Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor Koh Samui: A Tourist's Guide
Last updated: 4 Nov 2025
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Youve been enjoying the perfect holiday in Koh Samui. Youve been swimming in the turquoise ocean, diving in the pools, and enjoying the warm tropical air. Then, you wake up. Your ear is throbbing, your throat is scratchy, or your sinuses feel like they're in a vice.
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than an ear, nose, or throat (ENT) problem. The pain can be distracting and, in the case of an ear infection, can even prevent you from flying home.
You immediately start searching for an "ear nose and throat doctor in Koh Samui," and you probably have a lot of questions. Do I need a top-tier specialist? Do I have to go to a big hospital? Will they speak English?
Relax. We've got you covered. Getting help for these common issues is fast, easy, and affordable.
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We are on the front lines of tourist health in Koh Samui, and guess what? Ear, nose, and throat issues are some of the most common problems we treat, right alongside stomach bugs and scooter scrapes. We have treated hundreds of cases of "swimmer's ear" and other infections. We know exactly what you're feeling and, most importantly, we know how to get you treated and back to your holiday as quickly as possible.
By far, the number one reason tourists need an ear doctor in Koh Samui is Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa).
This is an infection of the outer ear canal, and its different from a middle ear infection. Its caused by water getting trapped in your ear (from all that swimming!) which creates a warm, moist environment for bacteria to grow.
This is the most important question for a tourist. Your search for an "ear nose and throat doctor in Koh Samui" might show you large hospitals. But for the problems listed above, a specialist is often not your best first choice.
For the 99% of tourist ENT problems, a general practitioner (GP) at a walk-in clinic is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest solution.
Heres our simple process for treating ear, nose, and throat problems at Doctor Lamai Clinic:
We will always refer you to a hospital specialist if your condition is complex. This includes:
Don't let a throbbing ear or a painful sinus infection ruin another day of your holiday. Come to Doctor Lamai Clinic. We are a walk-in clinic, ready to help you with all your common ear, nose, and throat problems.
How long does swimmer's ear take to heal?
With the right prescription ear drops, you should feel significant relief within 24-48 hours. The infection is typically fully cleared in 7-10 days.
Can I fly with an ear infection?
This is a serious concern. Flying with a middle ear infection can be extremely painful and can even rupture your eardrum due to pressure changes. Swimmer's ear (outer ear) is usually not a problem for flying, but you should still get it treated. You must be assessed by a doctor who can tell you what kind of infection you have and if it is safe for you to fly.
Will my travel insurance cover this?
Yes. An ear infection or sinus infection is a medical condition, and your visit and medication are covered by travel insurance. We provide all the necessary documents (medical certificate, itemized receipt) for you to make a simple, successful claim with your insurer.
How can I prevent swimmer's ear?
Nothing ruins a holiday faster than an ear, nose, or throat (ENT) problem. The pain can be distracting and, in the case of an ear infection, can even prevent you from flying home.
You immediately start searching for an "ear nose and throat doctor in Koh Samui," and you probably have a lot of questions. Do I need a top-tier specialist? Do I have to go to a big hospital? Will they speak English?
Relax. We've got you covered. Getting help for these common issues is fast, easy, and affordable.
Why You Can Trust Us
We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We are on the front lines of tourist health in Koh Samui, and guess what? Ear, nose, and throat issues are some of the most common problems we treat, right alongside stomach bugs and scooter scrapes. We have treated hundreds of cases of "swimmer's ear" and other infections. We know exactly what you're feeling and, most importantly, we know how to get you treated and back to your holiday as quickly as possible.
The Most Common ENT Problem in Koh Samui: Swimmer's Ear
By far, the number one reason tourists need an ear doctor in Koh Samui is Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa).
This is an infection of the outer ear canal, and its different from a middle ear infection. Its caused by water getting trapped in your ear (from all that swimming!) which creates a warm, moist environment for bacteria to grow.
Symptoms of Swimmer's Ear
- Itchiness inside the ear.
- Pain that gets worse when you pull on your outer earlobe.
- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal.
- Fluid drainage (can be clear or pus-like).
- Muffled hearing.
- If this sounds like you, don't wait. It's a very simple problem to treat, but it will get much worse if you ignore it.
Other Common ENT Issues We See in Tourists
- Sore Throats (Pharyngitis): Often caused by a virus (like a common cold) or sometimes bacteria (strep throat).
- Sinus Infections (Sinusitis): Pressure and pain in your face, a blocked nose, and headache, often after a cold.
- Tonsillitis: Swollen, painful tonsils and a fever.
- Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media): A "classic" ear infection, often with a deep, aching pain and fever.
Do I Need a Hospital Specialist or a Walk-In Clinic?
This is the most important question for a tourist. Your search for an "ear nose and throat doctor in Koh Samui" might show you large hospitals. But for the problems listed above, a specialist is often not your best first choice.
Why a Walk-In Clinic is Your Best First Stop
| Feature | Walk-In Clinic (Like Doctor Lamai) | Hospital ENT Specialist |
| Speed | Immediate. No appointment needed. Walk in and be seen by a doctor. | Slow. You will likely need an appointment, which could be days away. |
| Cost | Affordable. A clinic consultation is much less expensive. | Expensive. You pay a premium for a specialist and hospital fees. |
| Convenience | High. We treat this all day. We can diagnose and dispense medication on the spot. | Low. Involves registration, waiting, and a more complex hospital system. |
| Expertise | Excellent. Our doctors are experts in common tourist ailments like swimmer's ear. | Specialized. Best for complex issues, chronic conditions, or if you need surgery. |
For the 99% of tourist ENT problems, a general practitioner (GP) at a walk-in clinic is the fastest, cheapest, and easiest solution.
What to Expect at Your Clinic Visit
Heres our simple process for treating ear, nose, and throat problems at Doctor Lamai Clinic:
- Walk In (No Appointment): Just come in during our opening hours.
- Private Consultation: You'll speak with an English-speaking doctor. You can explain your symptoms and your concerns.
- The Examination: The doctor will use an otoscope (the tool with the light) to look inside your ear canal and at your eardrum. This is fast and painless. They will also check your throat and nose if needed.
- Fast Diagnosis: In almost all cases, we can diagnose you on the spot.
- Immediate Treatment:
- For Swimmer's Ear: The treatment is usually prescription-strength antibiotic and steroid ear drops.
- For Strep Throat: A rapid test can confirm it, and we'll provide antibiotics.
- For Sinusitis: We may prescribe decongestants, nasal sprays, or antibiotics if it's bacterial.
- For Blocked Ears (Wax): We can perform ear irrigation (syringing) to gently flush out the blockage.
When Do You Actually Need an ENT Specialist?
We will always refer you to a hospital specialist if your condition is complex. This includes:
- Sudden, unexplained hearing loss.
- Severe vertigo (dizziness) that won't stop.
- A foreign object stuck deep in the ear or nose.
- A suspected burst eardrum.
- Chronic, long-term sinus issues.
Your Ear Doctor in Lamai, Koh Samui
Don't let a throbbing ear or a painful sinus infection ruin another day of your holiday. Come to Doctor Lamai Clinic. We are a walk-in clinic, ready to help you with all your common ear, nose, and throat problems.
- Address: 124/254 Moo.3, Lamai beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani, 84310
- Hours: Open Every Day from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Phone: +66 65 262 9396
- Email: doctorlamaiclinic@gmail.com
- Map: Find us on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does swimmer's ear take to heal?
With the right prescription ear drops, you should feel significant relief within 24-48 hours. The infection is typically fully cleared in 7-10 days.
Can I fly with an ear infection?
This is a serious concern. Flying with a middle ear infection can be extremely painful and can even rupture your eardrum due to pressure changes. Swimmer's ear (outer ear) is usually not a problem for flying, but you should still get it treated. You must be assessed by a doctor who can tell you what kind of infection you have and if it is safe for you to fly.
Will my travel insurance cover this?
Yes. An ear infection or sinus infection is a medical condition, and your visit and medication are covered by travel insurance. We provide all the necessary documents (medical certificate, itemized receipt) for you to make a simple, successful claim with your insurer.
How can I prevent swimmer's ear?
- Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming. Tip your head to each side to let water drain.
- Don't use cotton swabs (Q-tips)! They push wax in and can damage your ear canal, making it easier to get infected.
- Consider preventative drops. You can buy "swimmer's ear" drops at a pharmacy, which are a mix of alcohol and vinegar, to use after swimming.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Swimmers Ear (Otitis Externa). https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/swimmers-ear.html
- NHS (UK). (2023). Middle ear infections (otitis media). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/
- American Academy of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery. (2024). Sinusitis. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/sinusitis/
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