Thong Sala Pier

The Thong Sala Pier is the efficient island pier, where a ferry transporting people between islands can dock without any problems. It is located to the southwest of Koh Pha Ngan and just a short crossing away from Koh Samui. The island's dense forests amid the mountainous terrain can be seen as one draws near the Thong Sala Pier. As one steps off the boat, there are the usual crowd of taxi drivers and tour operators who greet the tourists.

Thong Sala is the main town of Koh Pha Ngan and one can find banks, currency exchangers and some pubs and restaurants. Some find the place attractive enough to spend a night or two in one of the local hotels close to the pier, and it is the most convenient connecting point to anywhere else on the island. As in other piers in Thailand, the green surroundings and blue calm waters make for an arresting landscape, and renting a motorcycle to ride around is a must for intrepid tourists. There is even a fresh food market open both mornings and evenings and if lucky, you may even catch a round of Thai boxing in one of the stadiums.

Ferries from Thong Sala Pier

Thong Sala is where every major line calls. The Koh Phangan to Koh Samui ferry is the workhorse — twenty to thirty minutes on the fast boats, with departures spread across the day. Northward, boats reach Koh Tao in about an hour. For the mainland there are two ways off the island: west via Surat Thani (the busiest corridor, with coach connections across the south) and north-west via Chumphon, where catamarans meet coaches and trains towards Bangkok.

Arriving for the Full Moon Party

If you're coming for the Full Moon Party, Thong Sala is still your pier — Haad Rin is a 20–30 minute songthaew ride across the island, and drivers wait at the pier gate around every sailing. Around party dates the boats fill up, so book your crossing ahead rather than counting on a walk-up ticket.

Staying near the pier

Thong Sala town and the beaches either side of it hold plenty of guesthouses and resorts, many within a short ride of the gangway — live rates for hotels near the pier are listed further down this page.