate the area. Passenger traffic can be as high as 16,000 people a day or 6 million annually (for reference, the 100% carbon-free Chicago O'Hare International Airport had nearly 74 million passengers in 2023). And, what Koh Samui Airport lacks in size, it makes up for in tropical amenities and stress-free interactions.

The airport is divided into six open-air pavilions. Zone 1 is the check-in area, where you can relax in the garden, unwind on beanbags, or watch the airplanes take off from your lounge chair. This section is perhaps the most scenic in the entire airport — you don't usually get to watch planes land with such stunning backdrops. Zone 2 is where you'll find Samui Park Avenue, dotted with shops, cafes, more beanbags and lounge chairs, and smoking areas — the cherry on top are the swings at the end of the pathway. This is also where the domestic flight security checkpoint is located. From here, you'll get to Zone 3, where you can choose a variety of coconut-flavored treats, get an oriental massage, and indulge in retail therapy before your flight.

The international departure gates are over in Zone 5, where quaint huts, palm trees, and grassy lawns provide you with much-needed clarity before boarding the plane. As for those landing in the airport, Zone 4 welcomes visitors with an uncomplicated arrival process, with designated desks for hotel transfers, car rentals, and more. Zone 6 is when you finally exit the airport and meet your driver.

If you think Samui International Airport's facilities are awesome, you'll be more impressed to know that its location is even better. An eight-minute drive or a 30-minute walk brings you to Chaweng Beach, the most famous shore on Koh Samui. The white-sand beach is a great spot to try wakeboarding and going on parasailing adventures. Choengmon Beach is also a short 12-minute drive away, where you can sink your toes in the powdery sand and bask in the sun. If kayaking and snorkeling are included in your itinerary, consider staying at Cape Fahn Hotel, since the beach is quite close to it. But, generally speaking, there are many four-star hotels near the airport, such as Casa De Mar Samui, Skye Beach Hotel, Coral Cliff Beach Resort, and many more.

When it's time to leave the island, don't worry about arriving three to four hours early at the airport. Here, 90 minutes for international travel is more than enough to get through security, check in your luggage, and have a quick coffee before your flight. But, knowing there's so much to do, you might want to get there early to see what else Samui International Airport has to offer. Make sure you check out the airport's Courtesy Corner and treat yourself to free snacks like popcorn, chocolate milk, sandwiches, and more. Some travel destinations, like Bora Bora and Dubai, are worth the splurge for a window seat, but at Koh Samui, the best views are from the free deck chair at the terminal. No wonder Mike White chose this island for season three of "The White Lotus."