SURAT THANI, Thailand – International cruise ships are bringing fresh momentum to Koh Samui, with 24 scheduled stops through April 2025. On November 5, the Celebrity Solstice, a German-flagged vessel with 2,830 international tourists, anchored in Nathon Bay, following a route through Canada, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore. Around 1,280 of these visitors joined guided tours of Koh Samui’s attractions, using local transportation services, while others opted for independent exploration by taxi or on foot—collectively generating an estimated 3 to 5 million baht for the local economy.
Local authorities, including the Koh Samui District Office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Koh Samui branch, and customs officials, coordinated efforts to accommodate the tourists. The Celebrity Solstice is set to make 11 additional visits this season, with Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi as its next stop, followed by destinations in Vietnam.
According to Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association President Ratchaporn Phoonsawas, the return of cruise tourism offers substantial benefits for local businesses. Between October 2024 and April 2025, Koh Samui expects 24 cruise ships, each carrying between 1,300 and over 3,000 passengers eager to experience the island’s natural landscapes, cultural sites, seafood, and artisanal products. These day-trip visitors are known for their high spending power, which provides a welcome boost to Koh Samui’s economy.
A report by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports indicates that Surat Thani province, which includes Koh Samui, has become the eighth most-visited province in Thailand, up from 10th place in 2023. Visitor numbers increased by 24.49% from January to September 2024, with Chonburi leading national tourism growth at 36.58%. (NNT)
