Koh Samui Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Before
you come
How do I get there?
When is the best time to come?
Should I book accommodation before
I get there?
Do I need a visa?
What is the voltage and do I need
an adaptor?
Is Samui safe?
Do people speak English in Samui?
What
to bring
What goods can/can’t I bring
in?
What clothes should I bring?
Do I need to bring my own sporting
equipment?
Transportation
How do I get from the airport
to my hotel?
How much will I have to pay for
a taxi to my hotel?
Where can I get a map of Samui?
What kind of license do I need
to drive a car in Samui?
Do I need a license to drive a
motorcycle?
Are there car seats available
for children in hire cars?
Is local transportation easily
accessible?
How much is the departure tax?
Food
What kind of food can I find on Samui?
Can I find vegetarian or Halal food?
Kids
Is Samui a good place to bring kids?
What activities are there for kids?
Special
events
What events will be on when I am
in Samui?
Accommodation
Where should I stay?
Itineraries
What tours should I go on?
Business
Can I own a business in Samui?
Who do I contact to find out about
business?
Money
What credit card can I use?
Are travellers checks accepted in
Samui?
more faq's to come...
Before you come
How do I get there?
You can get to Samui by land, sea or air. Samui’s International
Airport receives direct flights from some overseas countries as
well as connecting domestic and international
flights from Bangkok. A relaxing and scenic way to arrive
in Samui is by sea on a cruise liner or by private yacht. Traveling
overland, you can come by road from Bangkok, Malaysia or Singapore,
with a choice of taking a bus or hiring your own car to drive.
Travel by train is also possible from each of these locations,
disembarking at Sura Thani and making the last leg of the journey
to Samui by road and ferry.
When is the best time to come?
Samui is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Traditionally,
the busiest time is from late October until early April, with
the Christmas/New Year period being the absolute peak. During
these times you need to book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Beach and weather conditions are perfect -- ideal for swimming
diving and sailing, too. If visiting at other times of the year,
you will benefit from better prices for accommodation and services,
yet still enjoy wonderful weather. Even during the monsoon period
from July through October, short rainsqualls are interspersed
with beautiful sunny periods, allowing you to enjoy the full range
of outdoor activities available here.
Should I book accommodation before I
get there?
For visits during the high season, pre-booking accommodation bookings
is essential. With the advent of direct on-line booking services,
you can search for a hotel in the location you want, according
to your budget and preferred choice of facilities, and then receive
confirmation right away. This enables you to make a good choice
before you arrive and helps avoid the uncertainty and frustration
of possibly not having a suitable place to stay. During the low
season, booking ahead on the net is also wise, as you’ll
find that many hotels offer great on-line specials and packages
that are otherwise unavailable.
Do I need a visa?
All visitors to Thailand must hold a passport valid for 6 months
beyond the duration of their stay. Most nationalities are permitted
one month visa-free stays, although citizens of certain countries
will need to apply for a visa. If planning a longer stay, a tourist
visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy
or Consulate abroad. Visitors must enter the country within 90
days of a visa being issued. Proof of onward travel and having
enough money is required, though it's rare for officials to actually
ask for this. 15 or 30-day visa extensions can be granted at the
Immigration Office in Nathon Town. Overstays are charged at 200
B/day. Check with a Thai Embassy or Consulate well before your
planned date of travel to see what applies to you.
What is the voltage and do I need an
adaptor?
The current here is 220V. Should you need an adaptor most hotels
can provide one, but if not, you can purchase them in many stores.
Is Samui safe?
Like anywhere, there are things to be wary of in Samui. Keep these
in mind and you should enjoy a safe holiday.
Be aware that at certain times of the year, the conditions off
the beaches on Samui’s west coast can be quite dangerous
as the tides and currents are strong and unpredictable. During
the monsoon months of July through October, it is wise to exercise
caution when swimming off open beaches, particularly in the unpopulated
areas.
Be wary of touts in tourist areas selling services or offering
assistance. While unlikely to cause any physical harm, they may
cause you needless expense and waste valuable time. If you choose
to follow-up on the advice of a tout, inspect what’s on offer
very carefully and don’t feel obligated.
Be careful of your valuables at all times. Keep travel documents,
money, credit cards and traveler's checks locked in your hotel
safe whenever possible. Don’t carry large amounts of cash
around with you and always keep your bag close to your person
so that pick pocket and drive-by motorcycle thieves won’t
be tempted to try their luck. Such occurrences are rarer here
than in many other places, but no matter where you are in the
world, it's always smart to be alert to your surroundings.
Lone travelers should beware of people who might wish to befriend
them with offers of snacks, sweets or drinks. Druggings are not
unheard of and will leave you minus your luggage and valuables.
Use common sense when choosing what and where to eat. Hotels
and well-established restaurants are usually no problem but many
other places do not always observe the best standards of hygiene.
It's an especially good idea to be wary of foodstuffs in open-air
markets and mobile stalls. This does not mean that you shouldn’t
eat market and hawker food -- just choose only freshly cooked
items and steer clear of anything that’s been sitting around
a while. If buying fresh fruit, try for something that still has
its skin and has not been lying in icy water. Drink only bottled
water (which is cheap and available everywhere), and always wash
your hands before eating.
Do people speak English in Samui?
As a truly international resort destination, you will find that
English is widely spoken by those involved in the tourist industry
on Samui, albeit at different levels of competency. For the most
part, communication with Thai people is a delight, with the exception
of only the most hardened workers in the tourist industry.
What to bring
What goods can/can’t I bring in?
Import of illegal drugs, firearms and pornographic materials is
prohibited. A liter of wine or spirits per person and up to 200
cigarettes is allowed, along with a reasonable amount of clothing,
toiletries and electronic items for personal use. Foreign cash
may be brought into the country without restriction.
What clothes should I bring?
Lightweight cotton clothing is the most comfortable for Samui's
tropical climate. Being a beach resort, you can get away with
wearing very casual clothing for almost any occasion at most venues.
Shorts, T-shirts and sandals are the norm for daywear, while casual
pants, short sleeve shirts or simple dresses and skirts are ideal
for night times. Those who like to dress up in the evening can
do so without fear but be assured that it is not necessary. Please
do be respectful of the Thais’ opinion towards nudity and
dress codes in public places. Nude and topless sunbathing is not
approved of and the wearing of skimpy beach attire or going shirt-less
in restaurants is also frowned upon.
Do I need to bring my own sporting equipment?
Snorkelers may want to bring their own gear to save on the cost
of hire. Dive gear is readily available and more convenient to
hire here, as are kayaks, boogie boards, etc. Those who plan to
do some hiking might want to bring some sturdy shoes or sandals,
but you can also purchase them here quite cheaply.
Transportation
How do I get from the airport to
my hotel?
Upon arrival at Samui Airport, those coming in on international
flights need to pick up their baggage then go through immigration
and customs. Before reaching the public arrival area, you will
walk past counters where you can hire minivans and taxis. If you
have made prior arrangements with your hotel for an airport transfer,
you can safely bypass these counters and head directly outside
to the transit area where drivers with placards are waiting. Look
for the logo of the hotel you’re booked with and for your
name. If no prior arrangements have been made, go directly to
the taxi/limousine counters and state your destination including
the name of the hotel and beach. The counter staff will give you
a ticket in exchange for the appropriate fee. You will be asked
to follow an attendant to the outdoor transit lane where a taxi
or minivan will be assigned. These services are offered at fixed
rates according to your destination and the mode of transport
you choose.
How much will I have to pay for a
taxi to my hotel?
Depending on your destination and the type of transport you choose,
your trip can cost anywhere from 100 to 600 Baht.
Where can I get a map of Samui?
For on-line maps click here. After
your arrival in Samui it's very easy to find a variety of maps
(many of which are free) at the airport, book stores, tourist
information desks and restaurants.
What kind of license do I need to
drive a car in Samui?
For short stays, an international driver's license or a license
from your own country is usually required by most reputable car
hire agencies. While you can easily rent vehicles from private
agencies without having to show any license at all, you will not
be covered by insurance if you are involved in a traffic accident.
You can also be fined for driving without one if pulled over by
local police. If you're staying more than three months (particularly
if you drive a private car), then a Thai driver’s license
is necessary. Many people don’t realize this fact until it’s
too late and their insurance company refuses to pay on the basis
of not having the correct license (and yes, you can apply for
and obtain insurance coverage without being informed of this minor
detail).
Do I need a license to drive a motorcycle?
While most agents won't ask you for a license to rent a motorbike,
you can be fined for driving without one, so be sure to have at
least your home country license, if not an international one.
Also be aware that you will not be covered by insurance if involved
in an accident on a hired motorcycle, despite what you are told.
It is important to keep this in mind when choosing to rent and
ride a motorbike in what are often dangerous conditions for inexperienced
riders.
Are there car seats available for
children in hire cars?
International rental agencies can provide car seats for children
if requested in advance. Small, local hire car companies are less
likely to have them but there are exceptions.
Is local transportation easily accessible?
Samui is geared for tourists, with enough hotel limousines, tour
buses and rental cars etc., so that most visitors don’t avail
themselves of local transport as often as they might. There is
good reason to however, as it is an economical and entertaining
method of getting around the island. It requires that you be a
little adventurous and be prepared for the unexpected, but the
rewards can be worth it. Local buses travel to and from destinations
all around the island from early morning until evening. Destinations
are written on the front; just flag them down. Songtaew’s
are always available in the street. Do your own bargaining for
the fare before you set off. Another alternative is the motorbike
taxi. While not the safest mode of transport, riding one can be
an interesting experience and handy for short distances.
How much is the departure tax?
For international departures it is 500 Baht.
Food
What kind of food can I find on Samui?
You’ll find practically everything on Samui, including local
Thai and international cuisines, ranging from French, Italian,
Japanese, Chinese, Mexican, to Indian and more. Especially in
the tourist areas and hotels, you'll encounter a huge variety
of venues: sophisticated restaurants, sidewalk cafes, terraced
or garden outlets, groovy eateries, bakeries, delis, mobile food
stalls, local-style cafes or canteens, as well as fast food outlets.
If you want to do your own thing, shop at the many open-air fresh
food markets or Western-style supermarkets and cook up your own
feast!
Can I find vegetarian or Halal food?
If you are vegetarian you’ll find many dishes to please you,
as will those with a preference for Halal food.
Kids
Is Samui a good place to bring kids?
Judging by the numbers of families that visit Samui each year,
the island is certainly suitable for family holidays. Thais are
very welcoming to children and the vast range of activities and
attractions here will keep them occupied and amused all day long.
Take the usual precautions about health, drinking only bottled
water and washing hands frequently to ward off any bugs.
What activities are there for kids?
Kids will enjoy water sports and other beach activities, elephant
trekking (there's something to brag about at school!), safaris,
visits to the zoo, various aquatic museums and animal centers,
mini golf, open-air markets, bowling, go-kart racing, horseback
riding and much, much more.
Back to top
Special events
What events will be on when I am in
Samui?
Visitors will come across an interesting variety of events and
festivals held on the island throughout the year. Some, like the
Thai New Year celebration Songkran, are held annually on the same
date every year, while others change. Check this link to Festivals
and Events to see what is coming up this year and when.
Accommodation
Where should I stay?
Depending on your budget and preferred activities, there is a
full range of accommodation possibilities, from budget-type bungalows
to 5-star luxury resorts. There's something for everyone on Samui!
You may like a quiet location away from the maddening crowds or
alternatively, love to be in the thick of things. Our suggestion
is to work out your daily accommodation budget and conduct your
search of the options on that basis. Note the facilities offered
at each and the locations they are in. You can find useful information
about each location on our web pages. If you need some extra help,
check through our Special
Offers page to see what bargains are on offer. Likewise, our
Suggestions page will give you some hints about types of accommodation
suited to different tastes. Having identified what looks to you
to be the right location for the right price, book on-line for
immediate confirmation.
Itineraries
What tours should I go on?
Choosing tours is sometimes like going in a lucky dip. There are
so many options available and you’re not sure what each is
going to be like. Our advice is to do a little research beforehand
and ask the advice of those who have already taken the tour you're
interested in. Check out our tour pages on Things to See and Do/Tours
& Excursions. Then visit our Travel Forum to post your questions
or see what other people recommend.
Business
Can I own a business in Samui?
Yes, but it depends on the type of business you seek to own. Foreigners
can own and operate businesses in Samui, subject to certain restrictions.
Under Thai law, some categories of business cannot be majority
owned by foreigners, while others can, subject to certain conditions
being met. Still others have no restrictions placed at all. The
authority on this issue is Thailand’s Alien Business Law.
Use a search engine to find web sites with more details about
this law.
Who do I contact to get more information
about doing business in Samui?
There are a number of publications now available that will answer
most of your initial queries. Such resources are found at Asia
Books stores, DK Books and Bookazine stores throughout the country.
You may then want to go directly to a business adviser. A locally-based,
reputable, international law firm might be your best option, as
they can give you specific information related to your targetted
business. They will also be abreast of any changes in the laws
that may be to your advantage. Several Internet search directories
list the names and contact details of such law firms in the country.
Which credit cards can I use?
Visa and MasterCard are widely used at major hotels, international
car rental agencies and some restaurants, AMEX to a lesser extent.
Many small hotels, restaurants and shops do not accept credit
cards, so be prepared for this possibility also. Use your credit
card to obtain cash from ATM’s, which can be found in the
main tourist areas. This is the cheapest way to obtain Thai Baht.
There is also a bank in Nathon Town. You can withdraw cash on
your credit cards from local exchange tellers but you'll need
to show your passport.
Are traveler's checks accepted in Samui?
Yes. Foreign denomination checks are easily exchanged for cash
on the island. However, this is not the cheapest way to buy Thai
Baht. Foreign exchange counters are located in all major tourist
areas.
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