 Travel Tips
Visa and Passport
Entry into Thailand requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If your passport will expire while in Thailand, be sure to obtain a new one before arriving or you may be refused entry.
There are basically two ways of entering Thailand. One is getting a 30-day entry permit upon arrival at Bangkok’s Don Muang Airport, the other is applying for a 60-day tourist visa at the local Thai embassy in your home country before arriving.
Holders of most European passports, as well as Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and the U.K. do not require a visa if staying 30 days or less. You will be given a 30-day entry permit upon arrival. Citizens of Korea, Brazil and Peru may enter Thailand without a visa for periods of up to 90 days for purposes of tourism or temporary business.
Tourist visas can easily be obtained outside Thailand at any Thai embassy or consulate. They are good for 60 days and can be extended one time for another 30 days from within Thailand.
Malaysian nationals do not need a passport but can get a border pass when entering Thailand. The border pass, valid for 6 months, allows Malaysians to travel up to 50km into Southern Thailand for a maximum period of 15 days.
It is always wise to check with the Thai embassy in your home country for current visa regulations or visit Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs web-site at www.mfa.go.th/web/12.php for more information.
 How to get There
by Air
Bangkok Airways is the only airline that flies directly to Koh Samui. They have approximately 10 flights per day, depending on the season. The Bangkok Airways counter at Don Muang Airport is on the arrivals level in the domestic terminal. For further information regarding flights to Koh Samui from Bangkok (and other locations) click on the link for Bangkok Airways.
by Train
There are many trains running throughout the day from Bangkok to Surat Thani and return. The Surat Thani train station is about an hour from the ferry pier where you catch the boat to Koh Samui. You will need transportation from the railway station to the pier.
The most popular trains are the sleeper trains where you travel at night and arrive in either Bangkok or Surat Thani in the morning. Any travel agent in Bangkok or Koh Samui can book a ticket for you that will include train, bus and boat, to or from Koh Samui. Prices vary depending on the class of train travel 1st, 2nd or 3rd. We recommend 2nd class air conditioned as the best value at approximately 700 baht for the train, bus and boat ticket combined. The click here for additional information from The State Railway of Thailand.
by Bus
All buses for Koh Samui leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. There are different classes of buses running between Bangkok and Koh Samui. There are buses run by private companies and there are buses run by the government.
If you are taking the bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui, or vice versa, we recommend any of the VIP bus as there are fewer seats on the bus, and the seats recline to somewhat of a sleeping position. These buses tend to leave late afternoon, early evening. A one way ticket including the ferry boat will cost you approximately 600 Baht.
You can purchase a ticket that includes bus and ferry at the Southern Bus Terminal, or through any travel agent in Bangkok. The bus ride to Surat Thani is about 10 hours. Then you have another hour to the pier and then about a 90 ferry trip to Nathon. (Hint, bring a long sleeve shirt on the bus with you because they tend to really crank up the air conditioning.)
You have the same options taking the bus back to Bangkok. There are different class buses departing at different times of the day. Again we recommend the VIP bus and that you book a combination bus and ferry ticket with one of the many reputable Koh Samui travel agents.
If you have your own transportation, or just finding your own way, you can walk on, or drive on to the ferries.
There are two ferry piers to choose from. Both piers are about one hour from Surat Thani and they are close to each other. The only difference is that they are run by different companies. Cost for car and driver is about 250 baht. Cost for walk on is 60 baht. Ferries leave the pier approximately every two hours starting at 6:00 am. (Hint, if you go outside on the ferry, remember your sun-screen. You don't want to arrive in Koh Samui sun burned!)
 Currency
Thailand’s currency is Baht. Bills come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are 10, 5, 1 and tiny satangs. Satangs are quarter fractions of 1 and are not widely used.
Most international currencies and Travellers Cheques can be exchanged at banks or local moneychangers. Major credit cards are accepted in major establishments as well as at moneychangers. You can get a cash advance on your credit card at most banks and transfer funds into the country, the latter usually taking a few working days. Western Union outlets are relatively common and easy to access.
There are many ATMs throughout the country, usually with optional displays in English. International ATM cards with the Cirrus symbol link may be used at most ATM’s, although there may be a hefty transaction fee.
Health & Safety
Thailand is a relatively safe and healthy country. However, a few precautions may make your trip more enjoyable.
Probably the most common health risk is sunburn. Thailand is close to the equator, which means the rays of the sun are strong and can burn skin quickly and easily. Everyone wants to return home with a holiday tan, however, use caution, sunscreen and begin your tanning process slowly to build up a base. Be sure to drink plenty of water too.
Never drink tap water. Most restaurants serve safe bottled water, except for some very rural stalls which may boil their drinking water first. Ice is safe to use.
Koh Samui has several medical clinics catering to foreigners, most of them located in Chaweng and Lamai.
- Samui International Hospital (SIH)
- Bangkok Hospital Samui
- Bandon Int. Private Hospital
- Thai International Hospital
It is advisable when travelling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations or medications you may need for your trip. Thailand does not require any pre-arrival vaccinations, unless you are coming from Africa, then a yellow fever vaccination is usually required.
Malaria and Dengue fever exist in Thailand, but are not common in most tourist areas. Particular precautions should be taken in remote areas or areas near the northern borders. Aside from any disease they may carry, mosquitoes can be bothersome so wear repellent and/or long sleeves and trousers when going outside at night.
Pharmacies in Thailand are pretty well-stocked. However, if you require any specific medication, it’s a good idea to bring an adequate supply with you. Alternatively, you may find your same medication in Thailand at a fraction of the price, so you could stock up before returning home!
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