Koh Samui Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Koh Samui.
Healthcare System
Koh Samui has a mix of public and private healthcare facilities. Private international hospitals offer high-quality care with English-speaking staff and modern equipment, while the government hospital provides more basic services at lower costs. Most tourists use private facilities for convenience and communication ease.
Hospitals
Bangkok Hospital Samui and Samui International Hospital are the top choices for tourists, offering 24/7 emergency services, specialist care, dental services, and direct billing with many international insurance companies. Both are located in or near Chaweng. Smaller clinics are available throughout the island for minor issues.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (ร้านขายยา) are widely available in tourist areas, with many pharmacists speaking English. Many medications available by prescription-only in Western countries can be purchased over-the-counter. Boots and Watsons chains offer familiar products. Always check expiration dates and buy from reputable pharmacies.
Insurance
Travel insurance is not legally required but strongly recommended. Medical costs at private hospitals can be expensive (emergency room visits starting at 3,000-5,000 THB, serious treatments costing tens of thousands). Many hospitals require payment guarantee or upfront payment before treatment without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip plus extra, in original packaging with doctor's letter
- Private hospital costs are high - ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and hospital stays
- Keep copies of your insurance policy and emergency contact numbers in your phone and with travel companions
- For minor ailments, pharmacists can often recommend treatments without seeing a doctor
- Dengue fever is present on the island - seek medical attention if you develop high fever after mosquito bites
- Heat exhaustion and dehydration are common - private clinics offer IV hydration services if needed
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Traffic accidents involving rental scooters are the leading cause of serious tourist injuries and deaths in Koh Samui. Roads can be steep, poorly maintained, and dangerous, especially in rain. Many tourists lack experience riding in Thai traffic conditions.
Opportunistic theft of unattended belongings, especially on beaches, in busy markets, and at nightlife venues. Bag snatching from motorbikes occasionally occurs. Hotel room theft is rare but happens.
Drowning and near-drowning incidents occur, particularly during monsoon season (October-December) when currents and waves are strong. Jellyfish stings, coral cuts, and boat accidents also occur. Some beaches lack lifeguards.
Tropical sun is intense year-round, causing severe sunburn, heat exhaustion, and occasionally heat stroke, particularly in visitors from cooler climates who underestimate the intensity.
Occasional reports of drink spiking in nightlife areas, and alcohol-related incidents including accidents, assaults, and poor decision-making. Bucket drinks (mixed alcohol in buckets) can lead to rapid intoxication.
Dengue fever is endemic in Thailand, with cases occurring year-round but peaking during rainy season. Mosquitoes are present throughout the island, particularly during dawn and dusk.
Traveler's diarrhea and food poisoning can occur from unfamiliar foods, different hygiene standards, or contaminated water. Most cases are mild but can disrupt travel plans.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Operators claim you damaged the jet ski (scratches, dents) that were pre-existing and demand large cash payments (20,000-50,000 THB) for repairs. Some operators are aggressive and may threaten to involve police or prevent you from leaving.
Drivers quote inflated prices, don't use meters (which often don't exist on Samui), or take longer routes. Some claim meter is broken or refuse short trips.
Friendly locals or tuk-tuk drivers recommend 'special' gem stores or tailors, claiming special deals, tax-free shopping, or government stores. Gems are often fake or low quality, sold at inflated prices. Commission is paid to the person who brought you.
Rental shops keep your passport as deposit, then claim damages to the bike and refuse to return passport without excessive payment, or they may photocopy your passport for identity theft.
Bars, especially in nightlife areas, add extra drinks to your bill, charge for drinks you didn't order, or claim you broke something. Some venues have 'lady drinks' at inflated prices not clearly advertised.
Scammers impersonate police officers, claim you've committed an offense (drugs, visa issue, etc.), and demand on-the-spot fines or threaten arrest. Real police rarely approach tourists randomly.
Tuk-tuk drivers or helpful locals claim your intended destination is closed, there's a special holiday, or it's a bad time to visit, then suggest an alternative that pays them commission.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation Safety
- If renting a scooter, ensure you have proper motorcycle license and insurance coverage - many travel insurance policies exclude unlicensed riders
- Always wear a helmet when riding scooters - police checkpoints are common and fines are 500 THB, plus it's life-saving
- Consider hiring a car with driver for day trips - costs around 2,000-3,000 THB/day and much safer than scooter
- Use Grab app for transparent taxi pricing where available, or negotiate songthaew fares before boarding
- Avoid riding scooters at night - roads are poorly lit, drunk drivers increase, and accident risk multiplies
- If in an accident, call Tourist Police (1155) immediately and don't move vehicles until police arrive if injuries occurred
Beach and Water Safety
- Never swim when red flags are displayed - drownings occur every year from ignoring warnings
- Avoid swimming alone, especially early morning or late evening when beaches are less populated
- Don't dive into water without checking depth first - hidden rocks and shallow areas cause injuries
- Book water sports and boat trips with established, insured operators - ask to see safety equipment
- Tell someone your plans if going snorkeling or on boat trips, and take phone in waterproof case
- Be extremely cautious with Full Moon Party boat transfers - overcrowding and accidents occur
Accommodation Security
- Use hotel/resort safes for passports, excess cash, cards, and valuables - don't leave in rooms
- Check that doors and windows lock securely, especially in budget accommodations
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors - verify with reception if someone claims to be staff
- Keep ground floor windows and balcony doors locked when out or sleeping
- Photograph your room and belongings if you're concerned about false damage claims
- Read reviews about accommodation security before booking, especially for budget options
Money and Valuables
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards in hotel safe
- Use ATMs inside banks or malls during daytime rather than isolated street ATMs at night
- Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks; have backup card in separate location
- Keep emergency cash (US dollars or euros) separate from daily money
- Be discreet when handling money; don't flash large amounts of cash in public
- Make copies of passport, cards, and important documents; store separately and in cloud storage
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact when purchasing
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Build up tolerance to spicy food gradually; have anti-diarrheal medication on hand
- Apply mosquito repellent daily, especially at dawn and dusk
- Stay hydrated - drink more water than you think you need in tropical heat
- Avoid touching stray dogs and monkeys - rabies is present in Thailand
- Seek medical attention promptly for fever, severe diarrhea, or concerning symptoms
Nightlife Safety
- Stay with trusted friends; use buddy system and don't let friends leave alone
- Watch your drinks being prepared and never leave them unattended
- Be very cautious with bucket drinks - they're much stronger than they taste
- Arrange transportation before going out; save taxi numbers or use Grab app
- Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in quiet areas or beaches
- Keep phone charged and have emergency numbers saved
- Be aware that some bars employ hostesses - understand pricing before engaging
Scam Prevention
- Be skeptical of unsolicited help or overly friendly strangers who offer deals
- Never leave passport as rental deposit - offer photocopy plus cash instead
- Photograph rental vehicles (scooters, cars, jet skis) thoroughly before accepting
- Agree on prices before services (taxis, tours, treatments) to avoid disputes
- Research typical costs for activities and transportation to recognize overcharging
- If something seems too good to be true (free trip, amazing deal), it probably is
Cultural Respect and Legal Awareness
- Dress modestly when visiting temples - cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes
- Never disrespect images of the Thai Royal Family - it's illegal and seriously enforced
- Drug laws are extremely strict - possession can result in long prison sentences or death penalty
- Smoking is banned on beaches (500 THB fine) and many public areas
- Be respectful of Buddhist monks - women should not touch monks or hand items directly
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon - keep it modest
- Don't touch people's heads or point feet at people/Buddha images - considered very disrespectful
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Koh Samui is generally safe for women travelers, including solo female travelers. Thai culture is relatively conservative and respectful, and serious harassment or assault is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, women should take standard precautions and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night and in nightlife areas.
- Solo female travelers are common in Koh Samui and generally safe; trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Dress modestly when visiting temples and local areas - cover shoulders and knees; beachwear is fine at beaches and pools but not in towns
- Be cautious accepting drinks from strangers in bars; watch your drink being prepared and keep it in sight
- Avoid walking alone on beaches or quiet areas after dark; use taxis or Grab rather than walking at night
- Book accommodation with good reviews regarding safety and security; ground floor rooms should have secure locks
- Be aware that some massage parlors offer 'extra services' - research legitimate spas and massage centers
- Unwanted attention is usually limited to verbal advances; firm but polite refusals are generally respected
- Join group tours or activities to meet other travelers if traveling solo
- Keep phone charged and share your itinerary with family/friends; use Find My Friends or similar apps
- Scams and theft are more common concerns than physical safety - be alert to jet ski scams, taxi overcharging, etc.
- Thai men are generally respectful; most safety concerns involve intoxicated male tourists in nightlife areas
- Consider staying in areas like Bophut Fisherman's Village for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than Chaweng
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand and has never been criminalized. Thailand is one of Asia's most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage legislation is progressing through parliament (as of 2024), and anti-discrimination protections exist in some areas. However, legal recognition of relationships and adoption rights are still limited.
- Koh Samui is welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers; discrimination is rare and serious incidents are extremely uncommon
- Many hotels and resorts are LGBTQ+-friendly; no issues booking rooms as same-sex couples
- Chaweng has several gay-friendly bars and clubs; ask locals or check online for current venues
- Public displays of affection should be modest (as for all couples in Thai culture), but holding hands is generally fine
- Thailand has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene; Bangkok and Phuket have larger gay scenes if interested in more options
- Transgender travelers should face no issues; Thailand is very accepting of gender diversity
- Use standard travel safety precautions; your sexual orientation or gender identity is not a safety concern in Koh Samui
- Some beach clubs and pool parties are particularly LGBTQ+-friendly; research in advance
- Thai people may ask personal questions out of curiosity rather than judgment - it's usually well-intentioned
- Be aware that while socially accepted, some traditional/rural areas may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ topics
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for Koh Samui due to high medical costs at private hospitals, significant risk of motorbike accidents (leading cause of tourist injury), and potential for trip disruptions during monsoon season. A single emergency room visit can cost 10,000-30,000 THB, while serious injuries requiring surgery or hospitalization can reach hundreds of thousands of baht. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or home country can cost 1-3 million THB. Many hospitals require payment guarantee before treatment, making insurance critical for emergency care.
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