KOH SAMUI

• THKSM
• Latitude: 9.53524
• Longitude: 99.9306
• South-East Asia
• Port in Thailand

Location: Thailand

Koh Samui is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand and is one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Though it doesn't have a large commercial seaport like those in Bangkok or Laem Chabang, Koh Samui does have facilities that cater to ferry operations, small commercial vessels, and other marine activities. Here are some details about the marine port and its specifications:

Nathon Pier

Location:

• Nathon, on the western coast of Koh Samui.

Primary Uses:

• Passenger ferries and cargo transportation.
• Main entry and exit point for goods and visitors to the island.

Facilities & Services:

• Terminal building for passengers.
• Ferry and cargo handling facilities.
• Parking and waiting areas.
• Shops and restaurants nearby.

Berthing Specifications:

• Several docking spaces for ferries.
• Capable of handling small to medium-sized vessels.
• Depth alongside the pier is typically around 4-6 meters, though this can vary.

Navigation:

• Approach is usually straightforward but relies on local knowledge.
• Marker buoys and beacons guide vessels.
• Tidal variations are relatively moderate.

Other Important Piers

Bangrak Pier:

• Located near Big Buddha on the northeastern coast.
• Serves ferries to the nearby islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
• Smaller pier suitable for passenger ferries and speedboats.

Lipa Noi Pier:

• Situated in the southwest.
• Mainly used for vehicle and cargo ferries.
• Adequate road links to other parts of the island.

Connectivity

Road Access:

• Connected to the island's road network, facilitating easy access to various parts of Koh Samui.
• Efficient road transport for goods and passengers from the pier to the island's interior.

Air Access:

• Koh Samui Airport offers domestic and international flights and is located approximately 23 km from Nathon Pier.

Surrounding Infrastructure

Accommodations:

• Numerous hotels and resorts are located close to the piers, catering to tourists and business travelers.

Tourist Activities:

• Famous for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife.
• Diving and snorkeling activities are popular due to the clear waters and marine life.

Local Economy:

• Tourism is the main industry.
• Fishing and agriculture (coconuts, rubber) also play a significant role.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability:

• Efforts are continuously being made to balance tourism and environmental preservation.
• Marine conservation programs and eco-friendly practices are encouraged.

Given its primary focus on tourism, Koh Samui's marine facilities are generally more tailored towards passenger movement rather than heavy commercial shipping. Nonetheless, they are a vital part of the island's infrastructure, supporting both the local economy and the vibrant tourism sector.