Koh Samui travel tips: ferry schedules, airport, seasons

Best time & weather

Dry season roughly Dec–Apr; wetter Oct–Nov. Always check current forecasts before travel.

Ferries & island hopping

Frequent ferries to Koh Phangan (~45 min) and Koh Tao (~2 hrs). Operators publish schedules online; verify times close to departure.

Airport & getting there

Samui International Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and more. Taxis, hotel shuttles and car/van services connect the island.

Seasons & when to visit

• Generally driest: Jan–Apr (hottest Mar–May).
• Wetter period: Oct–Dec; heaviest rain often in Nov.
• Showers can occur year‑round; check the Thai Meteorological Department for forecasts.

Getting around

• Songthaews run set routes along the ring road; flag them down and agree fare.
• Taxis and ride‑hailing may be available; confirm price before starting.
• Motorbike rentals are common; only ride if experienced and always wear a helmet.
• Car rentals are widely available at the airport and major towns.

SIM & connectivity

Buy a tourist eSIM/SIM from major carriers; bring passport for registration.

• AIS
• True
• dtac

Money & payments

• Thai Baht (THB). Cards accepted at many hotels and larger venues; carry cash for markets and small shops.
• ATMs widely available; most foreign cards incur a local ATM fee.

Power & plugs

• 230V, 50Hz. Sockets commonly accept flat (Type A/B) and round (Type C) pins.
• Universal sockets are common, but bring a travel adapter to be safe.

Safety & health

• Wear helmets, drive defensively, and avoid riding in heavy rain.
• Tap water isn’t generally consumed; use bottled or filtered water.
• Consider travel insurance that covers riding motorbikes and water activities.

Hospitals & clinics

• Bangkok Hospital Samui — private hospital (Chaweng). Tel: +66 77 429 500
• Samui International Hospital — private hospital (Chaweng). Tel: +66 77 422 272
• Bandon International Hospital — private hospital (Bophut). Tel: +66 77 230 049
• Thai International Hospital — private hospital (Chaweng). Tel: +66 77 245 236

Emergency contacts (Thailand)

• 191 — Police
• 1155 — Tourist Police
• 1669 — Medical emergencies
• 199 — Fire
• 1129 — PEA Call Center (power issues)