Sandflies in Southern Thailand (page 1 of 2)

Hi there,

I’m heading back to Thailand soon, and from what I’ve been reading, it seems some beaches/islands are infested with these dreaded sandflies!

I’ve noted the remedy: rub the bitten area with 90% alcohol, then apply soothing cream.

But prevention is better than cure!

Which areas should I avoid right now?

Are there seasons that are more prone to these itchy invasions than others?

I’ve already stayed in Hua Hin, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Krabi, and Phuket without any issues like this.

I’d love to keep it that way...

Thanks

Hi Attila,

In the area (further south than Krabi) where I hang out, I’ve never heard of them.

But I’m talking about the mainland because it’s been a long time since I’ve been to an island, even though some are only a few dozen kilometers from my area.

For the remedy, there’s something a bit simpler than what you mentioned: those little vials you find in every 7-Eleven, among other places, that contain camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus. Besides clearing stuffy noses, they’re often recommended for insect bites.

Personally tested for mosquito bites—works like a charm!!!

Since I’m not there right now and don’t have any on hand, I can’t tell you the brand I use, but anyway, there are several, and you’ve got the language skills, so I think you’ll know how to ask. 😛

Safe travels and good prep!

Best,

Partirdeloin

Hello,

I got eaten alive in Koh Mook… and badly, while my girlfriend was fine.

So, not everyone’s sensitive the same way…

Hi,

But I’m talking about the mainland

True, my research mostly mentioned the islands.

If there’s less risk on the mainland, even better—I’m thinking of booking there instead. 😛

(Vicks VapoRub... Google suggested it to me 😉)

Hi there,

Yeah, it seems like we’re not all equally affected by the threat!

My blood seems to be less tasty than my partner’s, but still, it ends up being annoying for both of us...🤪

Hi,

I’ve never dealt with sandflies in Thailand, unlike some islands in Indonesia and Madagascar. That doesn’t mean they’re never there, though. It varies from year to year, place to place, time of day, sunlight, etc. They only bite people who lie directly on the sand. Since you’re only staying in hotels with a certain level of comfort, no worries—just lie on a sun lounger instead of a beach towel to avoid bites.

A few years ago, on our way back from Ko Samet, we stopped for a few days in Ban Phe. So many sandflies there!!

I see I’ve been lucky so far to never have been bitten!

Hello,

But I’m talking about the mainland

Indeed, my research mostly mentioned the islands.

If there’s less risk on the mainland, that’s great because I’m thinking of booking there instead. 😛

I didn’t specify earlier, but I was talking about the mainland beaches, obviously.

You all swear by the islands, but the mainland has gorgeous beaches too—and they’re so much quieter.

(Vicks VapoRub... suggested by Google 😉)

It’s your call if you want to rely on a foreign brand that costs more than local products... I’d even suggest buying it before you leave since it’s sold in France... 😕 Why bother with Ducros when they go out of their way...

Partirdeloin

You all swear by the islands

The island I’d picked wasn’t really one… Geographically, sure. But with a 10-minute ferry ride to the mainland, well…

Personally, I don’t care about islands.

What I’m after is peace on a sandy beach with coconut trees! 😛

From what I’ve read, the north of Khao Lak seems quiet—no sound systems, no jet skis, no clubs, no Russians on a bender.

Ao Nang, my second stop, I already know. It’s not my vibe, but I’ve got great memories of Railay. I’ll just stay a bit outside the center for the nights…

at the higher price

You’re not obsessing over money, are you?

at the higher price

You wouldn’t be fixating on money, would you?

I’m all for "locally made," but if it’s cheaper, that’s not my doing.

But I get it—best not to bring it up with you again. Won’t happen again.

As I’ve said before, do what makes you happy—bring it from France. That way, everyone’s happy.

Partirdeloin

When you're going away for two or three weeks, you don’t really feel like spending your time running around shops to buy stuff you could’ve packed in your suitcase.

'I shouldn’t have told you too much about it

Money isn’t really my main concern as long as we stay within a moderate budget. 🙂

The question would come up more if I were heading to the USA, Iceland, Switzerland, or Norway...

I probably shouldn't have told you too much about it

Money isn't really my main concern...

Good for you, but that’s not the case for everyone—so best not to generalize from your own experience... 😛

Partirdeloin

Hence why it’s actually useful to mention your budget right at the start of your post...😛 (Though in a thread about flies, it didn’t seem like an obvious factor...)

I had a bad encounter with beach sandflies in Prachuap Khiri Khan on the mainland and on Koh Samet and Koh Mal for the islands.

Hi there,

You all swear by the islands, but the mainland also has some gorgeous beaches and is so much quieter.

No connection to the post title (sorry Agnès for butting in but just to let you know, on Ko Phra Tong, we didn’t lie on the sand but walked on it quite a bit without any bites), but I’m taking the opportunity to ask for some advice. I’m looking for a beach (island or mainland doesn’t matter) to end our trip: preferably easy to access (we’ll likely be in Khao Sok just before), quiet (very important criterion), in a beautiful setting, and if possible with snorkeling options (from the beach or on an excursion). After lots of research, I was thinking of Koh Lanta (accessible by car from Krabi, for example, though it’s probably much less quiet than Ko Phra Tong), but I’ve found little info on mainland beaches... any suggestions?

Thanks! This phenomenon really isn’t isolated at all!

Hi Muriel,

sorry Agnès for butting in

The discussion is open! !😉

Hi Muriel18,

Of course, I could suggest a few places (and I’m certainly not the only one), but I won’t do it here (DM to follow).

Two reasons for that:

-1- It’s not the topic of the discussion.

-2- As I’ve committed to, I won’t share any new local information that might offend the Western pro sensibilities of the thread’s author.

However, since I read that your plans aren’t necessarily for the coming months, I’ll share that info once I have more suitable technical means and also when I have a bit more free time than I do now.

I hope you’ll understand.

Best regards,

Partirdeloin

No worries, especially since it’s really not urgent.