British backpackers in tears after cobras and ‘2,000’ moths invade hotel room

Many of us have a holiday horror story, but it’s unlikely to be as disturbing as that experienced by two British backpackers on a gap year in Thailand.

Jemma Sayer and Lydia Ramsey-Stewart, both 18, embarked on their adventurous gap year traveling around Asia after finishing sixth last May.

The teenagers crossed Cambodia and Vietnam without incident, before encountering a scene they described as akin to a “horror movie” during their first week in Pai, Thailand, last week last.

The couple, who were staying in a jungle bungalow, had decided to open the door and wrap a towel around a small hole which let in a few moths – accidentally letting in 2,000 moths and a snake .

Sayer, from Ipswich, said: “When we opened the door, this cobra snake was hanging at the top of the door with its mouth open.

“We thought we were going to die, we were petrified. I have never been so scared in my entire life.

“He lunged at both of us, he literally lunged at my friend’s head. That’s when the moths also came, they swarmed us.”

Locking himself in the bathroom, Sayer called the hotel front desk, who quickly sent someone with a baseball bat and headlamp to remove the snake. Sayer claims the snake lunged at Ramsey-Stewart’s head with its mouth open, while moths “made a nest” in his hair.

Sayer, who posted video of the butterflies online, added: “We both screamed, I don’t think I’ve ever screamed that loud. It probably woke everyone up.

“I grabbed my phone and we ran into the bathroom and slammed the door. We locked ourselves in there.

“We were crying because we were so scared. I quickly, panicked, called the hotel reception and said ‘please come, there is a huge snake in our room and about 2,000 butterflies night’.

“They came after about 30 seconds. The man came with this bat and a headlamp, ready to hit the snake. It was like something out of a horror movie. There were so many comments saying it was like something from Jumanji.”

Lydia believes the snake was only 30cm from her head when they opened the door and both men said hotel staff confirmed it was a cobra.

Despite their ‘nightmare’ experience, Jemma and Lydia have yet to be dissuaded from traveling, although they admitted they struggled to sleep the following week.

Sayer said, “Every movement we heard, we were like, ‘What was that?’ We were ready to book a flight home, this is our first truly scary story but we live to tell the tale. This didn’t discourage us too much.

“We’ve loved traveling so far, it’s been a great experience other than that one.”

How to avoid insect bites while traveling

You can reduce the number of insect bites by using mosquito nets, repellents, clothing and insecticides, advises the NHS.

Nets

If your home is not air-conditioned or if you sleep outside, use mosquito nets impregnated with insecticide.

Check your net for tears and tuck the ends under the mattress.

Repellents

Insect repellents help prevent insects from biting you and must contain one of the following ingredients: DEET, Icaradin (Picardin), Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), or IR3535.

You should:

• Apply insect repellent to all exposed skin not covered by clothing

• Reapply after sunscreen, as this may reduce the SPF protection of your sunscreen.

• Reapply regularly, especially if mosquitoes are flying near you or biting you.

• Reapply after swimming, washing or excessive sweating to maintain effectiveness

• Apply gently to face and eyes, avoiding inhalation

• Keep away from synthetic clothing or plastics to avoid damage

Clothes

To protect any exposed skin from insect bites, try wearing clothing with a high neckline, long sleeves, long pant legs, a long skirt or dress, and socks.

Insecticide

Insecticides kill insects. For added protection, clothing, shoes, nets, and camping gear can be treated (by washing or spraying) with insecticides such as Permethrin.

Insecticide kits and sprays can be purchased from outdoor and travel suppliers; follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Clothing already pre-treated with insecticides can be purchased.

Frequent washing of clothes means that the insecticide will also stop working.

Learn more