How to Get an STD Test in Koh Samui: A Simple, Confidential Guide for Tourists

Its a situation no one plans for on their holiday. Youre in paradise, enjoying the sun and the nightlife, when suddenly you have a reason to worry. Maybe a condom broke, you woke up with an unexpected symptom, or you just want peace of mind after a new encounter.

The anxiety kicks in immediately. Your mind starts racing with questions: Where do I go? Do I need an appointment? Will everyone know? How does this even work in Thailand?

Take a deep breath. Getting an STD test in Koh Samui is actually very simple, professional, and discreet if you know where to look. You dont need to navigate a confusing hospital system or wait in long public queues.

Lets walk through exactly how to get an STD test on the island, step by step.

Why You Can Trust Us

We are the medical team at Doctor Lamai Clinic. We specialize in tourist health and handle sexual health screenings every single day. We know that as a foreigner, your biggest concerns are privacy, speed, and clear communication. We have guided hundreds of travelers through this exact process, ensuring they get accurate results without judgment or hassle. We know the local medical landscape inside out and are here to make this stressful moment as easy as possible for you.

Step 1: Choose the Right Place (Clinic vs. Hospital)

The first step in knowing how to get a test is knowing where to go. In Koh Samui, you generally have two options, and for most tourists, one is clearly better.

Option A: Private Medical Clinics (Recommended)

 
This is the fastest and most confidential route.

• Pros: English-speaking doctors, walk-in service (no appointment needed), total privacy, and results often within 20 minutes for rapid tests.
• Cons: You pay out of pocket (but it is affordable).

Option B: Government Hospitals

• Pros: Very cheap.
• Cons: Extremely slow (expect to wait 4-6 hours), crowded waiting rooms, language barriers, and a lack of privacy. You will likely be waiting alongside locals with general illnesses.

Our Advice: For a sensitive issue like sexual health, a private clinic offers the discretion and speed you need.

Step 2: Prepare for Your Visit

You don't need to do much, but a few small preparations can ensure your test is accurate.

• Don't Pee for 1 Hour: If you need a test for Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, we will need a urine sample. It is crucial that you do not urinate for at least 1 hour before you arrive. This ensures the bacteria concentration is high enough to be detected.
• Bring Your ID: We will need to see your passport (or a clear photo of it) for registration. This is kept 100% confidential.
• Know Your Timeline: Be honest about when the potential exposure happened. This helps the doctor choose the right test for the "window period" (the time it takes for an infection to show up).

Step 3: The Testing Process (What Actually Happens)

When you walk into a private clinic like ours, the process is streamlined and non-judgmental.

1. Registration: You check in at the front desk. You can simply say you need a "health check" if you want to be discreet, but our staff are trained professionals.
2. Private Consultation: You will speak one-on-one with a doctor in a private room. You can explain your symptoms or concerns.
3. Sample Collection:

• For HIV/Syphilis: A quick finger-prick blood test.
• For Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: You will be given a cup for a urine sample.
• For Herpes/Other: A standard blood draw from your arm.
• Results: For rapid tests, you will have your answers in 15-20 minutes while you wait. For lab tests (PCR), we will contact you digitally in 1-3 days.

 

Step 4: Understanding the Costs

One of the biggest worries is the price. "How to get an STD test" also means knowing how to pay for it. In 2025, prices in Koh Samui are transparent.



Note: Prices vary slightly by clinic. Always ask for a price list before you begin.
 

Step 5: What If I Test Positive?

 
This is the fear that stops people from getting tested. But remember: Knowing is better than not knowing.

If your result is positive:

1. Don't Panic: Most STDs (like Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis) are bacterial and fully curable with antibiotics.
2. Immediate Treatment: At a private clinic, we can provide the medication (pills or injection) right then and there. You don't need to go to a separate pharmacy.
3. Confidentiality: Your result is between you and the doctor. We do not report it to your hotel, your airline, or your embassy.

 

Your Confidential Clinic in Koh Samui

If you are ready to get tested and want a safe, private, and English-speaking environment, Doctor Lamai Clinic is here for you. We are a walk-in clinic, so you can come whenever you are ready.

• 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)

Can I get an anonymous test?
 
Yes and no. In Thailand, medical facilities require ID for registration and legal reasons. However, your visit is medically confidential. This means your records are private and protected by doctor-patient privilege. We will never share your information without your consent.

Does it hurt?

Not really. The rapid tests use a tiny finger prick, similar to a blood sugar check. It feels like a small pinch for one second. Urine tests are completely painless. If a full blood draw is needed, our nurses are experts at making it as comfortable as possible.

Can I use my travel insurance?
 
If you have symptoms (like pain, discharge, or a rash), most travel insurance will cover the visit because it is an acute illness. If you are just testing for "peace of mind" with no symptoms, insurance may not cover it. We provide all the paperwork you need to try and make a claim.

How soon after sex can I get tested? 

This is the "window period."

• Chlamydia/Gonorrhea: Wait at least 2-5 days after sex.
• HIV (Rapid Test): Wait at least 2-4 weeks after sex for accurate results.
• Syphilis: Wait 3-4 weeks.
• If you test too early, you might get a false negative.

Do I need an appointment?
 
At Doctor Lamai Clinic, no appointment is needed. We understand that when you want a test, you want it now. You can simply walk in during our opening hours.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). STI Treatment Guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment-guidelines/default.htm 
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2025). Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). https://www.who.int/teams/global-hiv-hepatitis-and-stis-programmes/guidelines/stis-guidelines 
• NHS (UK). (2024). Visiting a sexual health clinic. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/