London to Koh Samui flights

How long is the flight from London to Koh Samui?

There are no direct flights from London to Koh Samui. Plane trips from London to the island usually involve one stop and will last around 16 to 17 hours. Some airfares and tickets include more than one stop, changing the flight path. Thus, the flight duration will also increase and can reach up to 18 hours or more, inclusive of layovers.

What are the most common stopovers?

The most common stopovers are Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok, before planes continue to Koh Samui. Helsinki and Amsterdam are typical layovers in Europe.

What documentation do I need to fly to Koh Samui from London?

British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Thailand for stays of 30 days or fewer. Passports must be valid for at least six months following your trip. Immigration authorities may also ask for proof of onward travel such as a return ticket and evidence of adequate finances.

Is there a time change from London to Koh Samui?

Koh Samui is GMT+7. The island is seven hours ahead of London time.

Several airlines offer departures from London to Koh Samui:

• Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier of Malaysia. Its main hub is the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
• Singapore Airlines, airline of Singapore.
• Finn Air, the largest airline of Finland.
• Qantas Airways, Australian airline and the third-oldest in the world.
• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, airline of the Netherlands and headquartered in Amstelveen.

The powerful search engine Opodo trawls the net for great deals on city breaks and holidays in Koh Samui. Simply type in your intended destination, departure city, dates, and number of passengers. The results will be displayed showing the best combination of airfares, timing, and prices. To narrow down the results, apply filters that will eliminate flights that do not fall within your search criteria, such as stopovers or choices of airports.

• February and March are the driest and sunniest months, ideal for beach holidays.
• October and November are the cheapest time to go to Koh Samui, during the rainy season. Pack an umbrella and take advantage of cheap tickets.

Flights from London to Koh Samui leave from Heathrow or Gatwick airports.

Useful Information about Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport is the UK's busiest airport, with numerous international and domestic flights. It is 15 miles west of London.

How to get to the airport:

• By train – 15 minutes on the Heathrow Express from Paddington Station, or use the Piccadilly line on the Tube, closer to 45 minutes.
• By taxi – 50 minutes or more depending on the flow of traffic.
• By bus – National Express coaches are available from Victoria Coach or Hammersmith stations.

Services: free Wi-Fi, lounges, restaurants and bars, duty-free shopping, ATM and currency exchange, concierge, showers, chapel, VIP services, and family facilities.

Useful Information about Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is near Crawley in West Sussex and about 30 miles southwest of London.

How to get to the airport:

• By train – hop on the Gatwick Express from London Bridge or Victoria Station.
• By taxi – estimate at least 1.5 hours of travel time during rush hours.
• By bus – National Express coach coaches have different pick-up points in London.

Services: 90 minutes free Wi-Fi, restaurants and cafes, lounges, duty-free shops, currency exchange, sensory room, chapel and prayer room, and family facilities.

The main airport in Koh Samui is the Samui International Airport (USM).

Useful Information about the Samui International Airport

The airport is just over a mile from the village of Chaweng.

How to get to Chaweng from the airport:

• · By taxi – journey lasts 10 to 15 minutes but could reach up to 20 minutes during rush hour.
• · By shared minivan – at least half an hour, with a wait for fellow passengers.

Services: open from 6am to 10pm, Wi-Fi available inside lounges, duty-free shops, restaurants and coffee shops, and a spa.

• Go on a trip to Na Duang Waterfalls and swim in the large pool at its base.
• Rent a scooter and head up to the View Point for the best views of the island.
• Visit the Wat Plae Laem, a stunning Buddhist temple and look for the colourful statue of the Buddhist bodhisatvva of compassion.
• Soak up some sun on the white sandy beaches of Fisherman’s Village.
• Stop by the Wat Racha Thammaram or the Snake Stone Temple and admire the collection of stupas and bas-relief designs.
• Climb up to the Lad Koh Viewpoint for outstanding vistas of the Gulf of Thailand.
• Swim, snorkel, or kayak in Ko Taen, a lovely island that is part of the Samui archipelago.
• Relax at the Secret Buddha Garden located on top of a lush hilltop.