There's
a businesslike air about airports around the world. They are
spankingly-immaculate, plush, tech-savvy, exude feverish energy and most have
no-nonsense security drills. You feel the need to look spruced and alert when
you walk their corridors. Koh Samui, in Thailand , is different. It's cute!
Yes, that's an adjective rarely associated with airports. But Koh Samui then is
a non-airport airport. It almost seems plucked out of a fairytale.
A
popular island in the Gulf
of Thailand , Koh Samui is
located in the country's southern part, and the airport is its show-window,
swinging you into a buoyant mood almost immediately on arrival. So forget that
gelled look; instead tousled hair and rolled up shirt sleeves is par for the
course here.
Officially
known as Samui International Airport ,
the moment the aircraft touches ground it seems one has directly flown into a
five-star resort. Lush and utterly pretty, its design puts aside all
stereotypes of an airport. No steel and glitz here, instead there are
landscaped greens—a profusion of the beautiful orchid too—and minimal
construction which seamlessly blends with the picturesque tropical surrounding.
Nothing overwhelming, all very welcoming.
That
the airport does things differently is noticed immediately on disembarking when
the apron shuttle turns out to be a cheerful, open-air vehicle, resembling
mini-trains found at fairs! Brightly painted multi-seater electric cars, akin
to golf carts, are another option. This wonderful toyland impression continues while
proceeding towards the arrival gate. The compact built area here is a series of
sloping thatched roofs held by pillars and incredibly no walls. Flushed with
natural light it comes across as a free-flowing space which in itself is a
stress-buster. Customs clearance and baggage collection is a friendly and swift
affair but you would want to linger on to let the eyes feast a little more on
the artistic glass and wood architecture.
The
return flight gives you more time to enjoy the dainty airport. The departure
terminal has informally arranged, brightly-cushioned cane seating, almost
seeming like a personal living room. The bathrooms are spic with attractive
fish tanks being a major element of their decor. An irresistible feature of the
international departure gate is a 'courtesy corner' which provides scrumptious
snacks and drinks on the house in a snug sitting area. Awaiting boarding is
never such a joy, for what more do you need when food and beverage is unlimited
and there's efficient wi-fi too. It all gets so cosy that the flight arrival
announcement seems a bother.
The staff is polite to a fault and their aim is to let you relax.
Even as you immerse yourself in a book or watch the telly, it’s the ground
stewards who come around to your seat to check boarding passes. A small
shopping arcade is another attraction and so is the opportunity to enjoy one
more Thai massage before exiting the island at the extremely relaxing spa
adjacent to the café, where nimble fingers work their magic in easing out body
knots.
It’s
no surprise to hear that Samui airport has been ranked amongst the most
beautiful in the world a number of times. It’s won a clutch of design awards
too and figures as a top favourite among travellers around the globe.
This
is an example of tropical paradise. It’s a wonder that places like this are
conceptualised; where the fast pace of cutting-edge technology exists within
mesmerisingly-serene contours. If you do get an opportunity, fly into Koh Samui,
the airport should be reason enough!
Published in TimeOut, April 2013
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