Best Time to Visit

One could say that visiting Koh Samui is a good idea any time of the year. The weather is almost always sunny and warm, making it the perfect getaway from places with colder climates. All you need to know is that January is the coolest month of the year, but it has an average temperature of approximately 26°C/79°F. If you want to avoid the rainiest months, they are usually October, November, and early December. From February to April, there's usually great beach weather with temperatures gradually rising, making these months high season on Koh Samui.

Passport/Visa

Visitors to Thailand typically need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a visa (depending on their nationality), and a completed arrival/departure card, which is usually provided on the aeroplane or at the port of entry. Additionally, there may be specific entry requirements related to health, such as vaccinations or medical certificates, so be sure to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country through official government channels before planning your trip to Thailand.

• Web:

  www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-services

Samui International Airport (USM)

Samui International Airport, situated in the northern part of Koh Samui, offers a variety of transfer options for arriving travellers. You can choose from private car taxis, private minivan taxis, shared minivan transfers, and car rental services found in the arrivals area. The journey by car to the city centre typically takes 20-25 minutes For a budget-friendly option, a public bus service operates opposite the airport’s meeting building, departing every hour from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm.

• Web:

  www.samuiairport.com

• Address:

  Samui International Airport, Koh Samui

Public Transport

Songthaews on Koh Samui are a popular and convenient means of transportation for travellers exploring the island. These shared, open-air vehicles, easily recognisable by their brightly coloured exteriors and converted pick-up truck design, operate along fixed routes, making it easy to hop on and off at various destinations.

Taxi

Taxis are a bit more expensive than songthaews, but a great way to travel comfortably around the island. Finding a taxi on Koh Samui is relatively easy, especially around popular tourist areas like Chaweng and Lamai. However, taxis are not metered, so it's essential to negotiate the fare before starting your journey. For a more modern and convenient option, ride-hailing apps such as Grab are also available on the island, providing both car and motorbike services. Using Grab can often be more straightforward as the prices are predetermined by the app, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.

Electricity

In Thailand, the most common types of power sockets are Type A and B, which feature flat parallel pins and are familiar to those from the US and Canada, and Type C, which has two round pins and is widely used across Europe. Unique to the country is the Type O socket, boasting two round pins and a grounding pin, distinguished by its slightly thicker and wider pins. The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.