Travelling to a new country fills you with excitement and thrill. And when that place is Koh Samui then you know that you are in for a treat. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is part of the Surat Thani Province in the southern region of the country. The island sits about 35 km (22 miles) off the east coast of mainland Thailand and is the third-largest island in Thailand. Koh Samui is a dream destination for many people but no one wants to turn their holiday trip into a disaster. Staying safe on this island is no rocket science but it does demand a little common sense. From escaping sneaky monkeys to dodging a vehicle on the road, this blog will share how you can survive on this island with great memories and not broken limbs on your next Thailand holidays. Let’s go!
Safety Tips for Travelling to Koh Samui
Tourists must remain alert at all times in a new place. Whether you are a first-time traveller or a pro, remaining updated on your surroundings is always vital. You can opt for travel deals from travel agencies such as Koh Samui holiday packages for a more protected vacation. These travel bundles handle everything from hotel to transport for you, minimizing the chances of getting in trouble. Let’s uncover some of the safety hacks you must follow when visiting Koh Samui.
1. Keep Your Belongings Safe
Before going out from our hotel, keep only the necessary items with you. In a new site, unfriendly situations are likely to happen, especially if you are on a solo vacation. Have a little cash in your pocket but keep it protected at all times. You can wear shirts with hidden pockets inside to protect your money. Beware of bag snatchers and pickpockets when in a crowded area. Moreover, be vigilant when you are hopping on a tuk-tuk. If you think dozing off on a bus or train is a good idea then think again. There have been incidents where tourists were robbed of their items while asleep. Some car rentals ask for passports as a form of guarantee or in the name of security purposes. It is best not to hand over your identification credentials to anyone. Companies often hold on to the passports behind the excuse claiming compensation for any damage.
2. Avoid Shady Areas
While Koh Sumai has the lowest crime rate, it is better to avoid wandering into shady areas. Always listen to your gut feeling and hear close to your instincts if you feel about going on a certain path. After all, your instincts work better than Google Maps. This advice is fairly necessary for women tourists. If a place gives you the same vibe as a bad thriller’s opening scene, turn around immediately. Your vacation should be about sipping coconuts, not sprinting for your life. Choose well-lit areas or where the crowd is greater to seek help in case anything goes bad. Dark, quiet shortcuts seem tempting to take up as a challenge. However, keep the drama limited to deciding which beach to visit next.
3. Beware of Scams
Scams in Thailand are quite common as coconuts and Koh Samui is no exception. If someone offers you a “too good to be true” deal, stop paying attention to it. Whether it is a tuk-tuk driver promising a free island tour or a street vendor swearing their fake Rolex is “real, just cheaper,” simply walk away. One classic scam that loots tourists is the jet ski trap. Visitors book a jet ski to have the best time. But upon returning it, the owner blames you for damaging it and demands more money. Now you owe an amount that could fund your entire trip. The best way to avoid falling into this trap is to take photos before renting anything.
Another scam is the taxi one. Two types of taxis run in Koh Samui- taxi metres and songthaews (pick-up trucks used as buses). While the latter are cheaper, they have a fixed route to follow. On the other hand, a taxi metre would take you to your desired spot but keep an eye on the metre. Some drivers scam travellers by asking for extra fare than the actual rate. Before jumping into a taxi, make sure that the metre is turned on. Don’t feel shy in haggling down the fares with the drivers. Also, if a monk tries selling you a golden amulet for good luck, just smile and ignore him. Stay sharp, trust your gut, and save your money for cocktails, not scammy fees.
4. Guard Your Drinks
Koh Samui is flooded with beach bars and sipping something fancy under a tiny umbrella is a fantasy of every party lover. While you are living your best island life by getting all boozed up, it is best to let your drink be spiced up by the bartender only. This is extra important for women. If a charming stranger insists on refilling your drink all night, just remember that they might have not the right intent. Drink spiking is rare but it does occur. If you leave your drink unattended and come back to find it mysteriously fizzing, or glowing, leave it on the table. Always watch the bartender make your drink, and if someone offers you a special shot, politely decline unless you want a special blackout.
5. Watch Out For Insects
Koh Samui is a tropical island with lush greenery and comes with some unfriendly residents- insects. Mosquitos like Aedes aegypti feast on your blood like no other. This particular type of mosquito is known to carry diseases like yellow fever, dengue, and chikungunya. If you forgot to bring a mosquito spray, then congratulations on becoming their all-you-can-eat buffet. Moreover, look out for snakes when strolling in the wild. Most of these creatures slither away from tourists but the venomous ones don’t get afraid at all. Also, make sure to shake your shoes before putting them on as you might find a scorpion resting inside. It is best to wear high boots when going into jungles to avoid meeting any wild animals.
Sum Up
This blog has discussed some of the safety tips that you must know before travelling to Koh Sumai. Knowing these hacks will save you from potential danger and from turning your happy vacation into a horror story. If you want to have a smooth journey then contact Virikson Holidays. We offer customised Koh Samui holiday packages to make your trip filled with memories. In case, you wish to explore other islands of Thailand, don’t forget to check out Phi Phi island. You can get a travel deal for this place too to have an unforgettable Phi Phi island holiday.
