What is the "Fake Accommodation Booking at Sairee Beach" scam in Koh Tao?

Question

Accepted Answer

Touts operating near the Mae Haad Pier and along Sairee Beach approach newly arrived travellers with offers of cheap bungalows and guesthouses that are "fully booked online." They collect a cash deposit or full payment upfront, then either take you to an inferior property or disappear entirely. The "guesthouses" shown in photos often do not exist or bear no resemblance to the actual rooms provided. Book accommodation through established platforms such as Booking.com or Agoda before arriving on the island. Never hand cash to an unsolicited tout on the pier or beach. Verify the property address independently and call ahead to confirm your reservation directly with the guesthouse.

Accommodation Scams in Koh Tao

Fake Accommodation Booking at Sairee Beach

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