This Thai island airport may be my all-time favourite
Check-in
There's a queue at check-in, but it only takes 10 or so minutes before we're at the desk. After check-in we're directed to a section of the airport with a large screen and are instructed to wait five minutes in case our bag is shown on the screen. My checked bag makes an appearance, and then a minute later the screen shows a hand reaching down to remove it. Bags move in and out of the square like a game of hokey pokey. I'm thoroughly confused. What does this mean? The signage doesn't make it clear, so I ask a security officer. He directs me to the airport baggage inquiry section, where I have to watch another screen.
After a few minutes waiting – my bag doesn't appear – I'm allowed to progress to security. It's only when I'm seated on the aircraft and I see my bag being loaded through the window that I'm reassured it will be coming home with me. Happily, the Koh Samui effect means I'm bemused but mostly unbothered by the experience.
Security
A few steps from check-in, there is a single luggage screening machine but no queue. Sadly, my small bag doesn't make the grade as I've forgotten to remove my sunscreen. Despite it only holding a quarter of a bottle of lotion, the security staff member is firm. The cream is dumped in the bin, and I head to departures.
Food + drink
For such a small airport, Koh Samui has an impressive range of food and drink offerings from Thai to Japanese, Indian and Western food plus coffee, tea and juice bars all with the airport's signature indoor-outdoor design.
Retail therapy
Perhaps the airport is too small to attract international brand name labels, but in any case, it's refreshing to see local brands on display. The most familiar is a Jim Thompson store for last-minute Thai silk clothing, homewares and accessories. A duty-free store, jewellery and clothing boutiques and local souvenir kiosks join the row of stores on the way to the domestic departure lounge, a beautiful, high-ceilinged timber pavilion resembling a tree-house.
Passing time
There's free Wi-Fi, but instead of scrolling, order a freshly squeezed juice or an ice-cold beer and take advantage of the shaded outdoor bean bags and deck chairs. Just don't forget to board your flight.
The verdict
Despite its quirks, this airport knows how to keep you in the holiday zone. It might just be my all-time favourite.
Our rating out of five
★★★★
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