Arriving at Koh Samui Airport Thailand tips for Private Airport Transfer to hotels around Koh Samui.
Koh Samui International Airport is a small airport that confuses new arrivals to where their pre-booked driver is, if they’re not given Meeting Point Instructions.
The airport design is quaint and surrounded by landscaped gardens, and lovely small boutique shops around the Airport grounds. Moving around from the check-in to the departure gate you can stroll happily through the gardens, relax on the garden furniture, and have drinks and food.
Although departing from Koh Samui Airport is a joyous affair, arriving at Koh Samui Airport isn’t as straightforward as any other airport around the World.
Unlike most airports, Taxis at Koh Samui Airport are not permitted to queue inside the airport grounds therefore new arrivals must pre-book via the Internet, or go to the Taxi Desk, where a Taxi driver will be arranged for you.
However, this is the confusing part – There are two Meeting Areas
As you exit Baggage Reclaim at Koh Samui Arrivals you will come to the first Meeting Area from here you can take a shared minivan arranged by Samui Accom ( Via the airport) This is at the Taxi Desk.
Prices start from 120 baht per person, shared minivan, depending on your hotel/resort location. A price list can be seen at the Taxi Desk however It will not leave until the minivan is full and the journey can be longer as they drop off at other resorts.
This area is also where VIP customers will meet their Private Airport Taxi Transfer for hotels such as the Four Seasons, The Conrad, and, The Intercontinental.
All other passengers arriving who have booked a Private Airport Taxi Transfer must follow the Meeting Point Sign.
Follow the pathway under a tunnel and to a travelator. This is the Meeting Area for all other passengers arriving at Koh Samui Airport Thailand, requiring a Private Airport Taxi Transfer.
This is the Meeting area for transfers booked via the resorts/hotels and Private Airport Taxi Transfers, and bookings made via Tour Agencies.
At Koh Samui Airport after 15 minutes of waiting, drivers must pay a 20 b fee for every 15 minutes they are waiting. Therefore the drivers wait at a convenient parking area outside of Koh Samui Airport until after the flight has landed.
Therefore before leaving home take note of the contact number to call the company. If you can not locate your driver upon arriving at the Meeting Point ask the Taxi Desk to call the number on your behalf.
NB: If you do not follow the Meeting point sign and wait in the area directly after Baggage Re-claim the driver in the correct Meeting Area can’t see you, or come through the security to look for you. This causes delays for both parties.
Also bearing in mind that the drivers do have this fee to pay extra, show some respect and hurry yourself along to the Meeting Area. No need to shop in the Duty-Free shop as it is so small and items are cheaper on the Island. Also, pass by the Sim Counter because they charge almost double. Wait and head to 7/11 or Tesco Lotus.
NB. Grab Taxis are not permitted to pick up from inside the airport
Please find my Thailand Travel Tips from Samui Explorer below for added assistance
Thailand Travel Tips by Samui Explorer
