Bed bugs in Thailand and Cambodia?

by Anonymous
(United States)

Question: Do I need to worry about bed bugs? I will be traveling in Thailand and Cambodia. If we are willing to pay a little more can it be avoided? Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

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Answer: I've experienced bed bugs at cheap guesthouses, only once in Malaysia, Laos and Cambodia, but not in Thailand.

I don't why; it might be that they don't have the budget to treat the mattresses, or maybe the bed bugs were transferred from another source. And sometimes it's not about the type of accommodation. I've stayed at really cheap hostels in Malaysia, but there were no bed bugs.

Either way, bring a thin bed sheet with you, it always helps! If you have a particular guesthouse or hotel in mind, read reviews about it. Use Tripadvisor or other forums. If an earlier guest has noticed bed bugs, it will in most cases reflect in online reviews! ;)

To be sure, you should bring a thin sheet or buy a cotton travel liner. Pay for only one night first, see if you like the place. If there are bed bugs, move on the next day or complain and get your money back.

Hope this helps,
Amanda

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