How I Ended Up With Food Poisoning In Thailand

Thailand was everything I dreamed of: sunny beaches, turquoise waters, and endless street food. I had been exploring Ao Nang for a few days, hopping between tiny islands, kayaking along limestone cliffs, and soaking up the unique local culture. Every meal was an adventure, and I couldn’t resist trying food from a bustling night market. Pad Thai, spring rolls, a coconut pancake — I wanted it all.

At the time, I didn’t think twice about hygiene or how my body would react to unfamiliar ingredients. I was careful about drinking water, but street food just seemed too authentic to pass up. Little did I know that adventurous streak would land me in a situation I never expected — severe food poisoning that would turn my dream vacation upside down.

My Story

So just to get things started, I’m a full-time traveler from Mississauga, Ontario, and I have been traveling full-time in Asia since January 6th, 2025. I love Asia, especially Thailand. In fact, Thailand is my favourite country in the world. It’s not called the “Land of Smiles” for no reason!

I was in a city referred to as “Ao Nang.” Ao Nang is located in southern Thailand’s Krabi province, and is a vibrant coastal town known for its mind-blowing beaches, limestone cliffs, and lively atmosphere. It’s a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, with turquoise waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and island-hopping to nearby paradises like Railay Beach and the Phi Phi Islands.

Part of the Thai experience is enjoying fresh fruit, and if you’ve been to Thailand, you’re probably aware of the abundance of delicious, fresh fruit available on every street corner. I decided to treat myself to some fresh watermelon and mango. Though they were delicious, they tasted a little too soft.

I felt alright for the next few days, but four days after eating what I’ll call “the forbidden fruit,” I didn’t feel myself. My appetite was terrible, and I felt oddly tired. I went to bed early that night with mild stomach pain. I figured I’d wake up with mild diarrhea, but that’s about it.

Around 11 PM, I woke up vomiting with very watery diarrhea. I was waking up every hour to vomit, which made sleeping impossible. I couldn’t lie on my stomach either since the pain was so bad. I spent five whole days vomiting with diarrhea. I couldn’t keep anything down except for water, and even then, it was tough. On day five, I felt weak and fragile. I could not carry my bags or even walk without being overly tired. At that point, I knew it was time to see a doctor.

I went to the nearest hospital, where they immediately checked my vitals. My blood pressure was high, and I had a slight fever. Initially, I was worried about Dengue Fever, which is common in Southeast Asia...

Luckily, a blood test proved I didn’t have dengue but a viral illness such as Acute Gastroenteritis. The good news is that the infection was mostly gone, and that my immune system had fought it off. The bad news is that I was severely dehydrated. My blood was very concentrated, which meant my heart had to work harder to pump blood throughout my body. This is what caused the high blood pressure and weakness. I was admitted overnight for an IV drip of saline, where they gave me three bags. After the saline, I felt much better, and I was sent home the next morning, with anti-diarrhea tablets and a doctor’s order to drink as much as possible. My energy was back to normal, but it took over two weeks for me to completely bounce back with a normal appetite.

Why Travel Insurance Was Important In My Case

Travel insurance proved to be a lifesaver during my trip to Thailand, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have managed without it. Without travel insurance, I would have been facing hundreds of dollars in medical fees, and navigating a foreign healthcare system on my own would have been stressful and confusing...

Having travel insurance allowed me to focus on recovering instead of worrying about costs. It turned what could have been a disastrous experience into something manageable, so I could enjoy the trip safely. For me, it wasn’t just optional — it was essential.

Getting food poisoning in Thailand was a harsh reminder that even well-planned trips come with unexpected risks. Thankfully, travel insurance made all the difference, covering clinic visits, medication, and even giving peace of mind during a scary situation.

While it was miserable in the moment, it also reinforced the importance of preparation and insurance. Now, I travel smarter, more aware, and able to enjoy every meal without fear.