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Samui Layover Guide (USM)

What are you looking for in USM?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Samui Airport (USM) is a privately owned international airport located in Bo Phut, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It’s situated about 2 km (1.2 miles) north of Chaweng, the island’s main resort town. The airport first opened officially on April 25, 1989. Koh Samui is a popular tropical destination renowned for its palm-fringed beaches, lush jungles, and emerald seas. Its unique open-air terminal design reflects traditional Thai architecture.

Can you leave Samui Airport (USM) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Passengers transiting through Koh Samui Airport (USM) can clear immigration and leave the airport to explore the island during layovers. No visa is required for nationals of 56 countries in Thailand’s visa exemption scheme (30-day stays); others must obtain a tourist visa or visa on arrival beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) Iconic 12-meter golden Buddha statue overlooking the northern coast. Admire detailed carvings and panoramic sea views. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 15 min taxi or shuttle from Samui Airport)
• Fisherman’s Village Walking Street Charming beachfront market with boutique shops, street food stalls and live music every Friday evening. Perfect for sampling local snacks and artisanal crafts. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 20 min taxi or Lomprayah smart bus to Bophut)
• Na Muang Waterfall Scenic twin waterfalls set in lush jungle; swim in natural pools and explore nearby elephant sanctuary viewpoints. Ideal for nature lovers and photographers. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 30 min taxi)
• Secret Buddha Garden Hidden hillside sculpture park by gardener Nim Thongsuk featuring statues of gods, animals and mythical creatures amid tropical foliage. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 45 min taxi via winding mountain roads)
• Hin Ta & Hin Yai Rocks Natural rock formations resembling male and female anatomy, set on a scenic coastal bluff with souvenir stalls and sea views. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 30 min taxi)
• Wat Plai Laem Colorful Buddhist temple complex with 18-arm Guanyin statue, ornate shrines and koi-filled lakes. A serene spiritual oasis. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: 20 min taxi)
• Chaweng Beach Vibrant white-sand beach with clear waters, beachfront bars and water sports rentals. Great for sunbathing, swimming and people-watching. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: 10 min taxi)
• Samui Elephant Sanctuary Ethical rescue center offering half-day feeding and bathing experiences with retired working elephants in a safe, natural environment. (Time required: 3 hours. / Airport to here: 30 min taxi)

Things to Do in Samui Airport (USM)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Samui Airport features the Bangkok Airways Blue Ribbon Lounges (domestic and international), open daily 05:00–22:00. Enjoy comfortable air-conditioned seating, complimentary snacks, hot dishes, soft drinks, beer, limited wine, free Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers and magazines. Priority Pass holders also gain entry, offering a tranquil retreat away from open-air terminal bustle. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Within 2 km of USM, boutique hotels and resorts offer airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi, fitness centers and pools. Options range from budget-friendly, spacious, air-conditioned guesthouses at US $45/night to luxury beachfront properties at US $200/night. Many provide 24-hour reception, private transfers and on-site dining, ensuring comfortable rest, complimentary breakfast and spa treatments included. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Samui Airport’s open-air design features covered promenades and padded benches but lacks dedicated sleep zones or pods. Quiet after 22:00, travelers can recline on available seating near gates or in lounge corners. Bringing a travel pillow, earplugs and eye mask is advisable for makeshift naps between flights in open-air terminal.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout terminals, provided by Bangkok Airways. Passengers can connect instantly to “SamuiAirport_FreeWiFi” with no login required for up to two hours. Hotspots cover check-in halls, lounges and gates. USB power outlets and charging stations are located near seating areas, ensuring seamless connectivity for work or entertainment.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM card kiosks for AIS, DTAC and TrueMove are located in the arrivals hall. Physical SIMs cost THB 200–300 with affordable data packages up to 10 GB, valid 7 days; passport registration required. Alternatively, purchase and activate portable eSIM plans (Airalo, Holafly) online before arrival for instant mobile data, eliminating kiosk queues. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official metered taxis queue outside the arrivals hall, offering fixed-rate trips to major resorts and beaches. A ride to Chaweng costs THB 300–400 and takes 10–15 minutes; Bangrak or Bophut is THB 200–300. Cash is customary; some courteous drivers accept mobile QR payments. Grab app pickup is restricted inside the terminal building.

Train: Samui Island has no train connections. To travel by rail, disembark at Surat Thani Pier via ferry or express boat, then take shuttle bus or taxi to Surat Thani Railway Station. From there, State Railway of Thailand trains operate popular intercity routes across the country, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai. more info

Bus: Public bus service on the island is minimal, so shared minivans and songthaews frequently depart outside Arrivals every 20–30 minutes from 07:00 to 19:00, serving Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and Nathon. Fares range THB 60–150; cash only, no reservations required. Vehicles offer air-conditioned or open-air seating. Seats fill fast at peak times. more info

Shuttle: Many hotels and resorts on Koh Samui offer complimentary shuttle vans from USM, with prearranged pick-up between 07:00–21:00. Shared shuttles cost THB 200–300 per person, private transfers start at THB 400. Advance reservation via hotel concierge or third-party platforms is always required. Vehicles vary from minivans to luxury vans for group travelers.

Car rentals: Multiple car rental counters operate inside Arrivals, featuring international brands and local agencies. Drivers require a valid license and credit card deposit; minimum age is typically 21. Daily rates for compact cars start at THB 1 200, SUVs and vans from THB 1 800. Online booking often secures discounted rates and guaranteed vehicle availability. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Short-term and long-term parking lots flank the terminal, offering covered, secure spaces. Rates start at THB 10 per hour or THB 150 per day, payable at automated barriers via cash or credit card. A free drop-off zone is available for quick luggage unloading. Parking areas are monitored 24/7 by CCTV for security.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Samui Airport does not provide on-site luggage storage or lockers. Travelers may use reliable third-party services in nearby Chaweng or Bophut, such as Nannybag or Eelway, offering convenient, secure, insured baggage drop-off at hotels and shops starting at THB 100 per bag per day. Online booking ensures availability and 24/7 access. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Samui Airport (USM) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks