Exercise Normal Precautions
“Exercise normal precaution in Thailand. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Tue, 07 Jul 2026
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Is Ko Samui safe? 🇹🇭
Thailand · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Ko Samui scores 74/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Ko Samui remains generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable risks from road accidents and opportunistic theft. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Ko Samui 🇹🇭
Thailand · Assessed 13 October 2026
74
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime73/100GoodCrime index 36.4 / 100
Sentiment82/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories85Good
Stability62Fair
Health70Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against travel Thailand-Malaysia border FCDO advises against all but essential travel to parts of the south, near the Thailand-Malaysia border: Pattani Province Yala Province Narathiwat Province The districts of Chana, Thepa, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi in southern Songkhla Province FCDO also advises against all but essential travel on the Hat Yai to Padang Besar train line that runs through these provinces.”
Updated 2026-10-12T09:20:34Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Thailand: exercise a high degree of caution (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.5069532-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Mugging & robbery risk
Low risk
92
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
78
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
72 / 100 (Mostly positive)
72
City SignalCity Web Research
Urban scale factor
50k residents
91
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
4.8 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
67
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery is rare but can occur in isolated areas or during late-night hours near beach bars
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching happen in crowded markets like Fisherman's Village and Chaweng Beach promenade
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Fair
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
82/100
Reported feel72Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent traveller reports indicate most visitors feel safe walking alone after dark, with low rates of physical assault contributing to a sense of security in tourist zones
Yes. Ko Samui remains generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable risks from road accidents and opportunistic theft.
The island's safety profile reflects moderate crime levels and strong health/environment scores, though road safety remains a concern due to high traffic fatalities nationally. Visitor sentiment is largely positive, with most feeling safe walking alone after dark, but petty theft targeting tourists occurs in busy areas.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026Two tourists stranded overnight after jet ski capsized off Ko Samui coast— People.com
- Jun 2026French woman's Thai maid loses inheritance in nominee probe linked to Koh Samui property— Khaosod English
- Mar 2025Israeli tourist arrested in Thailand following sexual assault allegation by Finnish visitor— The Times of Israel
Common scams
- Gemstone scams offering fake precious stones at inflated prices
- Jet ski rental operators demanding excessive damage deposits
Full briefing
Ko Samui sees steady tourist flow with most visitors reporting feeling safe during daytime and evening hours in main areas like Chaweng and Lamai. The island benefits from low violent crime rates and good access to medical facilities, with several hospitals within a short drive. However, road safety remains a significant concern, as Thailand's traffic death rate is among the highest in the region, and motorbike accidents are common among inexperienced riders. Recent incidents highlight risks tied to water sports and property disputes, though these affect visitors less frequently than road-related dangers.
Petty theft such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching does occur, particularly in crowded spots like Fisherman's Village at night or along busy beach paths where distractions are high. Scams involving overpriced gemstones or inflated damage claims from jet ski rentals continue to be reported, so travelers should verify operators and avoid unsolicited offers. While violent crime against tourists is uncommon, exercising normal precautions — especially regarding transport and personal belongings — helps ensure a trouble-free stay. Staying alert in unfamiliar areas after dark and using reputable transport options further reduces risk.
Was this Ko Samui, Thailand report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Ko Samui districts for visitors: 4 safer, 3 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Ko Samui safety map.
Bang RakavoidReports of increased petty crime and scams targeting tourists near the pier and budget accommodations.
ChawengcautionBusy tourist hub with moderate pickpocketing risk; avoid isolated areas after dark.
LamaicautionPopular beach area with moderate theft risk; stay alert in crowded bars and markets.
Hua ThanoncautionLocal fishing village with occasional petty theft; exercise caution with belongings in markets.
BophutsaferFisherman's Village area is well-patrolled and generally safe for visitors day and night.
MaenamsaferQuieter residential zone with low crime; safe for walking, though road safety remains a concern.
Na ThonsaferMain port and administrative center; low crime and good access to hospitals and police.
Taling NgamsaferWest coast area with low population density and minimal reported incidents; safe for beachgoers.
07 · After Dark
Is Ko Samui safe at night?
72% of people in Thailand say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Armed robbery is rare but can occur in isolated areas or during late-night hours near beach bars
After dark, be most careful around Bang Rak, Chaweng, Lamai, Hua Thanon. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Ko Samui safety FAQ (2026)
Is Ko Samui safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Ko Samui remains generally safe for visitors with low violent crime but notable risks from road accidents and opportunistic theft. The island's safety profile reflects moderate crime levels and strong health/environment scores, though road safety remains a concern due to high traffic fatalities nationally. Visitor sentiment is largely positive, with most feeling safe walking alone after dark, but petty theft targeting tourists occurs in busy areas. (Assessed 13 October 2026.)
Is Ko Samui safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Ko Samui report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Ko Samui should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Bang Rak as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Ko Samui (2026)?
- Gemstone scams offering fake precious stones at inflated prices
- Jet ski rental operators demanding excessive damage deposits
How does Ko Samui compare with other places in Thailand (2026)?
Ko Samui ranks #3 of 9 Thailand destinations we've assessed, scoring 74/100. See the Thailand safety overview for the full list.
How is this ko-samui safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 14+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: ko-samui.json (CC BY 4.0).