Where is Ko Samui located?
Koh Samui island is around 750 kms south of Thailand’s capital of Bangkok. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the island is the second largest in the country. While the rest of the country features an abundant monsoon season, Koh Samui enjoys considerably mild weather throughout the year.
In addition to its favorable weather thanks to its tropical savannah climate, the island’s Chumphon Archipelago geographical location protects it from possible tsunamis and other severe, tropical storms.
How many tourists visit Koh Samui each year?
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Koh Samui saw an average of 2.7 million tourists each year. Now, as the pandemic is weakening, new measures have been adopted by the Thai government to allow tourists to return. For more information regarding current news in Thailand and Koh Samui, check out our guide below:
How big is Koh Samui Thailand?
Koh Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus. The total land area of the island is 228.7 km², with the max length and width being 25 km and 21 km respectively. The highest elevation is 635 m (2,083 ft). As of 2017, the population of Koh Samui is 67,265.
Is Koh Samui open?
Foreigners who wish to travel to Thailand and are fully-vaccinated can travel to Koh Samui without needing to undergo a quarantine. The Samui Plus plan allows travelers who are not vaccinated to enter and stay in an approved hotel for a reduced number of days.
Following the Phuket Sandbox Plan, travellers can visit Koh Samui under the Samui Plus program, however, they must follow the measures that are mandated by the government. This includes tasking multiple Covid-19 tests on specific dates before being allowed to leave the quarantine hotel and travel to other parts of Thailand. It is important to keep updated with the rules and regulations as they can change at a moment’s notice. To see current news about traveling to Thailand, click here:
Is it safe to travel to Koh Samui?
Koh Samui, like all of Thailand, is considered quite safe for travellers and expats alike. As violent crimes are rare against foreigners, it is advised to take normal precautions just as you would in your home country. Statistically, Koh Samui and Thailand have less overall crime rates than that of most Western countries. Petty crimes can and do happen, although it is not prevalent. Taking a stroll after dark is always not recommended, regardless of what country in which you reside.
How much do I need to retire in Thailand?
A recent study by NetCredit has estimated that a person would need, on average, $390,000 USD to retire comfortably in Thailand. The study based the amount on average equivalent quality of life a foreigner would enjoy in their native, home country. Although this is not true for every person, it is a good starting point in which to base your retirement funds.
To apply for a retirement visa in Thailand, the law dictates that applicants should have a savings of 800,000 THB or $25,000 USD in a Thai bank account. Another option is to show funds being deposited monthly into your Thai bank account in the amount of 65,000 THB or $2,000 USD.