Thong Sala, Koh Phangan

The Thong Sala Pier is probably where you arrive at Koh Phangan. The pier has a small harbour town and this harbour town is the capital of the island Koh Phangan. Many visitors of Koh Phangan will only see this place on their way to for example Haad Rin or Haad Salad, but Thong Sala has quite a bit of fun to offer. The harbour town has a nice market, a fairly nice beach, different kinds of shops, lots of restaurants and of course the moorings where the (ferry) boats arrive and depart.

You arrived at the port of Thong Sala and its pier

The strategic location of Thong Sala makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the many attractions of Koh Phangan, including the famous Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach and the serene beaches on the island’s west coast. With numerous transportation options such as taxis and songthaews (local shared taxis), as well as car rental services, visitors can easily explore the rest of the island.

In the port of Thong Sala, there are several piers:

Two piers are used for ferries coming from Surat Thani – Koh Samui or Chumphon – Koh Tao.
Another pier is designated for very large ships that transport containers with goods.

Thong Sala is not only a transportation hub but also a cultural and commercial center. It offers a glimpse into local life with its charming temples, colorful street art, and friendly residents. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dining options, from local Thai delicacies to international cuisines. Additionally, there is a bustling night market near the pier where you can sample authentic Thai dishes before embarking on your journey.

When you arrive on the mainland, you’ll find many people waiting to offer you a ride to your destination. It’s advisable not to engage with them right away, as just a bit farther along, you can find much cheaper ride options.

Costs of rides from Thong Sala to several areas on Koh Phangan

To the North West (such as Haad Salad, Chaloklum Bay and Malibu Beach) = approximately 150 to 250 THB per person
To Haad Rin (known for its Full Moon Parties) = approximately 100 to 200 THB per person
To the North East (towards Thong Nai Pan) = approximately 250 to 400 THB per person

Your Travel Guide for 2027

Discover your perfect Thailand trip with over 350 pages of tips, top spots, and practical advice. Everything you need to start the pre-trip excitement and travel well prepared — including a complete itinerary

Now only

€14.95

More info

Thong Sala Beach

The beach of Thong Sala is not the best beach of Koh Phangan, but if you stay in the neighborhood it is no punishment to enjoy the Thai sun. The further away you are from the pier the better. At the pier it is impossible to swim because of the pollution and also very dangerous because of the many boats that sail here. Further south is a 1 kilometer long sandy beach. It’s almost always quiet here despite the short distance to the city of Thong Sala. In the months December to March you can swim well in the sea but in the following months the water is too far away. But then you can still sunbathe or take a walk on the beach. You can walk from this beach almost to Haad Rin but this is a long walk of over than 10 km! At least take a look before sunset, because here you can take beautiful pictures of the setting sun!

The HTMS Phangan (the warship located at the pier of Thong Sala)

When you arrive in the harbour of Thong Sala you can hardly avoid the colossal naval ship. It is the Phangan Royal Navy Ship or also called the HTMS Phangan. The ship was donated by the Americans to Thailand in 1957 as a token of goodwill. For the Thai army the ship played an important role in the Vietnam War in which it was frequently used. In June 2008 the ship was put out of action. Not even that long ago! Since 2011 the ship is in a special basin off the coast of Koh Phangan. Today the HTMS Phangan has a completely different role. Since 2014 it is the official Rama IX Memorial Museum. Here you can see pictures, documents and memorials of King Rama IX. There are also regular ceremonies held on the deck of the ship.

Beached military landing ship with number 713 under cloudy sky on sandy shore

Practical things for Thong Sala

In the city it’s possible to arrange boat trips and tickets to for example Koh Tao and Koh Samui. It is also possible to pay by card, exchange or bank transfer. If you are not feeling well, you can go to the pharmacies or clinics in the city for advice and medication. In case you have to go to the hospital (Phangan International Hospital) which is three kilometers away from the center. Also not unimportant to know is that the main office of the police in the center is easily accessible. From the Thong Sala Pier you can walk there in less than half an hour. All very convenient but of course you do not come especially to Koh Phangan, fortunately there is also a lot of fun in the harbor town!

Shops at Thong Sala

The (port) city of Thong Sala is the junction of the island of Koh Phangan. It is a constant hustle and bustle of coming and going. If you stay a few days on Koh Phangan then visiting this place is definitely worth it. There are plenty of shops (often open until 9 PM), nice restaurants and cozy bars. On the outskirts of the city you can buy groceries at the Big Big C supermarket and in the center there is a large market where you can eat tasty and cheap food.

Street scene in a busy Southeast Asian town with motorbikes and small shops on a sunny day — Erik Jaeger (Flickr)

Pantip Night Market

The Pantip Night Market is a nice street food (evening) market in the center of Thong Sala. The market is open daily from 4 till 10 PM with an outlet until 11 PM. From the Thong Sala Pier you can walk there in about 10 minutes. Walk straight on from the pier to the roundabout and go under the big welcome sign in Koh Phangan, walk up to the 7-Eleven and you’re already there! At the Pantip Night Market you can put together a typical Thai street food buffet and eat it on the covered terrace. You look where a spot is free and slide on a chair. There is plenty of choice! Sate, fish, chicken and sausage from the BBQ. mango sticky rice, lots of curries, pad thai, vegetarian dishes and cold drinks, it’s all there! Rather not Thai for once? You can also buy western snacks at the many stalls of the Pantip Night Market. To get a complete meal including dessert and a drink together, you will lose a maximum of 250 baht. And then you’re really stuffed!

Tip

Would you like to explore the island of Koh Phangan by scooter? Then a scooter in Thong Sala from the many rental companies. Do research in advance on the reliability of the company and if possible do not leave your passport behind. Also make a movie or photos of the scooter before you drive away, preferably in front of the owner. so you have proof that damage was already present.

Where to stay in Thong Sala – Find out here!

Thong Sala has good places to stay, including quite a few budget options, but even if you’re looking for more luxury, you won’t be disappointed in Thong Sala.