Koh Samui Health and Safety

Koh Samui Health and Safety Top Tips

Samui has the highest motorbike accident rate in Thailand. Scooters are a great way to explore the island. Unfortunately too many inexperienced tourists without any road sense or knowledge take to the roads because they can. Add to inexperienced drivers sand, water, stray dogs, drunk tourists and riding a scooter becomes chaos. Wear a helmet it is law despite many locals and tourists ignoring it. Police do regular spot checks and you will be fined 500 baht to 2000 baht. Drink and driving are illegal although tourists and locals alike appear to ignore the fact. Don’t drink and drive make use of the alternative transport on the Island. Remember in Thailand to drive on the LEFT. Be aware of getting ‘Samui Tattoo’ a tell-tale burn on the calf caused by a hot scooter exhaust.

Koh Samui is probably one of the safest places to travel to in Asia, but we still think there are a few useful tips we could share with you to make sure your holiday runs smoothly. Knowing who to call and where to go in an emergency is obviously very important information, which could be invaluable should a situation arise, but there’s also some additional general Koh Samui health and safety we’d like to remind you about before you set off on your trip to paradise.

• Safety in the Water – DON’T underestimate the strength of rip currents, even when there are no waves. DO be careful of broken coral on the beach and look out for passing long tail boats and jet skis when swimming. DON’T touch any marine life when snorkelling, it could hurt you both. DO wear a life jacket when kayaking.
• Bites and Wounds -DON’T pick or scratch bites, it’ll only make them worse. DO go straight to a pharmacy if the wound gets infected and buy anti-biotic cream or pills to help it heal. DON’T swim in the sea if you have an infection, it’ll make it worse. DO apply insect repellent to help prevent bites, dawn and dusk.
• Food – DO be adventurous and try different dishes, you’re in a country where the food tastes amazing! DON’T be scared to ask for your food without chilli. DO buy from busy street stalls. DON’T buy food from stalls if it doesn’t look fresh. DO wash fruit before you eat it.
• Drinking Water – DO always ask for bottled water in restaurants and bars. DON’T drink the tap water (brushing your teeth with it is OK though) DON’T worry, most ice is fine to have in your drinks as its purified.
• Stay Hydrated – DO remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you’re not so keen on drinking water, you can also stay hydrated by drinking a number of alternative drinks such as, fruit shakes, fresh coconuts, fresh fruit juice and herbal tea. DON’T go more than a couple of hours without drinking something.
• Motorbike Safety – DO wear a helmet when riding a motorbike and remember you drive on the left hand side! DON’T drink and drive, catch a taxi instead. DON’T take more than one passenger on your bike and beware of excess sand on the roads. DON’T leave your key in the ignition when parked.
• Party Advice – DO know your limits with alcohol. DON’T leave your drink unattended. DON’T take drugs – you will end up in trouble! DO learn how to say no and DON’T accept anything from a stranger.
• Apply the Sun Cream – DO always wear high SPF sun cream and apply it frequently throughout the day. DON’T be fooled by cloud cover, you’ll still burn! DO use aloe vera gel to cool and sooth burnt skin. DON’T forget to apply extra cream when snorkelling and DON’T ignore a headache – it could be sunstroke.

Emergency Numbers

Recommended Activities and Tours