Understand the time and time difference to Koh Samui
28/02/2024Koh Samui is a paradise island located in the Gulf of Thailand, which attracts thousands of visitors every year in search of dream beaches and a unique cultural experience. Before leaving for this enchanting destination, it is essential to understand the local time as well as the time difference with your country of origin.
The time zone of Koh Samui: Standard time of Thailand
Thailand is on a single time zone, Indochina Time (ICT), whose code is UTC+7. Thus, The hour at Koh Samui is identical to that of Bangkok , the capital of the country. This uniformity allows travelers not to have to adjust their watches when they move between the different Thai regions.
Time difference between France and Koh Samui
For travelers from France, the jet lag varies according to the season:
- From the end of March to the end of October: France being in summer time (UTC +2), the time difference with Koh Samui is +5h. When it is noon in Paris, it is 5 p.m. in Koh Samui.
- From the end of October to the end of March: France being in winter time (UTC +1), there is a time difference of +6h with Koh Samui. Thus, when the clock indicates noon in Paris, it is already 6 p.m. in Koh Samui.
The time difference between the United States and Koh Samui
In the United States, the jet lag with Koh Samui depends on the geographic location and the time zone:
- Washington D.C .: in Eastern standard time (East/UTC-5), the lag is +12h in winter and +11h in summer. Example: when it is noon in Washington, it is midnight or 11 p.m. at Koh Samui.
- New York also follows Eastern Standard Time (East/UTC-5).
- nashville: in standard time central (CST/UTC-6), the jet lag is +13h in winter and +12h in summer.
Sun and sunset at Koh Samui
On the island of Ko Samui, the day begins early and ends fairly quickly. In general, sunrise takes place between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m., while bedtime generally takes place between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., but this can vary slightly depending on the seasons.
Impact on tourism activities and beaches
This solar rhythm influences tourist activities and beaches of Koh Samui. Visitors must therefore plan their excursions and outings at the beach accordingly , in order to avoid the hottest hours of the day and fully enjoy the sunset on the ocean.
Variations according to the rainy season
It is also important to note that the rainy season, which generally takes place between September and December, can affect the duration of the days and the sunrise/sunset. Travelers are therefore invited to check the weather forecasts before their departure.
Ko Samui International Airport
Ko Samui International Airport (USM) is located in the northeast of the island, about 20 minutes by car from the main seaside resort of Chaweng. The airport essentially hosts domestic flights, especially from Bangkok and Phuket, but also offers some international links with cities such as Hong Kong or Kuala Lumpur. Due to the different time zones, it is crucial to be aware of the local time when booking flights to make sure to arrive and leave at the right time.
Recover your rental car
If you have chosen to rent a car to explore the island of Koh Samui, be sure to take the time difference into account when you book your vehicle. Rental agencies are generally open during the airport opening hours, but some of them can close earlier at night.
Practical information to travel to Koh Samui
To properly plan your stay in Koh Samui, it is essential to take into account the jet lag with your country of origin and to adapt to local rhythms . Do not forget to pay your watch at local time as soon as you arrive to fully enjoy every moment spent on this magnificent Thai island.
Finally, do not hesitate to consult cards to locate the main tourist attractions of Koh Samui and anticipate your trips on the island. If the idea of ??staying in a paradisiacal setting you are interested, plan to visit sites specialized in Real estate in Koh Samui , which offer luxury villas with sea views or private swimming pools.