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Is Koh Tao Protected? Here’s What You Have to have To Know | 2023

Bynewsmagzines

Feb 10, 2023
Koh Tao, Thailand


When you think of a Thai island, you most likely envision paradise white sand beaches, pristine waters, a calm rate of existence, and pleasant locals.

As an individual who has visited Koh Tao, I can say this little Thai island is just that. Unfortunately, nonetheless, Koh Tao has acquired a fairly negative popularity about the yrs.

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If you’re organizing a excursion to this portion of Southeast Asia, you may have listened to some lousy points about Koh Tao.

So is Koh Tao harmless, or are there several potential risks awaiting the holidaymakers who dare to take a look at? Let us uncover out.

Is Koh Tao Safe and sound For Travellers?

In spite of what you may have been advised, Koh Tao is typically safe and sound. There have in fact been various earlier crimes relating to holidaymakers, like murders (which we’ll clarify extra about later on).

Nonetheless, Koh Tao is not considered a lot more unsafe than other Thai islands in the scheme of matters.

The rationale why the murders shocked equally Thailand and its travelers is that they had been totally unheard of. Vacationer murders are quite unheard of in Thailand, and there has been a constant decline in the homicide amount since the 1990s.

Moreover, the Thai islands have constantly been regarded as risk-free, tranquil places.

Is Koh Tao Harmless To Travel Now?

As of 2023, Koh Tao is a risk-free and well-known vacationer desired destination. Travelers flock listed here for world-course scuba diving spots, laid-back again island life, and the epic social gathering scene.

All Covid limitations from 2020-2022 have been entirely removed, so you won’t be anticipated to show vaccine certificates or do Covid assessments. There is no mask mandate, but you will uncover several locals nevertheless opt for to have on a person when out in public.

Why Is Koh Tao “Dangerous”?

So why does Koh Tao have a status for getting perilous and why has it been dubbed “death island?”

There has been a significant selection of lifeless or lacking tourists on the island, and the rationale why remains a thriller.

In 2014, two backpackers ended up murdered. Two adult men from Myanmar were convicted and sentenced to dying (Thailand retains the loss of life penalty but carries it out really at times).


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Then in 2015, a French vacationer was located hanging from his balcony ceiling with his palms tied guiding his back, but the situation was by no means solved.

The mysterious fatalities are not constrained to western foreigners, nevertheless. In 2021, a Thai/Indian billionaire pair was identified lifeless in a resort pool, which grew to become one more unsolved situation.

These occasions have supplied Koh Tao a unfavorable graphic that it can’t shake off. But in fact, it does not put holidaymakers off, and most persons locate Koh Tao a tranquil paradise.

So even though it’s excellent to be aware of Koh Tao’s previous, it should not stop you from likely there.

Koh Tao bungalows, Thailand


 

 


The Most secure Regions In Koh Tao

There are no especially perilous areas in Koh Tao, and all the effectively-identified tourist places are safe. Most tourists keep in or about Sairee Seashore, Mae Haad Bay, Chalok Baan Kao Bay, Tanote Bay, and Shark Bay.

  • Sairee Seashore – This is the most commercial place of Koh Tao, consisting of a extensive seashore, lodging possibilities for all budgets, and all the facilities you could need to have. There are great dining places, bars, gyms, and massage outlets.
  • Mae Haad Bay – This is the following city south of Sairee Seashore, the place the primary pier is situated. Thus, it is a bustling region with almost everything you want, like dive stores, supermarkets, and cafes.
  • Chalok Baan Kao Bay – Situated in the south of the island, this is a pretty chilled-out resort town with lovely resorts and eating places. If you are wanting for a stress-free beach front family vacation, this is a fab spot as it is absent from the occasion area nevertheless nevertheless close sufficient to access.

Items To Prevent In Koh Tao

Koh Tao is rather a party island. Sairee seaside, Koh Tao’s longest and busiest seaside, is full of golf equipment and bars, and therefore, it can be an great night time out.

Nevertheless, it can also be a crime hotspot, notably with pickpocketing, so often assure your possessions are stored protected, or leave them in the locker in your lodge space.

Another point to stay away from when out at night time in Koh Tao is medicine. You are going to probable have a lot of adult men tactic you featuring to sell you all kinds of medications.

Prescription drugs are unlawful in Thailand, and the punishments for acquiring caught with them can be pretty extreme. So make sure you really do not choose the danger go on walking without conversing with them.

Like most Thai islands, there is no community transport, and taxis can be highly-priced. Thus, quite a few vacationers choose to hire a scooter all through their remain.

Having said that, I only advise undertaking this if you have preceding encounter driving a single. Even then, consider excess warning, as the road conditions in Koh Tao can be rather undesirable.

Taxis are in a natural way additional expensive on the small islands than in the massive towns.

Nonetheless, Koh Tao taxis have no meters or fastened premiums, so the price tag a driver rates you may not be fair. What is far more, some taxi motorists are recognized for making an attempt to rip off travelers.

To prevent this, do your investigation in advance of your journey to know the common prices. Additionally, generally test to negotiate a decreased value with the driver. Bargaining is widespread and approved right here.

Driving In Koh Tao

Due to the fact Koh Tao is a compact island, quite a few holidaymakers suppose it is a safe and sound location to trip a scooter. So many much more travelers are driving below than in the larger metropolitan areas.

On the other hand, most travelers who push scooters in Koh Tao deficiency prior working experience driving motorcycles or mopeds. This outcomes in an incredibly high number of street mishaps, quite a few of which end result in fatalities.

Though the streets are normally quiet and the island is straightforward to navigate, the street ailments can be fairly bad. Sand would make quite a few roadways slippery, and filth tracks and potholes are standard.

So, I only endorse driving a scooter in Thailand if you have knowledge using one particular somewhere else, ideally someplace else in Asia.

Koh Tao For Solo Tourists

Quite a few vacationers and backpackers who go to Koh Tao occur by itself. Solo travelers particularly appreciate Koh Thao as it is quite social and very uncomplicated to meet people.

In addition, there are tons of backpacker hostels and get-togethers, so if you are traveling solo and are wanting for some buddies, you won’t stay on your own for extensive in this article.

However, like anyplace in the earth, it is vital to be added cautious when touring solo.

Only settle for drinks or rides from persons you trust and be a part of the social functions organized by your hostel alternatively than heading out on your own.

Koh Tao sunset, Thailand

Koh Tao For Woman Vacationers

In my encounter, Koh Tao is not any much less protected for gals as with adult males.

Nevertheless, it is even now most effective to be careful and have faith in your intestine instinct, whether touring by yourself or with a mate.

Crime premiums about sexual harassment and rape are commonly minimal in Koh Tao. Nonetheless, this doesn’t indicate you really should act like there are no risks.

For illustration, observe your beverages at all periods and only keep in public regions really don’t go mountaineering by yourself or wander down a dim alleyway at evening.

Koh Tao For Digital Nomads And Expats

In latest several years, Koh Tao has come to be increasingly well-liked with digital nomads and expats.

There is now a sizable neighborhood of mid to lengthy-time period foreigners on the island, so if you’re looking at extending your getaway to a multi-thirty day period distant do the job trip, Koh Tao is best.

There is only a single devoted coworking house on the island, TAO HUB, which is situated in close proximity to Mae Haad Pier. However, there are numerous pretty espresso stores and cafes you can operate from, which includes various beachfront spots.

So if you’ve usually dreamed of functioning from the seaside, that can turn into a truth right here.

It’s also crucial to observe that lawfully you are unable to do the job on a vacationer visa anywhere in Thailand. No matter if this involves doing work remotely for a firm dependent exterior of Thailand remains a gray location.

To date, no electronic nomads have had any difficulty residing and doing work in Thailand for a number of months.

Continue to, I recommend retaining silent about it, as you never know who could be listening.

Listed here are a couple other precautions we suggest getting when checking out Koh Tao. They also use to other Thai islands and metropolitan areas.

  • Dress in mosquito repellent – Mosquitos are rife in Koh Tao, like most of Thailand. Apart from currently being very annoying, they can make you unwell with Dengue fever. If untreated, Dengue fever can enter the blood and grow to be daily life-threatening, so it’s finest to defend you from mosquitoes when you go outside. You’ll uncover mosquito repellent sprays and creams in any 7-Eleven or benefit keep.
  • Be cautious with avenue food – Whilst avenue foodstuff is considerably less prevalent in Koh Tao than in the huge cities, some small night markets provide a assortment of weird and occasionally questionable treats. Whilst trying the community delicacies is an exciting activity, constantly be cautious as street foodstuff can bring about upset stomachs and foods poisoning for visitors. Find out additional by studying our manual to steering clear of getting unwell in Thailand.
  • Really don’t drink faucet drinking water – Faucet water is unsafe for consuming in Koh Tao, so only purchase bottled drinking water. All usefulness stores promote two styles of bottled water, filtered and mineral. The previous is extremely inexpensive.

Koh Tao Travel Insurance policy

No matter if you are only browsing Koh Tao or you program to travel around the state, travel insurance coverage is a must.

You may possibly think there is no need to have for insurance policies if you program to commit your days sunbathing on the seashore. Nonetheless, Thailand has quite a few wellness potential risks, specifically on the islands.

For illustration, dengue fever (prompted by mosquito bites) can be really intense and consequence in a hospital keep.

In addition, several other emergencies can arise, this kind of as obtaining bitten by a venomous snake or catching a terrible circumstance of foods poisoning.

When we hope none of these activities arise on your Koh Tao excursion, having travel insurance policies will provide peace of brain and money defense.

It will also include non-health and fitness-similar troubles these as missing luggage or flight cancellations.

We suggest SafetyWing for the most in depth and clear-cut coverage in Koh Tao and the relaxation of Thailand.

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Final Thoughts On Security In Koh Tao

Koh Tao may not be best. Like in all places in Thailand (and the globe), corruption and crime exist.

On the other hand, is Koh Tao protected for tourists to journey to? Completely!

If you use widespread perception and be conscious, you’ll have a wonderful, hassle-absolutely free time in Koh Tao.

There are no more hazards for woman or solo vacationers, and you are going to normally obtain the locals extremely helpful and helpful.

Traveling to Thailand soon? Read through 1 of the following guides:

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