I like Bangkok Airways because they are very efficient, has a checked in bag included and a meal on board. But, as you mentioned, being the owner of Samui airport, they do charge accordingly for this route. For other routes like Phuket or Chiang Mai, they are one of the best options.
Not at all, it was years ago - I think it still looks nice but the flight we took looked more spacious and the in-flight service was definitely more formal and pretty much. And we traveling after we re-acclimatize to much less elegant North American carriers.
I went through the same CIQ experience in Chiang Mai with Thai Smile. About a dozen people on the flight to BKK were routed through exit immigration and customs before waiting at a different gate than the domestic passengers. When let on the plane all the passengers merged at the sky bridge. At BKK we were at a bus gate and when entering the terminal the signage for CIQ passengers was pretty bad. I was lucky to find the escalator up to transit security. Still faster than dealing with BKK customs lines. As a plus my connecting international flight was Star Alliance (EVA) so I could check my bags all the way through from Chiang Mai and have the Thai Smile desk agent print up my EVA BKK and TPE boarding passes. Also since I had an international connection I checked in at the Royal Orchid Plus desk even though I was flying economy on Thai Smile.
First time I arrived at Koh Samui just over 12 months ago I wondered what I was in for was raining and then the little buggies. Any way turned out great and been 3 times now so I know what to expect ( I am a nervous traveller) The lounge is great as well as with most Bangkok Airways lounges usually only a few people. Just organised KL to Bangkok ($38 AUD) for sept and will go to Samui again and now know which hotels NOT to stay at thanks to your videos. Appreciate them 🙏👍
Nice review, Kevin. Bangkok Airways has become my 'go to' for flights south. The free lounge in BKK with wifi and passable coffee is a great free asset. Never had any delays, staff are great and there's usually a hot meal even on a 1 hour flight e.g. BKK to SURAT THANI recently. Looking forward to your future programming , as always.
Nice as always . The owner of the kingfisher flew away to england two days before it was declared bankruptaed . He is still in england . His father started the buisness of kingfisher bear , which is pretty famous in here . Your vids are a breathe of fresh air to me . ❤ as always .
I wonder who had the idea for the outside design,Taking in fresh air,Expierencing nature,Just not being on your phone even in the airport.The person who thot of that should be getting a Oscar.
Try Nepal Airlines to Kathmandu and then Buddha Air to Pokhara. Try to get early morning flight to pokhara to get a spectacular views of the Himalayas. Nepal airlines is soon flying to Gautam Buddha Airport, Nepal for $100 from Kualalumpur.
Surely it is a "sui generis" airport: very relaxing and also stylish... I am a bit curious, but for the time being I think I will dedicate all my money and efforts to my ideal trip to Japan, since it is almost the time for me to do it... 😉
Having no air conditioning for domestic passengers is not good, especially if you flight is delayed. It might be beautiful and charming, but not in 30° heat.
That CIQ procedure isnt new. Theyre doing that for many years already. When connecting in economy it can save up to 1 or 2 hours waiting time at immigration and security in BKK.
So l did a little look see, just randomly (no offers or discounts). The boat trip from Bangkok to Koh samui takes 14+ hours, costs around $80 AUD flight takes 1hr 10mins costs around $200 AUD unless l was using the boat trip to save on a night's accommodation on a tight budget there really is no benefit to enduring the 14hrs. Seeing the "rack rate" for this flight it does make sense they offer a decent snack or light meal if l paid say $45 AUD I wouldn't expect any service but at $200 it's reasonable to expect refreshments 👍
@The Flip Flop Traveller : I found one company Lomprayah High Speed ferry that sails 7 times per week Bangkok-Koh samui takes 14.5hrs so not the bus, train, ferry option you mentioned which takes just as long. The flight is a much better way to go.
The Pax separation is standard in Thailand when connecting to an international flight from a domestic airport that has immigration service. It's simply to allow for going through immigration at the initial departure point. And like anywhere else, a Pax cannot wander around an airport once cleared through immigration. It's generally much easier than going through immigration in Bangkok and having to go around in circles to get from the domestic to international section. CIQ Pax go through a shortcut route at Suvarnabhumi airport. CIQ systems have been common in Asia for years in many countries. This is not unique to Koh Samui.
🤷🏼♂️ I just report it as I see it lol. I have done domestic to international connections before and had to go through immigration in BKK. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The reason why you went through "international" gates despite being on a domestic flight is to reduce crowding at Suvarnabhumi airport’s immigration desks. And also for shorter wait times at Samui airport, heck, if you can save 15 minutes and grab a coffee (for free) instead of standing in line waiting to be stamped out of Thailand, why wouldn’t you? This is a system unique to Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. Also, the international lounge was actually the business class lounge. They don’t really have a lounge at Samui Airport - considering all passengers are Bangkok airways passengers, they just have a "courtesy corner" with snacks and drinks and the whole waiting area is built up like a lounge.
Hi Kevin, could you consider reviewing a Vietjet long haul flight on one of their A330s? They fly the A330 from Saigon to a few cities in Australia and Tokyo, as well as from Nha Trang to Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan.
You won’t find me in an A330 3-3-3 configuration anytime soon lol. If they have some business fares that are favorable I’m more than happy to give it a try.
How long do you have to be at the airport before flying ? I meant for check-in bags and to clear immigration like the international flights where you have to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure time ?
Wait if you fly domestically you will leave thailand according to the immigration system ? how does that work if you are on a tourist visa ? Do you need to have your passport stamped again ??
As I mentioned in the video, I was connecting to an international flight, which is why this was done- so of course, I needed my passport. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft Ahh okay I misunderstood I thought by traveling domestic you had to stamp your passport again even if you were just flying from one domestic airport to another.
I have lived in Thailand for almost a decade and Bangkok Airways is a good regional airline but is not as special as some youtube vidoes make it out to be. Most of the BKK Air flights are about an hour. Yes, they serve a small meal(chicken curry and rice). Yes they have a lounge for economy passengers but the lounge is a room with machine coffee, some snacks and wi fi. Lastly BK Air fares are generally higher than it's competition. BK Air's is overrated.
@tfft The glory days of BK Air were back 2017 to 2019. It turly was a unique experience to fly BK Air throughout Thailand and SE Asia. Now it feels a notch better than Nok Air or Thai Viet Jet. But the difference is BK Air is at times 25 to 30 percent more expensive. In the end most regional airlines in Thailand fly either the B737 or A319 or 320 series. Most would rather save the money and pack into an Air Asia flight.
International passengers are segregated at all Thai airports. It makes security sense, because your checked baggage MUST accompany you, or v v. Nobody wants a terrorist or drug mule just wandering out of Domestic at Bangkok, while their suspect bag goes on unaccompanied to an international flight. And yes, rescreening is a pain in the arse for everyone concerned. It should happen in the US too!
The comment I made was about being segregated before a domestic flight. In just about every other country on earth, you would fly to Bangkok as a domestic passenger and then pass through security and immigration in Bangkok before boarding your international flight. With the Thai system, fact of the matter is I could have simply taken off my CIQ sticker and walked into the country from this domestic flight, after having been stamped out of Thailand in Samui.
The immigration process is dodgy. Anyone with the intention of illegally re-entering Thailand can easily go through immigration and follow the domestic passengers out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Koh Sami airport might be one of my favourites, it’s natural scenery is so charming and it feels like I’m on a tropical vacation even in the airport.
100% agree! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I like Bangkok Airways because they are very efficient, has a checked in bag included and a meal on board. But, as you mentioned, being the owner of Samui airport, they do charge accordingly for this route. For other routes like Phuket or Chiang Mai, they are one of the best options.
Thanks for watching 🩴
Never thought I’d say an airport was charming, but this video shows exactly that. Nice one!
Certainly is! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
We flew this Airline years ago in economy. It was a short flight but so nice my husband kept asking if it was business :-)
Was your husband really sleepy? Lol
Not at all, it was years ago - I think it still looks nice but the flight we took looked more spacious and the in-flight service
was definitely more formal and pretty much. And we traveling after we re-acclimatize to much less elegant North American carriers.
Another great video, Kevin. Well done. Always enjoy your content😀🙃
Appreciate that!
I went through the same CIQ experience in Chiang Mai with Thai Smile. About a dozen people on the flight to BKK were routed through exit immigration and customs before waiting at a different gate than the domestic passengers. When let on the plane all the passengers merged at the sky bridge. At BKK we were at a bus gate and when entering the terminal the signage for CIQ passengers was pretty bad. I was lucky to find the escalator up to transit security. Still faster than dealing with BKK customs lines.
As a plus my connecting international flight was Star Alliance (EVA) so I could check my bags all the way through from Chiang Mai and have the Thai Smile desk agent print up my EVA BKK and TPE boarding passes. Also since I had an international connection I checked in at the Royal Orchid Plus desk even though I was flying economy on Thai Smile.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thanks for the memories! I love PG... They're such a cute little airline.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank you for informing about the proces of being checked out at the airport. That is new to me.😊
Was new to me too 😉 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I Havent Experience Bangkok Airways Yet.Great Trip Report
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
First time I arrived at Koh Samui just over 12 months ago I wondered what I was in for was raining and then the little buggies. Any way turned out great and been 3 times now so I know what to expect ( I am a nervous traveller) The lounge is great as well as with most Bangkok Airways lounges usually only a few people. Just organised KL to Bangkok ($38 AUD) for sept and will go to Samui again and now know which hotels NOT to stay at thanks to your videos. Appreciate them 🙏👍
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Nice review, Kevin. Bangkok Airways has become my 'go to' for flights south. The free lounge in BKK with wifi and passable coffee is a great free asset. Never had any delays, staff are great and there's usually a hot meal even on a 1 hour flight e.g. BKK to SURAT THANI recently.
Looking forward to your future programming , as always.
It’s nice to have such a consistent product these days. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Finally after 3 week again airplane video 🔥😊
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Nice as always . The owner of the kingfisher flew away to england two days before it was declared bankruptaed . He is still in england . His father started the buisness of kingfisher bear , which is pretty famous in here . Your vids are a breathe of fresh air to me . ❤ as always .
Appreciate that! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
What a unique and lovely airport....
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
LOVED your review.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Another relevant video for me s I’ll be hopping down to Samui in Oct. and my guess for the Hangman puzzle is Mantra Seminyak in Bali….
For your guess you are close, but no cigar 😉
Very unique airport.. free drinks and snack on waiting room…
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
First time watching one of your flight videos ... does this mean i have to catch up on those aswell now!
Yes, yes it does 😉
Nice video
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
Nice as always
Thanks very much 🙏🏻
You should try out Condor's A330neo someday, they look pretty luxurious considering that they are a leisure airline.
Would love to, but transatlantic is a routing that only fits into my schedule once or twice a year. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I wonder who had the idea for the outside design,Taking in fresh air,Expierencing nature,Just not being on your phone even in the airport.The person who thot of that should be getting a Oscar.
The airport was built before cell phones existed, so my guess is the design was simply to save money lol.
lol that became a good idea
Is it true that Bangkok airways has a route to Copenhagen?Also WONDERFUL airport!
They only fly narrow body planes so that would seem unlikely. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Good video 💪🏾
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Try Nepal Airlines to Kathmandu and then Buddha Air to Pokhara. Try to get early morning flight to pokhara to get a spectacular views of the Himalayas.
Nepal airlines is soon flying to Gautam Buddha Airport, Nepal for $100 from Kualalumpur.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Jorts squad turn up ⬆️
Someone’s gotta do it 😊
Thank You ✈️
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Surely it is a "sui generis" airport: very relaxing and also stylish... I am a bit curious, but for the time being I think I will dedicate all my money and efforts to my ideal trip to Japan, since it is almost the time for me to do it... 😉
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Another top video Kevin!
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Having no air conditioning for domestic passengers is not good, especially if you flight is delayed.
It might be beautiful and charming, but not in 30° heat.
Well I mean, it’s a tropical island, can’t say everyone there wasn’t prepared for tropical weather lol.
That CIQ procedure isnt new. Theyre doing that for many years already. When connecting in economy it can save up to 1 or 2 hours waiting time at immigration and security in BKK.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
So l did a little look see, just randomly (no offers or discounts). The boat trip from Bangkok to Koh samui takes 14+ hours, costs around $80 AUD flight takes 1hr 10mins costs around $200 AUD unless l was using the boat trip to save on a night's accommodation on a tight budget there really is no benefit to enduring the 14hrs. Seeing the "rack rate" for this flight it does make sense they offer a decent snack or light meal if l paid say $45 AUD I wouldn't expect any service but at $200 it's reasonable to expect refreshments 👍
Ah yeah when I mentioned the boat I meant the ferry from nearby Surat Thani. I had no idea they even had ferries from Bangkok haha.
@The Flip Flop Traveller : I found one company Lomprayah High Speed ferry that sails 7 times per week Bangkok-Koh samui takes 14.5hrs so not the bus, train, ferry option you mentioned which takes just as long. The flight is a much better way to go.
If possible, can you tel me how to reach Koh Samui airport from Koh Phangan , after attending the Moon party
Likely, not as well as Google could 😅
The Pax separation is standard in Thailand when connecting to an international flight from a domestic airport that has immigration service. It's simply to allow for going through immigration at the initial departure point. And like anywhere else, a Pax cannot wander around an airport once cleared through immigration. It's generally much easier than going through immigration in Bangkok and having to go around in circles to get from the domestic to international section. CIQ Pax go through a shortcut route at Suvarnabhumi airport. CIQ systems have been common in Asia for years in many countries. This is not unique to Koh Samui.
🤷🏼♂️ I just report it as I see it lol. I have done domestic to international connections before and had to go through immigration in BKK. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The reason why you went through "international" gates despite being on a domestic flight is to reduce crowding at Suvarnabhumi airport’s immigration desks. And also for shorter wait times at Samui airport, heck, if you can save 15 minutes and grab a coffee (for free) instead of standing in line waiting to be stamped out of Thailand, why wouldn’t you? This is a system unique to Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.
Also, the international lounge was actually the business class lounge. They don’t really have a lounge at Samui Airport - considering all passengers are Bangkok airways passengers, they just have a "courtesy corner" with snacks and drinks and the whole waiting area is built up like a lounge.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Hi Kevin, could you consider reviewing a Vietjet long haul flight on one of their A330s? They fly the A330 from Saigon to a few cities in Australia and Tokyo, as well as from Nha Trang to Almaty and Astana in Kazakhstan.
You won’t find me in an A330 3-3-3 configuration anytime soon lol. If they have some business fares that are favorable I’m more than happy to give it a try.
How long do you have to be at the airport before flying ? I meant for check-in bags and to clear immigration like the international flights where you have to be at the airport at least 3 hours before departure time ?
Depends on destination and time of day. Recommend asking your hotel who will likely be arranging transport for you.
😊😊😊😊 2nd
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Wait if you fly domestically you will leave thailand according to the immigration system ? how does that work if you are on a tourist visa ?
Do you need to have your passport stamped again ??
As I mentioned in the video, I was connecting to an international flight, which is why this was done- so of course, I needed my passport. Thanks for watching 🩴
@@tfft Ahh okay I misunderstood I thought by traveling domestic you had to stamp your passport again even if you were just flying from one domestic airport to another.
Send me a message if you come to Luangprabang, which is another destination covered by Bangkok Airways.
Waiting for Laos’ recovery to pick up a bit first. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
I have lived in Thailand for almost a decade and Bangkok Airways is a good regional airline but is not as special as some youtube vidoes make it out to be. Most of the BKK Air flights are about an hour. Yes, they serve a small meal(chicken curry and rice). Yes they have a lounge for economy passengers but the lounge is a room with machine coffee, some snacks and wi fi. Lastly BK Air fares are generally higher than it's competition. BK Air's is overrated.
I compare apples to apples. In that context, PG is great.
@tfft The glory days of BK Air were back 2017 to 2019. It turly was a unique experience to fly BK Air throughout Thailand and SE Asia. Now it feels a notch better than Nok Air or Thai Viet Jet. But the difference is BK Air is at times 25 to 30 percent more expensive. In the end most regional airlines in Thailand fly either the B737 or A319 or 320 series. Most would rather save the money and pack into an Air Asia flight.
International passengers are segregated at all Thai airports. It makes security sense, because your checked baggage MUST accompany you, or v v. Nobody wants a terrorist or drug mule just wandering out of Domestic at Bangkok, while their suspect bag goes on unaccompanied to an international flight. And yes, rescreening is a pain in the arse for everyone concerned. It should happen in the US too!
The comment I made was about being segregated before a domestic flight. In just about every other country on earth, you would fly to Bangkok as a domestic passenger and then pass through security and immigration in Bangkok before boarding your international flight. With the Thai system, fact of the matter is I could have simply taken off my CIQ sticker and walked into the country from this domestic flight, after having been stamped out of Thailand in Samui.
The immigration process is dodgy. Anyone with the intention of illegally re-entering Thailand can easily go through immigration and follow the domestic passengers out of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thank you for the content 🎉
Thanks for watching 🙏🏻