Flying from Samui International (USM) to Phuket (HKT): what you need to know
Hop on a direct flight from Samui International to Phuket and you'll be in the air for an average of 1 hour.
Phuket's timezone is UTC+7, which is the same as Koh Samui.
Flights from USM to HKT start at 08:00 — the first with Bangkok Airways. The latest departure is at 19:00 with Bangkok Airways. In total, you can choose from 56 weekly Samui International to Phuket flights.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to board your USM to HKT flight.
Flying during a peak month such as November? School holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues and delays at airport checkpoints. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
Bangkok Airways is your gateway to exploring Phuket (and perhaps some other exciting parts of Thailand!). Check out the direct flights from Samui International to Phuket offered by this carrier.
Most passengers choose to travel with Bangkok Airways on this route.
Bangkok Airways leads the way as the most punctual carrier for USM to HKT flights, with 89.02% of its services arriving on schedule.
How to find the cheapest flights from Samui International (USM) to Phuket (HKT)
Right now, ₹ 6,138 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Samui International to Phuket flight. The best price for a return plane ticket is ₹ 11,716. Keep in mind that fares could change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from USM to HKT if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird discounts.
The cheapest month for flights from Samui International to Phuket is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest prices if you have a flexible schedule.
Picking up cheap flights from USM to HKT couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals on flights from Samui International to Phuket.
Handy information about Samui International (USM)
Samui International gets high marks for on-time performance. 83% of flights that take off from USM arrive at their destination without delay.
To reach Samui International from central Koh Samui, it takes about 20 minutes if you're going by car. This depends on traffic though. It's approximately 11 kilometres from the airport to the city centre.
Taking public transport? Expect a trip time of around 30 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel near USM? If you're boarding an early flight from Samui International to Phuket, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
What is the baggage allowance on flights from Samui International Airport (USM) to Phuket Airport (HKT)?
Flights from USM to HKT typically include a carry-on bag with standard fares, though allowances vary by airline and ticket type. Here is what you can expect with baggage policies on this route:
Bangkok Airways
Carry-on allowance: 7kg cabin bag plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Samui International Airport (USM), Terminal 1
Arrival terminal: Phuket Airport (HKT), Domestic Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 2 hours before departure
Scoot
Carry-on allowance: 10kg cabin bag (54cm x 38cm x 23cm) plus personal item
Checked baggage: 20kg included with some economy fares
Departure terminal: Samui International Airport (USM), Main Terminal
Check-in counters: Open 3 hours before departure, close 45 minutes before departure
You can access essential facilities including free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, and a selection of shops and restaurants at Samui International Airport (USM). The airport also provides ATMs for your convenience and medical services should you need assistance. Samui International Airport (USM) offers these amenities to ensure your departure experience is comfortable and well-supported.
Arriving at Phuket (HKT)
Reserve a hotel near HKT if you're taking a late Samui International to Phuket flight. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a Phuket rental car and explore Phuket and beyond with your own set of wheels. Asap car hire, Hertz and Chic Car Rent are top outlets you can book with here.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Phuket around three weeks before your travel date.
Getting from Phuket (HKT) to central Phuket
Phuket is roughly 32 kilometres from central Phuket. The drive time takes around 45 minutes.
Travelling on public transport takes about 1 hour 20 minutes.
When to fly to Phuket (HKT)
January is the busiest month for flights from Samui International to Phuket. For a quieter experience, head to Phuket in March.
When reserving your flight from Samui International to Phuket, consider the kind of weather you enjoy. March is the warmest month in Phuket, with temperatures ranging from 25ºC to 32ºC.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from USM to HKT in January. Average temperatures are between 24ºC and 30ºC then.
Weather snapshot
The weather in Phuket is tropical with warm temperatures year-round, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons that bring different atmospheres to the island. Here's what to expect throughout the year:
December – February: Cool-season breezes and sunny skies make these the best times to explore Phuket. Pack lightweight clothes for warm days and a light jacket for evening strolls along the beaches.
March – May: This hot season brings blazing sunshine and rising humidity across Phuket. Temperatures climb steadily through these months, making early morning and late afternoon the best times to explore Phuket outdoors.
June – September: Phuket's monsoon season delivers warm, humid weather with frequent afternoon showers that cool the air beautifully. Light, quick-dry clothing works best for exploring temples and markets between rainfall, while indoor attractions and spa treatments become perfect rainy-day options.
October – November: The post-monsoon season brings settled sunshine and warm temperatures, making it perfect for beach time, outdoor sightseeing and exploring nature attractions across the island.
Sightseeing and travel inspiration
Phuket draws travellers with its white sand beaches, clear tropical waters and relaxed island atmosphere. The destination combines beach resorts with traditional fishing villages, local markets and Buddhist temples. Whether you're planning flights to Phuket for water sports, island hopping or simply unwinding by the sea, it offers plenty of options for different travel styles.
Things to do in Phuket: Stroll along Patong Beach, about 15 kilometres west of the city centre, where you can swim in clear waters or try parasailing above the coastline. Head to Kata Noi Beach, roughly 17 kilometres southwest, for quieter stretches of sand perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling. Explore the Weekend Night Market in Phuket Town, just 2 kilometres from the centre, where you can browse local crafts and sample street food from dozens of vendors.
Cultural experiences: Learn about Buddhist traditions at Wat Chalong temple, about 8 kilometres south of Phuket Town, or catch traditional Thai dance performances at the Phuket Cultural Centre in the Old Town district. Sample authentic southern Thai cuisine at local cooking classes in Kathu, around 12 kilometres northwest, focusing on regional specialties like massaman curry and fresh seafood preparations.
Seasonal highlights: Experience the colourful Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October with street processions and local food stalls throughout the island. The cool, dry months from November to March offer the best time to visit Phuket for beach activities and outdoor exploration. Join the water festivities during Songkran in April, when locals and visitors celebrate the traditional New Year with water fights across the streets.
Explore more of Thailand
You've seen Phuket, now it's time to discover more of what Thailand has to offer. Around 177 kilometres north-east, Surat Thani is a must-see city that features attractions such as Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is another place worth exploring during your Thailand trip. Head on over to this destination, located about 177 kilometres east of Phuket, to take in highlights like Hat Khanom - Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park.
