Original post
I'm heading to Ko Mook, Ko Sukorn, and Ko Ngai in early February. Does anyone know if there are sand flies on these islands? And what product to use? Happy holidays to everyone
Sand flies in Ko Mook, Ko Sukorn, and Ko Ngai
by Klemo
Translated into English.
I started a thread about sandflies a little while ago.
Maybe you’ll find some answers there?
It’s here.
It’s here.
Hello,
I went there in February—no sand flies on Koh Muk, Koh Kradan, Koh Lipe, or Koh Tarutao either. But I can’t say for sure there aren’t any during the rainy season.
Koh Mook (or Koh Muk) is a great option! 😊
PS: When sand flies are around, they live in the sand, so just avoid lying directly on the sand—even with a towel or sarong—and use a sun lounger instead.
Hey Jean Michel
That’s what I always thought too, but in Kenya, they attacked me on the sun lounger—even though it was high up! I figured I was safe because of the height and the thick mattress, but in the end, I got absolutely wrecked 😂
Luckily, my cortisone cream saved me... after the fact!
Christelle
That’s what I always thought too, but in Kenya, they attacked me on the sun lounger—even though it was high up! I figured I was safe because of the height and the thick mattress, but in the end, I got absolutely wrecked 😂
Luckily, my cortisone cream saved me... after the fact!
Christelle
@Solene40
Actually, I'm starting to wonder if there aren't two species of sand flies.
In Madagascar, the Mokafoa (moukafou) isn't a flying insect (fly) but a tiny crustacean that lives in the sand, more like a flea than a fly. But when I looked online, I saw there's another species that looks like a tiny fly...
Anyway, all this to say I didn't see any of either species on the islands of Koh Muk, Koh Libong, Kradan, or Lipe. Though it might also depend on the season...
Thanks for this research... I’ll check it out when I get back from my trip... hoping I’ll be spared 😅
Hello,
I went to Ko Sukorn and Prachuap Kiri Khan several times in February...I was eaten alive by sand flies, even in the shade on sun loungers. I didn’t know they existed—I thought they were mosquito bites that were getting me despite the repellent I used in the evenings. The hotel manager told me they were sand flies and that I needed to use mosquito repellent all day, reapplying after every swim. It worked, thankfully, because I was having allergic reactions that could cover up to 5 cm² despite taking cetirizine or other antihistamines. Back in France, I’m allergic to wasps, mosquitoes, etc. Just to clarify, I traveled to these parts of Thailand with my husband and friends, and I was the only one affected.
So if you’re someone who attracts biting bugs, slather on effective repellent. I used the one ranked #1 by *Que Choisir* in 2022: Insect Ecran *Zones infestées*, which works against mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests. The product needs to contain a high percentage of DEET (50%).
Safe travels.
Thanks... I’ll pack this product in my suitcase since mosquitoes love me, so sand flies might too... but I don’t know if it can go in carry-on luggage? Do you remember where your hotel was located and if they were all over Sukon Island? Happy holidays to everyone
Sand flies—they're pretty much everywhere on the beaches, and there's no real pattern. Where you say you didn't get any, I did, and vice versa. The first time was in Koh Mak—it was awful, I was covered in bites. They're so tiny you can't see or hear them. No, they're not in the sand. I avoid the beach when the sun goes down, but that doesn't stop me from getting bitten at other times of the day. When I notice bites on myself (which I recognize now—they're so different from mosquito bites), I stop going to the beach! People talk about slathering your legs with oily products so they slide off... meh, not convinced. So far, I haven't found any real prevention. I buy "Genta-Betasone cream 15Gm" from pharmacies in Thailand to speed up healing. That's all I can do.
Another thing—there are more and more jellyfish in Thailand now, on the islands and coasts.
It lives on the beach, preferably where the sand is damp. It’s found in certain regions of southern Thailand at the end of the dry season and on some islands like Koh Mak. It tends to attack people on the beach, especially in the late afternoon, and likes areas sheltered from the wind. It’s not afraid of water. You could have water up to your hips, but it can still bite you. They look like tiny gnats with a pale body and small black wings with white spots. Some have a black body with white wings.
The pharmacist will likely prescribe an antihistamine (like Cetirizine) and a cream to soothe the area—these creams may contain corticosteroids like betamethasone.
Excerpt from = https://theo-courant.com/en/thailand-bite-of-the-sand-fly/
Another thing—there are more and more jellyfish in Thailand now, on the islands and coasts.
It lives on the beach, preferably where the sand is damp. It’s found in certain regions of southern Thailand at the end of the dry season and on some islands like Koh Mak. It tends to attack people on the beach, especially in the late afternoon, and likes areas sheltered from the wind. It’s not afraid of water. You could have water up to your hips, but it can still bite you. They look like tiny gnats with a pale body and small black wings with white spots. Some have a black body with white wings.
The pharmacist will likely prescribe an antihistamine (like Cetirizine) and a cream to soothe the area—these creams may contain corticosteroids like betamethasone.
Excerpt from = https://theo-courant.com/en/thailand-bite-of-the-sand-fly/
Another thing is that there are more and more jellyfish in Thailand now, on the islands and along the coasts.
Yeah, and even deadly varieties, according to what was said in this post (or a similar one). I’ve heard there are also stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa), the most dangerous in the world!
Deadly jellyfish:
I had shared this on the forum: one day in July on Phangan, I let myself fall backward, arms spread out in the sea, right at the edge of the beach. Two or three months later, I found out that a child aged 5–7 died almost in the same spot after coming into contact with one of those tiny jellyfish.
Yeah, and even deadly varieties, according to what was said in this post (or a similar one). I’ve heard there are also stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa), the most dangerous in the world!
Deadly jellyfish:
I had shared this on the forum: one day in July on Phangan, I let myself fall backward, arms spread out in the sea, right at the edge of the beach. Two or three months later, I found out that a child aged 5–7 died almost in the same spot after coming into contact with one of those tiny jellyfish.
The Insect Ecran spray for infested areas comes in 100ml bottles, so they can be taken in your carry-on.
As for Koh Sukorn, it's an agricultural island near the coast with few hotels, and the beaches don’t seem to have names. There’s only one well-maintained beach suitable for swimming—it’s about 800 meters long, with a very gentle slope and practically no waves in February. We always stay at Sukorn Andaman Beach Resort. It’s simple but comfortable, well-kept, and the beachfront restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices. The staff is super friendly, and Sam’s management is very efficient. Transfers from Trang airport or train station are perfectly organized: taxis, boats, and tuk-tuks on the island are coordinated to avoid any waiting. You’ll find sun loungers, hammocks, and bikes to explore the island, its farms, and its fishermen... Tourism isn’t the main livelihood here, so the locals are really welcoming.
The hotel to the north of Andaman Beach is more elevated, and the beach is rocky. The one to the south is more luxurious—we visited it, but it’s expensive. What about the services and restaurant there?
At Sukorn Andaman, there are regulars (European retirees) who spend part of the winter here. It’s absolute tranquility—rarely are there 10 people in the water at the same time on the huge beach... I think this peace is due to the beach’s color—the sea deposits a thin layer of brown earth, so it doesn’t match the typical idyllic tropical beach look.
Here are a few photos of the beach from different angles:
As for Koh Sukorn, it's an agricultural island near the coast with few hotels, and the beaches don’t seem to have names. There’s only one well-maintained beach suitable for swimming—it’s about 800 meters long, with a very gentle slope and practically no waves in February. We always stay at Sukorn Andaman Beach Resort. It’s simple but comfortable, well-kept, and the beachfront restaurant serves good food at reasonable prices. The staff is super friendly, and Sam’s management is very efficient. Transfers from Trang airport or train station are perfectly organized: taxis, boats, and tuk-tuks on the island are coordinated to avoid any waiting. You’ll find sun loungers, hammocks, and bikes to explore the island, its farms, and its fishermen... Tourism isn’t the main livelihood here, so the locals are really welcoming.
The hotel to the north of Andaman Beach is more elevated, and the beach is rocky. The one to the south is more luxurious—we visited it, but it’s expensive. What about the services and restaurant there?
At Sukorn Andaman, there are regulars (European retirees) who spend part of the winter here. It’s absolute tranquility—rarely are there 10 people in the water at the same time on the huge beach... I think this peace is due to the beach’s color—the sea deposits a thin layer of brown earth, so it doesn’t match the typical idyllic tropical beach look.
Here are a few photos of the beach from different angles:
While I'm at it, here are a few photos of the locals on Koh Sukorn
And my favorite—it served us an amazing meal at a modest little eatery where the tuk-tuk that was showing us around the island had dropped us off.
That smile brightens up my kitchen; I had it printed under plexiglass.
That smile brightens up my kitchen; I had it printed under plexiglass.Good evening,
This looks so appetizing...
Khao pad kaphrao, right?
Huge thanks... you’ve convinced me!!! I’ve changed my booking to go to the Adaman. Your last photo reminds me of a lady on Ko Yao Noi last year who ran a tiny little restaurant with an amazing joie de vivre. Thanks again for sharing... and happy New Year 2025
Sukorn Andaman Resort is great. I didn’t stay there because during the week around New Year’s, there were no vacancies anywhere, so I stayed in a small, not-so-great resort across the road. But the owner was incredibly helpful—first of all, because he speaks fluent English. I had all my meals there, and he even mapped out my next route for me, including pick-up, vehicle changes, songthaews, and connections in provincial towns in the middle of nowhere that I’d never heard of. He explained everything in detail.
The beach is okay, though—very long, with dark brown sand, a beautiful view of the islands across the way, and stunning sunsets. I still went for a swim. But at low tide, it’s not ideal; you go there more to admire the seascape than anything else.
The beach is okay, though—very long, with dark brown sand, a beautiful view of the islands across the way, and stunning sunsets. I still went for a swim. But at low tide, it’s not ideal; you go there more to admire the seascape than anything else.
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I work for a small local agency based in Da Nang, and this is THE question I get asked the most about the northern part of a trip. I’m sharing what we see on the ground here—no sugarcoating—because the answer isn’t always Lan Ha.
Geologically, it’s the same limestone massif. Lan Ha is its southern extension, off Cat Ba Island. The difference is the crowds.
Halong Bay: hundreds of junks on a few marked routes. The landscape is iconic, access from Hanoi is shorter (about 2.5 hours by highway), and there’s a much wider choice of boats, from comfortable to luxurious.
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When to choose Lan Ha? Nine times out of ten, for everything else: first cruise, family trip, honeymoon, or if you just want fewer boats around you at sunrise.
Season-wise: March to May and September to November are the best windows—clear skies, calm sea. From December to February, it’s 15 to 18 °C with dense fog: no swimming, but an atmosphere many travelers prefer to full sun. One night on board is enough in most cases: the bay is best experienced in 24 hours, from sunset on deck to morning kayaking.
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Which bay did you choose—and why? I’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve done both.
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We’re planning a two-week trip to the Philippines in August (unfortunately, we don’t have a choice on the dates...) and we’ve seen, especially through many posts here, that a large part of the Philippines is advised against visiting. However, some areas might still be okay for this month.
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We’ll be two families of four with kids over 20...
I’d love to hear your thoughts on whether this itinerary is feasible, and I’m open to suggestions for other islands or activities from those who know the destination well. Thanks for your help! :slight_smile:
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I’d love recommendations for simple but decent hotels and any other tips you have.
Thanks so much! !
Hello everyone,
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places. We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok). We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th. We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok... Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya. From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th. On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed? Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip? Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Thanks for your help
We’re 49 years old, love beautiful landscapes, meeting locals, discovering local food and traditions, and we avoid overly touristy places. We enjoy hiking, cycling, running, and diving.
This is our first time in Thailand (my husband knows Bangkok). We arrive on Friday, November 13th in Bangkok (city visit) and return on Friday, November 27th. We’re considering heading south (possibly toward Krabi) from the 14th to the 18th to enjoy the beautiful beaches, go diving, and see Khao Sok... Then back to Bangkok and on to Kanchanaburi to see the Sai Yok Noi waterfalls, followed by a bike visit to Ayutthaya. From there, we’d take an overnight train to the north: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and the Lantern Festival from November 21st to 25th. On the 26th, we’d take a flight from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (city visit), and on the 27th, we have our flight back to France.
Does this itinerary seem too packed? Should we remove some things to avoid feeling rushed and fully enjoy the trip? Do you recommend anything other than Krabi?
Thanks for your help
Hello.
We’re joining our daughter in Ho Chi Minh City for Christmas—she’s studying there. There’ll be five of us adults, and we couldn’t choose our travel dates, so some flights are fixed. I’ve sketched out the following route, but I’m not sure if it all makes sense. This is our fourth trip to Asia (Thailand twice, Lombok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore). We often travel on a budget, love authentic spots, and enjoy meeting locals (we’ve done volunteer work and homestays).
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC 20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land 20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding 23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing) 27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City 1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city? Thanks in advance for your insights.
18/12: Two of us arrive in HCMC 20/12: Head to Hanoi, where the boys land 20/12 to 23 or 24: Hanoi and day trips around—still deciding 23 or 24 to 26: Phu Quoc, so we can head south and spend Christmas by the beach (one son is crazy about the sea and fishing) 27 to 30: Mekong Delta, stopping in Ha Tien, Chau Doc, and another spot to get back to Ho Chi Minh City 1/1: Return flight to France.
What do you think of this plan—is it doable or totally unrealistic? Any recommendations for a one- or two-day trip from Hanoi (Phu Long, Mai Chau), or is it better to stick around the city? Thanks in advance for your insights.
Hi everyone,
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots. I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary. For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists. So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice: 1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. 2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay 3- The Heritage Town of Taal 4- Banaue and Batad 5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town) 6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan 7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon) 8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees. Thanks in advance
I’m planning a 28-day trip to the Philippines starting in the second half of April, and I’m skipping all the super touristy spots. I’ve got some ideas, but they’re still a bit vague and scattered, and I’d love your help and tips to finalize my itinerary. For this trip, I’m mostly looking for architecture, ancestral homes, cultural discoveries, local crafts, exceptional natural sites, and islands with beautiful, less crowded beaches—especially avoiding international tourists. So here are my ideas, and I’d really appreciate your advice: 1- Surigao del Sur, if security allows: the Enchanted River in Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls in Bislig City. 2- Iloilo City, Bacolod, Silay 3- The Heritage Town of Taal 4- Banaue and Batad 5- Romblon Island (Bonbon Beach and the marble workshops in Romblon town) 6- Bolinao Falls and Hundred Islands in Pangasinan 7- Baguio, Vigan, Laoag, and Pagudpud (Saud Beach and/or Blue Lagoon) 8- Guimaras Island, Samal Island, and Dinagat Island
I know logistically it’s impossible to cover all the spots I’ve listed in 28 days, which is why I’m counting on your advice to drop a few destinations that might not be worth the detour and highlight the must-sees. Thanks in advance
Hi there,
We're planning a little trip along the west side, visiting KL, Malacca, then heading up to Penang and ending with a few days at the beach.
The most common option would be to finish the stay in Langkawi. My question: are there other spots with beautiful beaches on this coast where we could spend 4 to 5 days?
Thanks in advance for your replies.
hi everyone,
I want to travel in the north for 3 weeks in September-October 2026 to meet ethnic minorities, photograph mountain rice terraces and their harvest, and revisit Halong Bay—but maybe Lan Ha Bay instead. Can you recommend one or more local agencies?
Thanks, and happy holidays!
Hi there,
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Have a great rest of the day
I’d like to know if it’s possible (and reasonable) to travel directly between Battambang and Kampot?
From what I’ve gathered, all the buses between these two destinations go back through Phnom Penh, which means we’d have to spend an extra night there in the middle of our trip. That’s not ideal for us.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Have a great rest of the day
Hello, South Sulawesi loop: Makassar-Ramang Ramang-Rantepao-Sengkang-Lake Tempe-Bira. Which direction should I take for this loop, starting and ending in Makassar?
Public transport preferred, and about 3 weeks in total.
Any nice homestays? And tips for solo travel?
Thanks, Françoise
Hi there,
I’ve found so many tips and reviews on this forum, so it’s my turn to contribute a little.
We spent just over two weeks with our family, with the following itinerary:
- Hanoi: 5 days
- Halong Bay: 3 days and 2 nights
- Tam Coc: 3 days
- Mai Chau: 2 days
- Sapa: 3 days
We got around by bike, scooter, Grab, and bus.
Our main accommodations were homestays and hotels in Hanoi.
We visited lots of museums, temples, and neighborhoods in Hanoi.
We did a 2-day, 1-night trek in Sapa with May, a Hmong local, without going through an agency.
A few small regrets: the weather was overcast, and we couldn’t make it to Fansipan, but nothing major 😅. We also couldn’t find transport to get from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai.
Other than that, this trip will stay in our memories for the kindness of the Vietnamese people, the connections we made, the food (street food, homestays...), the coffee 😋, the landscapes, and how easy it was to get around...
Our goal was to take our time and focus only on a small part of northern Vietnam.
If you need any tips or recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hi there,
After a stay in Hua Hin and before another in Chiang Mai, I’d like to break up the trip from Bangkok to Chiang Mai into several stops. I’ve found bus and train routes on Maps, but I’m stuck on the connection between Ban Rai / Uthai Thani and then Nakhon Sawan (bus for the latter).
Does anyone have any idea where I could find info, maybe via Route 333?
I know my question isn’t super general or exciting, but if you can help, thanks!
