Thongsala is the principal town in Koh Phangan, although at times it can feel like it is Haad Rin when there is a massive influx of people for the Full Moon Party. That aside, most of the commercial space on the island is in Thongsala. It is here that many people choose to set up a shop or business. Some succeed and some fail. As a result, the shop scene in Thongsala is very fluid. Here are a collection of businesses in Thongsala you might not be familiar with.
Karnibar Burger
Karnibar Burger is located in the centre of town. It sells gourmet burgers with fries. They also have a variety of shakes and juices as well as bottled beers. This is a fairly new start up. They have a few glowing reviews of their burgers on their Facebook page. Run by an Italian.
Location
Hammock Home
Just around the corner from Karnibar Burger is Hammock Home. This is a shop dedicated to hammocks. They have a variety of colours and styles to choose from. They also have some hand crafted hammocks. So if you just can’t find the hammock your resting body deserves look no further. Hammocks also make great gifts and souvenirs.
Location
20 Thai Baht Shop
The name says it all. This is a very handy shop when you just need a little of something. You might be leaving in a couple of days and not want to buy a big box of washing detergent. Never fear the 20 Baht shop is here.
The 20 THB Shop also has an assortment of useful tools, storage boxes, general household and hardware equipment, barbecues, clothes drying racks and pretty much everything else at very cheap prices, although not 20 THB.
Location
Passara Spa and Herb
Passara Spa and Herb is on the main road, just as it bends south heading to Baan Tai. This new spa offers a range of massages and spa treatments that include herb saunas. If you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate in Thongsala then Passara might be what you are looking for. As yet they don’t have a website or Facebook page.
Location
Pizza Chiara Italian Restaurant
Two Italian men have set up a pizza restaurant on the main road in Thongsala, near Pantip Market. As you would expect they serve a range of handmade pizzas made from fresh and local ingredients where possible. They also offer pasta dishes. They have been getting mixed reviews on Trip Advisor. It seems Koh Phangan is becoming the home of burgers and pizzas!
Pizza Chiara is open from 11.30am to 11.30pm
Location
Siam Souvenir
Siam Souvenir sells Thai artwork such as statues, carvings, embroidered pillow cases, candles etc. at moderate prices. They have the best range of such products on Koh Phangan. If you are hunting for a gift for a friend back home this is a good place to start. Moreover, the range of items here means you can save yourself plenty of leg work and make time for a drink and snack.