Things that Bite In Samui - and no - I don’t mean the locals!

This 1.2 m snake was crossing the 12th Tee at Santibury Golf Course when we got there. Harmless but I would still prefer not to get bitten by it!

🦎 Nasty Bitey Things – What Actually Bites (or Doesn’t) on Koh Samui

Thinking of moving to Koh Samui or planning a long stay? Among the coconut cocktails, beach sunsets, and dream villa hunting, there’s a little voice in the back of people’s minds that often asks… “But what about the nasty bitey things?”

Fair question. So here’s the honest, no-fluff lowdown on the creatures and critters of Koh Samui — from street dogs to snakes, and everything in between.

🐶 Soi Dogs (Street Dogs)

Thailand is still classified as a rabies-positive country, though here on Koh Samui the situation has vastly improved. Back in 1989, many soi dogs were mangy and miserable-looking. Now? Most dogs you’ll see look reasonably healthy (road accidents aside), and most are bitza breeds — a bitza this and bitza that.

Generally, they’re non-aggressive unless another dog gets territorial. Rabies has been all but eliminated from the island from what we've heard — but if you do get bitten, it’s still recommended to seek treatment. Even vaccinated folks still need post-bite care, and yes, it can get expensive.

Quick tip: You won’t need a rabies vaccine to visit, but do take care and don’t pat every tail-wagger you see.

🐒 Monkeys (Not Really a Thing Here)

There aren’t roaming monkeys on Koh Samui. You might see a trained coconut-collecting monkey or a monkey show, but honestly… we steer clear of those. The ethics around their treatment aren’t great.

However, if you head over to Koh Phangan (KP), monkeys are around. One chap we know got bitten over there, despite being vaccinated — ended up needing urgent treatment back on Samui and a few nights in hospital. Not cheap.

🦟 Mosquitoes & Dengue Fever

There’s no malaria on Samui (or at least none we’ve heard of), but Dengue Fever is a real concern. In our year here, we’ve known four or five people who caught it. It can be nasty — possibly requiring hospitalization, or at the very least, wiping you out for weeks.

Interestingly, it’s not the big black mozzies that carry it — it’s the small black ones with white markings. Use repellent. Seriously.

🐍 Snakes

Snakes are definitely a thing in Thailand, and yes, we’ve seen a few — most harmless, some not. Tree snakes (bright green, apparently called "golden") are common and not aggressive.

But… we’ve also seen a 4-foot green viper on a golf course, and yes, there’s at least one territorial cobra who has claimed a patch near a ravine I used to golf-ball-hunt in. I no longer golf-ball-hunt.

Local tip? Don’t go looking for snakes, and don’t mess with them if you find one. There’s even an expat snake expert here who will safely relocate them if needed.

🦈 Sharks & Jellyfish

Sharks don’t seem to be a thing on Samui. They’re there, but not the dangerous kind, and you’ll likely never see one.

Jellyfish, though — specifically box jellyfish — are a real risk. They’re rare, but when they appear, they can be deadly. Occasionally you’ll see vinegar bottles at beach bars (to treat stings), which says something.

Swimming in a rash shirt or even a light wetsuit can reduce risk, but mostly — it’s about awareness. We’ve heard of a couple of incidents, including a fatality. But let’s keep it in perspective: you’re far more likely to be hurt on the roads here than in the ocean.

Final Thoughts?

Samui isn’t a death trap — far from it. But like anywhere tropical, it pays to know what you’re dealing with. Most people have zero issues. Use repellent, don’t poke snakes, and maybe don’t cuddle monkeys on KP. And if something does go sideways — we’ve got decent hospitals, especially if you’ve got insurance.

Welcome to island life, with all its warts and wonders. 🏝️