The Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan is the perfect jump-off point to explore the nearby islands. It’s located on the southwest of the island; a quick 45 minutes away from Koh Samui.
Most travellers arrive on the island either through this or the pier on the south-eastern side over in Haad Rin.
Upon arrival here, visitors will be greeted by several locals offering hotel stays as well as transfers. They can be very helpful, especially if you haven’t booked anything; particularly during the peak periods or the Full Moon Parties. Before you leave the pier, you may even want to sample delicious barbecued corn, or other cheap local street food that is sold here.
If you have any needs, the port town is a convenient place to do them all. That’s because it already has several banks, money changers, and ATM’s.
Aside from these, many travellers choose to stay a night or two since the charming little town has a lot to offer. It’s a lot quieter than Haad Rin or the other touristy areas, but it still has some nightlife and a great selection of restaurants.
Don’t miss out on the vibrant fresh food market near the Thong Sala Pier. It’s open in the morning as well as in the evenings, and it’s chock-full of delicious but cheap eats. If you fancy Thai cuisine but don’t want to spend too much, the market is highly recommended.
While you’re here, it’s also a great idea to watch a fight or two of Muay Thai at the local boxing stadium. Getting around is simple; motorcycles are the preferred transportation method here. If you don’t know how to drive, you can also hire a local to take you to your destination.
Staying here is a convenient choice for exploring the nearby islands, but it also has a unique charm and several attractions that are worth discovering.
Michael created and runs the Koh Samui Travel Hub website, as well as the Holiday Point travel brand that incorporates a network of 16 location based travel information and attraction websites around Australia, Asia, and around the world.
With 25+ years of online experience and a passion for travel (having visited Koh Samui many times), Michael not only researches and writes content for the website, he also tinkers behind the scenes with the website functionality & design.
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