‘Best airport in the world’ allows passengers to drink coconuts and relax on bean bags

There is an airport in Asia that has been dubbed as the ‘best in the world’ for its relaxing atmosphere and exotic offerings – including sipping fresh coconuts in the sun

An airport in Asia has been celebrated as the best in the world because of its tropical allure.

Rather than the usual hustle and bustle associated with airports, Samui Airport, situated on the idyllic Koh Samui island in Thailand, offers travellers a unique start to their journey or holiday. It contains a spacious outdoor grassy lounging area adorned with bean bags, swings, palm trees and an unrestricted view of planes ascending into the sky.

While there’s no shortage of airports in exotic locations, Samui Airport’s own website boldly asserts that it “holds the crown as the most beautiful and the best designed in tune with its gorgeous natural surroundings.” TikTok user Jessica Jayne recently shared her experience of this serene airport.

In her video, she raved: “This is the world’s best airport where you can drink fresh coconuts while chilling on bean bags watching the planes take off. Normally I find the airport experience pretty stressful.”

She continued: “Usually everything feels super chaotic and super rushed but this airport is different.” Her video also showcased some “really nice cafes” followed by the discovery of the inviting open space with cushy bean bags, which she fondly depicted as “those big, soft bean bags that you just sink into.”

Jessica admitted that the comfy, cushioned chairs at the airport were so relaxing she could “probably have a nap” in them. She added: “The thing that I found most surprising is that there is no barrier separating us from the runway like they just trust that no one is going to run onto the runway.”

She continued her praise by saying: “Hands down the best part of this airport is that the cafe sells fresh coconuts. I obviously had to get one.

“This cost £2.85. It just tasted so good. This is probably the most relaxed I’ve ever felt before getting on a flight.”

Upon arriving at her gate, Jessica was further impressed by the ‘courtesy counter’ offering free food and drinks, including snacks, cupcakes, and cookies, as well as a coffee machine serving juice and iced coffee. Wrapping up her TikTok video, the Thailand tourist said: “This has to be one of the best airport experiences I’ve ever had.”

Samui Airport, which is privately owned and operated by Bangkok Airways, provides most flights from the island. Thai Airways International started flying to Samui in February 2008.

Located near Bo Phut Beach at the northern part of Koh Samui island, Samui Airport began construction in 1982 and officially opened in April 1989. Jessica’s TikTok caption exclaimed: “I had no idea airports like this existed! The most relaxed I’ve ever felt before getting on a flight.”

The video has racked up an impressive 1.2 million views, 49,800 likes, and over 400 comments, with one user commenting: “Koh Samui airport is the cutest airport I’ve ever seen.”

Another user shared: “Samui airport is amazing. First time I was there it was just huts.”

A third user agreed: “Samui airport is unmatched. It’s part of the whole island experience.”