Feeling Sick on Koh Lanta? What to Do and Where to Go

Nobody plans to be ill on holiday, but heat, new food, long journeys and late nights catch up with plenty of travellers. If you are feeling sick on Koh Lanta, the most useful thing is knowing where to go and how serious your symptoms are.

This guide walks you through the options on the island, from a quick chat with a pharmacist to hospital care, and helps you decide which one fits how you feel.

Feeling sick on Koh Lanta? First, how unwell are you?

It helps to sort symptoms into three rough groups before deciding what to do:

• Minor: mild headache, a hangover, slight tummy upset, a cold, insect bites, mild sunburn or feeling tired and dehydrated. Rest, fluids and a pharmacist are usually enough.
• Needs a doctor: any fever, diarrhoea lasting more than a couple of days or with blood, a wound that looks infected, an ear infection after diving, or anything that is getting worse rather than better.
• Emergency: chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, fainting, a serious injury, severe allergic reaction or signs of heatstroke. Call 1669.

If you are not sure which group you fall into, err on the side of seeing a doctor.

Where are the pharmacies on Koh Lanta?

Pharmacies are common in Saladan, the main town near the ferry pier in the north, and along the main road that runs down the west coast past Klong Dao, Long Beach, Klong Khong and Klong Nin. Pharmacists can advise on many everyday problems.

Many pharmacists in tourist areas are used to helping visitors and can explain how to take what they give you. Tell them about any allergies, medicines you already take and whether you might be pregnant. If they suggest you see a doctor, take that advice seriously rather than trying another shop.

They can usually help with:

• Oral rehydration salts for diarrhoea, vomiting or heat.
• Simple pain relief and remedies for colds and allergies.
• After-sun gel, insect repellent and bite creams.
• Basic dressings and antiseptic for small cuts and scrapes.

When should you go to Koh Lanta Hospital?

Koh Lanta Hospital is a government hospital near Lanta Old Town on the east coast of the island. It is the place to go if you need a doctor urgently and your symptoms are not improving with rest and pharmacy care.

Depending on where you are staying, it can be a fair drive across the island, so do not wait until late at night if you are getting worse during the day. If you are too unwell to travel safely, or someone is seriously ill, call 1669 rather than trying to drive.

When do you need a hospital in Krabi?

For more serious conditions, specialist care or tests that are not available on the island, patients may be referred to the larger hospitals in Krabi Town on the mainland. Getting there involves crossing to the mainland, so it takes time.

This is one reason it pays to act early. A problem that is caught in the morning is much easier to manage than one that turns into an emergency at midnight.

Why does a fever need a doctor on Koh Lanta?

Dengue fever is spread by mosquitoes and occurs in Thailand, with more cases during the rainy monsoon season, roughly May to October. Early dengue can feel like flu: high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, aching muscles and joints, and sometimes a rash.

Because dengue and other infections can become serious, any fever on holiday needs a doctor, not just rest at your villa. Avoid self-medicating with anti-inflammatory painkillers until a doctor has checked you, and use insect repellent day and night to lower your risk of being bitten.

Is your travel insurance ready?

Before you need it, check that your travel insurance covers medical treatment in Thailand, including hospital stays and transfers to the mainland. Note the emergency phone number and policy details somewhere you can find them quickly.

• Keep a photo of your passport and insurance documents on your phone.
• Call your insurer early if you are admitted or referred to hospital.
• Check whether activities such as diving or riding a scooter are covered.
• Keep receipts for any medical costs.

When is a home-visit IV drip a good fit?

A home-visit drip is a wellness service, not emergency or hospital care. It can be a good fit if you are generally well but feeling drained, for example after a hangover, a long journey, too much sun or a mild bout of dehydration, and you would rather rest at your accommodation.

A registered nurse comes to you and runs a health check first. If anything suggests you need a doctor, such as a fever, severe pain or symptoms that do not add up, the nurse will tell you and will not go ahead with a drip. You can see the full process on our how it works page. For upset stomachs specifically, our guide on what to do with an upset stomach on Koh Lanta goes into more detail.

A simple plan if you start to feel unwell

1. Stop, rest somewhere cool and drink water or oral rehydration salts.
2. Decide whether your symptoms are minor, need a doctor or are an emergency.
3. For minor problems, ask a pharmacist. For anything more, see a doctor at Koh Lanta Hospital.
4. In an emergency, call 1669 straight away.
5. Let someone you trust know how you are, and contact your insurer if you need hospital care.

If you are well enough for a wellness visit and would like a nurse to come to you, message us on WhatsApp via our contact page. We will always be honest if we think a doctor is the better option.

Frequently asked questions