Two tourists, Italian Roberto Pisano (37) and American Sanchez Cristian Omar (30), were rescued on Tuesday night after getting lost for five hours while hiking on a mountain near Hat Khom and Hat Khuat beaches on Koh Phangan. As darkness fell, they lost their way, prompting the local mayor to alert the Koh Phangan Kusonsattha Foundation at 7:37 PM.

A rescue team quickly located the pair sitting on a rock beside a stream. One of the hikers had twisted his ankle, requiring a rope-assisted descent. Both were safely returned to their hotel by 11 PM. Local officials warned that while the mountain offers stunning views and lush nature, many hikers misjudge their timing and end up lost after sunset.

This incident highlights the importance of proper planning and ensuring safe return times when trekking in unfamiliar terrain.

Read more at The Bangkok Post Article

Safe Hiking in Thailand: How to Avoid Getting Lost Like These Koh Phangan Hikers

Thailand’s lush jungles, scenic mountains, and coastal trails make it a dream destination for outdoor lovers. But as two recent tourists on Koh Phangan discovered, a beautiful hike can quickly turn into a survival situation if you’re not prepared. These hikers, lost for five hours after sunset, were lucky to be rescued—but with the right safety measures, their adventure could have been trouble-free.

If you’re planning to explore Thailand’s hiking trails, here’s how to stay safe, avoid getting lost, and ensure your trek is a great memory—not a disaster.

1. Plan Your Hike Before You Go

Many hikers in Thailand get lost because they don’t research their route in advance. Avoid this by:
✅ Checking online maps and recent trail reviews.
✅ Asking locals or hotel staff about trail conditions.
✅ Noting key landmarks, exit points, and estimated hiking time.

Koh Phangan’s Hat Khom-Hat Khuat trail, where these hikers got lost, is known for its dense jungle and limited signage—so it’s easy to take a wrong turn after dark.

2. Start Early & Set a Turnaround Time

The #1 mistake hikers make? Starting too late! Thailand’s sun sets around 6:30 PM, and jungle trails become pitch black within minutes.

⏳ Golden Rule: Plan to return before sunset. If a hike takes 4 hours round-trip, leave no later than 2 PM to have enough daylight.

💡 Pro Tip: If you lose track of time, set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to turn back.

3. Bring the Right Gear (Even for Short Hikes!)

A casual 2-hour trek can turn into an overnight survival if you get lost. Be prepared with:

🎒 Essentials for Thailand Hikes:
✅ Headlamp or flashlight – Jungle nights are pitch black!
✅ Fully charged phone & power bank – GPS drains battery fast.
✅ Offline map app (like Maps.me or AllTrails) – No signal? No problem.
✅ Plenty of water & snacks – Dehydration is a serious risk in Thailand’s heat.
✅ Basic first aid kit – Cuts, scrapes, or a twisted ankle can slow you down.

One of the lost hikers on Koh Phangan had a twisted ankle—a common jungle injury. A lightweight compression bandage and trekking poles could have helped him move more easily.

4. Stick to Marked Trails & Hike in Groups

Many lost hikers in Thailand accidentally wander off-trail while looking for a shortcut or viewpoint.

🚨 Stay on the trail—even if another route looks easier. Jungle paths can quickly lead to dead ends, cliffs, or dangerous terrain.

👥 Hike with a buddy! If you must go solo, tell someone your exact route & return time.

5. Have an Emergency Plan

If you do get lost in the Thai jungle, staying calm and taking the right steps can save your life:

🆘 What to Do if You Get Lost:
✔️ Stay put – Moving around increases the risk of injury or getting deeper into the jungle.
✔️ Use your phone’s last known GPS location – Apps like Google Maps show where you last had a signal.
✔️ Look for water sources – Streams often lead to villages or roads.
✔️ Attract attention – Use a whistle, flashlight, or bright clothing to signal rescuers.

Luckily, the Koh Phangan Kusonsattha Foundation found the lost hikers within one hour—but not all rescues are that fast. Some lost trekkers in Thailand have spent days in the jungle before being found.

Final Thoughts: Hike Smart & Stay Safe

Hiking in Thailand can be breathtaking, but nature doesn’t forgive bad planning. By starting early, bringing the right gear, and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy the country’s incredible trails without needing a rescue team!

Have you hiked in Thailand? Share your top trekking tips in the comments!