Accommodation Scams in Koh Tao, Thailand
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Koh Tao — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Lombok, Palawan, and Mandalay.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in Koh Tao
How it works
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.
See all scams in Koh Tao
10 total warnings across all categories