Lindsay, I appreciate your concern for other travelers but I can confidently assure you that those who have encountered harm on Koh Tao are in the small minority compared to the hundreds of thousands (millions?) who have visited with nothing but beautiful memories. And I say this with the authority of someone who lived there for seven years — I think that gives me a leg up on some YouTube videos.

Hey Joanna, the island is eight square miles. Most people have motorbikes, but I definitely have friends who have spent years there and only get around on foot! You can also get a push bike. I would stay on Sairee, just for convenience — and there’s nowhere I would avoid. I don’t find Mae Haad as charming so I probably wouldn’t base myself there. However I really very highlight recommend my ebook for a stay as long as yours — you’ll find ALL the info you are looking for and so so much more!

Hi from a former Thailand expat! Have a bunch of Thailand content coming up — hope you enjoy!

Definitely a good lesson to always keep important documents and wallets tucked away somewhere safe! Sorry that happened to you — I’ve always felt very safe on the train, so it is a good reminder to be vigilant as anything can happen anywhere.

Which has no changed! A government hospital opened about a year ago and while most travelers still head to Samui for serious emergencies, it is a huge improvement for the people of Koh Tao.