Food poisoning strikes fear in the heart of every traveller. Unfortunately in the tropical party paradise of the Phi Phi islands food poisoning is becoming increasingly common.
Don’t worry this isn’t an overly dramatic or fear-mongering article, just a clear guide into what to avoid drinking or eating in Phi Phi and what to do and where to go if you do get food poisoning or ‘Phi Phi Poisoning’.
Disclaimer* We are not medical experts just toilet veterans that survived two cases of Phi Phi food poisoning.
Read on to not end up like this ^
Things to avoid in the Phi Phi islands to not get sick?
- The ice in cocktail buckets: As cheap as they are we have heard several accounts of food poisoning that blamed the ice in these backstreet bucket dealers.
- Warm food being left out: True Thai cuisine is usually cooked made to order. Keep an eye out for their cooking process if they are making dishes from scratch you will almost always be ok.
- Avoid tap water : Most travellers are aware of the dangers of drinking tap water but you’d be surprised how many risk it when the hangover hits and the bottles are empty.
- Produce that isn’t locally sourced: Ordering dishes that aren’t native to Thailand. We met a one traveller who got food poisoning from salmon which was likely left sitting in fridges for long periods.
- Empty Restaurants: just like anywhere travelling usually following the locals is a surefire way of finding the best produce.
- High-risk food groups: if you really want to be careful pork and shellfish are notoriously dangerous if improperly cooked or left out for long periods of time.
What to do if you get food poisoning in Phi Phi?
- Tell someone: If you are travelling alone you must let a fellow roommate or hotel/ hostel staff know that you are unwell. Although Food poisoning is usually treatable it can cause stomach infections and severe dehydration which may require others to help you reach medical attention.
- If you are worried about your current state then go to the WorldMed Hospital for a checkup for 1,400 baht (£32). You will receive excellent medical attention here and a diagnosis to put your mind at rest. BUT with fatigue and suspected food poisoning they will push to keep you in overnight on an IV, which will cost upwards of 40,000 Baht (£940). If you are unable to self-medicate, with electrolyte sachets, anti-diarrhea/nausea tablets, and hydrate yourself for a sustained period you should get a check-up and an IV.
- Call the hospital for an Ambulance Tuk Tuks: WorldMed hospital has a free ambulance service on the island and having its number is a must if you start feeling faint or your condition worsens
- Go to the pharmacy and buy electrolyte sachets (Oreda, ORS) and anti-sickness and anti-diarrhea tablets. If you are self-medicating you’ll be surprised how many you go through. Some food poisoning cases can take an entire week to fully recover.
- Stay Hydrated: The most important thing is that you keep your fluid levels up. Regular small sips will be enough to keep your body from becoming overly dehydrated.
- Rest up: When you do feel slightly more stable give yourself a day to fully recover. Book another night and explore the island properly when you are up to it. Don’t do what we did and go kayaking the day after poisoning… let’s just say Phi Phi’s crystal seas weren’t quite as clear that day.
Top tip – if you are unable to find Oral rehydration sachets (ORS) like Diaarolyte, ORS and Oreda the World Health Organisation recommends creating a homemade ORS by using half a teaspoon of salt and six teaspoons of sugar in one litre of clean water.
Best things to eat and drink after tummy illness in Phi Phi?
Before we get into what to eat the most important thing is that you eat tiny portions when you are first getting better. You likely haven’t eaten in days but your body will still try and reject larger quantities of food.
Plain rice, Fruit, Baked Sweet Potatoes and plain oats.
These 4 foods can be found all over the Phi Phi and were the only things I could eat for 3 days after my food poisoning. Be sure to tell the restaurant that you are feeling ill and that you want everything as plain as possible. Countless travellers get sick here so most restaurants will completely understand what you need.
Other safe foods on Phi Phi islands include:
The BRAT diet
Bananas
Rice
Apple Sauce
Tomatoes
Weird mix of food groups right? Well in hospitals they often try these foods on children whose conditions prevent them from tolerating any food. While you may be slightly hard-pressed to find apple sauce in Asia, small bites of bananas will refill your potassium levels and provide a vital energy booster.
Should I leave the Phi Phi islands if I have food poisoning?
The ferry boats usually have 1 busy and awful toilet without toilet paper. So unless you like the Asian-style toilet jet wash and angry tourists waiting for you to finish, I wouldn’t recommend travelling while ill. We booked an additional night in Phi Phi until fully recovered and it was the best decision we made
If you do choose to travel while suffering from food poisoning be sure to take an anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoea tablet before you leave. It’s also a good idea to tell the boat staff of your illness as they can sometimes provide you with a bucket, and prioritise seating nearer the toilets.
Useful Links and Numbers if you get sick in Koh Phi Phi
WorldMed Hospital +66 95 424 0444
If you are seeking additional advice please consult the NHS website and WorldMed Hospital :
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-poisoning
Please remain calm if you experience symptoms of food poisoning. The Phi Phi islands have an ambulance and hospital if you require it so as long as you have informed people of your illness you will be fine and enjoying your holiday again in no time at all!
If you are suffering from Food Poisoning on the Phi Phi islands we hope this guide has helped you get better as quickly as possible.
Get well soon,
Lost Backpackers
