Koh Samui, Thailand an Atlas and Wander destination guide.

Reaching Koh Samui is surprisingly easy despite its island setting. The most convenient option is flying directly into Koh Samui International Airport, a small but charming tropical-style airport with regular flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Singapore, and other regional hubs. The short flight from Bangkok (about an hour) is often the quickest and most comfortable route. Alternatively, many travelers arrive via ferry from Surat Thani on the mainland or from nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, making it easy to incorporate Koh Samui into a wider island-hopping itinerary.

Once you’re on the island, getting around is fairly straightforward but requires a little planning. Public transport is limited, so you’ll mostly rely on taxis, private transfers, or rental vehicles. Taxis are widely available, but they don’t run on meters, so it’s best to agree on a price before setting off. Songthaews (shared pickup trucks with benches in the back) operate like informal buses along main routes, offering a cheaper alternative if you’re comfortable with a local experience.

During our stay, we chose to hire a car, which gave us the freedom to explore Koh Samui at our own pace—visiting hidden beaches, scenic viewpoints, and restaurants scattered around the island. Driving is relatively straightforward, though roads can be narrow and winding in parts. For shorter stays or if you plan to stick close to your resort, taxis and transfers are perfectly sufficient. However, for those wanting to explore more deeply, renting a car (or scooter, if confident) is the most flexible and enjoyable option.

Koh Samui may feel spread out at times, but that’s part of its charm—each journey takes you through palm-dotted landscapes, fishing villages, and glimpses of island life along the way.