Ko Samui Airport (USM) is the only airport serving Ko Pha-ngan.

It’s 21 kilometres from Ko Samui Airport to downtown Ko Pha-ngan. Make things easy by working out the fastest way of getting from the terminal to the city center before you touchdown.

Ko Samui Airport (USM) is the only major airport in Ko Pha-ngan. Before you hop on the plane, it’s a smart idea to research a thing or two about it. The terminal is located 21 kilometres from the downtown area.

If you’re flying to Ko Pha-ngan, there isn’t much choice. Only one airline services the route — get in as soon as you can to nab the best deal.

The majority of flights to Ko Pha-ngan are operated by Bangkok Airways. The most preferred route takes off from Bangkok, and Bangkok Airways flies this route the most often.

Flying to a new place is much more fun when there aren’t any stopovers to worry about. If you’re off to Ko Pha-ngan, the awesome news is that there are 178 direct flights operating each week.

Flights to Ko Pha-ngan departing from Bangkok, Phuket and Singapore airports are in high demand.

If you’re going to Ko Pha-ngan from Bangkok, you’ll have a flight time of 1 hour and 14 minutes. Those leaving from Phuket can expect to be on the plane for 55 minutes. From Singapore it’s around 2 hours and 5 minutes away.

We all know those fortunate travelers who somehow manage to land impossibly cheap fares whenever they fly. Want to know how to do it for your Ko Pha-ngan vacation? Don’t leave it until the last minute to secure your flight. Also, look around online and compare your options. If your destination has multiple airports, you may be able to score an excellent deal by flying into a smaller terminal. Lastly, another easy way to save a few dollars is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you spot an amazing deal, don’t hesitate — grab it while you can.

Depending on where you’re coming from, your journey to Ko Pha-ngan could be completely painless or it could drag on forever. Here are some useful tips that will help you start your next big adventure on the right foot.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• It’s easy — first, pack your passport, official ID, wallet and medications. Next, you’ll need some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the time. A thrilling novel and a tablet crammed with your favorite movies are some great options. If you hope to take a short nap, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also come in handy. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some facial wipes to ensure you hop off the plane looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any gels or liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by authorities. Pointed or sharp objects, like your beloved pocket knife, and dangerous products which are explosive or flammable, such as spray paint, flares and fuels, are also not allowed.

What to wear on a flight:

• The best way to ensure a comfortable flight often lies in the clothes you wear. Prepare for changes in temperature by bringing layers. That way you’ll stay nice and warm if the cabin gets too cold. Shoes like sandals and heels are best left for other occasions. Instead, opt for flat, closed-toed footwear like slip-ons. Your feet will appreciate it.
• The serious condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It’s the result of blood clots forming due to inactivity and poor circulation. Walking around the cabin and doing regular foot and leg exercises in your seat helps to prevent this from happening. Wearing a good-quality pair of compression socks is also recommended.

The trick is to be organized before you get to the airport security gate. That way, you’ll be hopping onto that plane to Ko Pha-ngan in a flash. Follow these tips and get your vacation off to a terrific start:

• Be sure to keep your ID and boarding pass someplace easily accessible. They’ll be the first things you’ll be asked for by security.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything metal on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• Your electronic gadgets like laptops and phones will also have to go through the machine to be scanned. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray separately. Each item should be no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit in a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you several valuable minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Knives and other sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so pack them in your checked suitcase.