Koh Samui's ring road around the island is about 50 km, so base yourself in either Chaweng or Lamai and visit the rest by car to keep your plans short.
From the airport to central Chaweng, a fixed-fare taxi costs about 400 baht for up to two people or about 600 baht for up to four, taking 10 to 15 minutes.
Samui International Airport is an on-island airport run by Bangkok Airways, so the transfer to the beach after landing is short. Chaweng to Lamai is about 6–10 km, 15 to 25 minutes.
Thailand revised its visa-exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes from 15 September 2026, and the length of stay depends on your nationality. Check the official sources before you travel.
Visa and entry requirements for Thailand
Whether you need a visa, how long you can stay and which pre-arrival forms apply all depend on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Check the official source below, and your own government's travel advice, before you book.
- Thailand e-Visa (official) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand)
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand)
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) (Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police)
- Ring road: About 50 km
- Airport to Chaweng: Fixed-fare taxi about 400 baht, 10–15 minutes
- Chaweng to Lamai: 15–25 minutes
How far apart are Chaweng and Lamai?
Koh Samui's ring road is about 50–52 km, and Chaweng and Lamai are the eastern area where the beach strips continue. Chaweng to Lamai is about 6–10 km, taking 15 to 25 minutes. You can see both on the same day, but pick one for your stay and visit the other in the evening.
Getting around the island means taxis, songthaews or motorbikes, with fares agreed before you get in. Daytime songthaew fares of 50 to 100 baht are often quoted, but prices offered to tourists can be higher, so agree the fare first.
| Item | Details | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Ring road | About 50–52 km | Split the island into areas rather than one full loop a day |
| Chaweng to Lamai | About 6–10 km, 15–25 minutes | Varies with traffic |
Based on island transport information. Fares may change.
How should I split 2 or 4 nights?
With 2 nights: on day one go from the airport to your hotel for the beach and dinner; day two is a rest day at one beach. Transfers are short, so base yourself in either Chaweng or Lamai.
With 4 nights: keep the first two days in the same order and add a day driving round the island on day three. The ring road is about 50 km, so split it into areas to cut travel time. On day four, rest and head to the airport.
| Plan | Day | What |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Day 1 | Airport, beach, dinner |
| 2 nights | Day 2 | Beach and a market stroll |
| 4 nights | Day 3 | A day round the island |
| 4 nights | Day 4 | Rest, departure |
How do I get from the airport to the beach?
Samui International Airport is run by Bangkok Airways. Fixed-fare taxis from the airport to central Chaweng cost about 400 baht for up to two people or about 600 baht for up to four, taking 10 to 15 minutes. After 22:30 there is a 100 baht surcharge per vehicle, and shared minibuses are listed at about 140 baht per person.
If you come by boat from Bangkok or Surat Thani, take the Raja Ferry from Donsak to Lipa Noi or the Lomprayah boat from Donsak to Nathon, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Whether direct flights operate varies by season, so check airline timetables.
What should I eat?
Plan meals on Koh Samui around som tam, green curry, mango sticky rice and coconut crab: a light lunch at the beach and a sit-down dinner. We don't pick specific shops or prices here.
What should I check before I go?
Thailand revised its visa-exemption and visa-on-arrival schemes from 15 September 2026, and stays under bilateral agreements can differ. Check the official sources for your nationality before you travel.
Agree taxi and songthaew fares before you get in, and check the airport taxi surcharge after 22:30.
Before you leave Koh Samui
- Check passport validity and your onward ticket
- Check airport fixed-fare taxi and minibus prices
- Agree island taxi and songthaew fares before you ride
- Base yourself in either Chaweng or Lamai
- Check entry requirements on the official sources
Which plan suits my trip?
- First time on Koh Samui: stay in either Chaweng or Lamai and visit the other in the evening.
- Heading straight to the beach: the fixed-fare taxi takes 10 to 15 minutes, so arrival day stays light.
- Driving round the island: the ring road is about 50 km, so set aside a separate day.
FAQ
How much is a taxi from the airport to Chaweng?
A fixed-fare taxi costs about 400 baht for up to two people or about 600 baht for up to four. After 22:30, 100 baht is added.
How long is it from Chaweng to Lamai?
About 6–10 km, 15 to 25 minutes.
Can I come by boat from Surat Thani?
The Raja Ferry from Donsak to Lipa Noi or the Lomprayah boat to Nathon takes about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
It depends on your nationality. Thailand revised its visa-exemption schemes from 15 September 2026; check the official sources.
Sources
- Thailand e-Visa (official) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand · accessed 2026-10-30
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) · Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand · accessed 2026-10-30
- Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) · Immigration Bureau, Royal Thai Police · accessed 2026-10-30
- Samui International Airport · Bangkok Airways · accessed 2026-10-23
- Koh Samui transport information · Koh Samui City Municipality · accessed 2026-10-23
- Getting around Koh Samui · Explore Samui · accessed 2026-10-23
- Summary of Thailand’s visa exemption and visa-on-arrival changes · Government Public Relations Department of Thailand · accessed 2026-10-23
Information was checked against the official sources listed above. Opening hours, fees and fares can change; please confirm with the venue or operator before you visit.