Jessica Jayne Turner, 26, was wowed by Koh Samui Airport in Thailand, which has unique open-air design and is considered by some to be the “best airport in the world”
A British traveller has been bowled over by what she believes is the best airport in the world.
Jessica Jayne Turner, 26, left her marketing job behind in 2023 to embark on a life of full-time travel. Last month, she journeyed from Koh Samui Airport to Phuket while exploring Thailand. The seasoned traveller was captivated by the airport’s unique open-air design, labelling it the “best airport in the world”.
Unlike typical airport terminals that confine passengers indoors, Koh Samui Airport offers an outdoor lounge where travellers can bask in the sun. Jessica enjoyed watching planes take off from swings under the sun, sipping on fresh coconut juice. Jessica, a full-time traveller and content creator hailing from Weymouth, UK, said: “The whole vibe was really laid-back and you could even get a foot massage before your flight!” She added, “It didn’t even feel like an airport. It was so relaxing!”
Jessica sold her house and resigned from her job to traverse the globe with her boyfriend Jasper Haylock, 27. The couple embarked on their adventure in January 2023 and have been on the move ever since. Their travels have taken them across Asia, Europe and parts of the Middle East, visiting dozens of airports along the way. However, Koh Samui Airport truly stood out for Jessica.
She said: “I’ve never experienced an airport like it. Most airports are the same – just standard terminals with a few shops and restaurants. But at Koh Samui Airport, you can sit outside in the sun on big bean bags, sip on a fresh coconut and watch planes take off.”
Contrary to the typical frantic pace of airports, Jessica found her experience surprisingly serene. She said: “There was a courtesy counter offering free food and drinks to everyone at the gate, which was such a nice touch.”
Jessica’s flight was delayed however she thought staying longer at the airport was a bonus. Despite a delay in her flight, Jessica saw the extended stay as a positive. She expressed, “Honestly, we were happy to spend more time there. It’s totally different from any airport I’ve been to.”
Last month Jessica also experienced the renowned Singapore Changi Airport, which has repeatedly praised as one of the globe’s finest. However, reality fell short of expectations. In a TikTok video, Jessica expressed her dismay: “When was someone gonna tell me that the famous waterfall at the Singapore airport isn’t on 24/7? So I arrived at the airport a couple of hours before our flight because I really wanted to go and see the waterfall.”
She continued, detailing the anticlimactic discovery: “So we checked in our bags and then we headed into the jewel, which is where the giant waterfall is, and then it was in this moment that I realised the waterfall isn’t even on.”
She further revealed that the airport’s renowned waterfall, the Jewel Rain Vortex, which has gained internet fame, is switched off during the night and doesn’t spring back to life until 11am. The waterfall in question towers over seven stories high, making it the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It typically operates from 11am until 10pm on most days.