While there is a never ending list of reasons to visit the beautiful country of Thailand, one of the many is undoubtedly the bustling markets and street food! Visiting the variety of lively markets happening across the country is an activity in itself and it is a fantastic way to try various cuisines, support the local economy, and search for some souvenirs for yourself as well as your family and friends. Night markets in Koh Phangan are not to be missed and fun pastime for everyone from families and friends to solo travelers and locals.
Each market has its own charm and unique products, so you can hop around to different ones and always discover something new. Thailand night markets are abundant everywhere, and the island of Koh Phangan is no exception. So, if this spirited island is one of your stops during your tour of Thailand, consult this guide to learn where to go and what to eat at the best night markets in Koh Phangan.
Night Market Guide Koh Phangan
First up, we have the daily markets! These are the food markets around the island open every day of the week and great options for whenever you are hungry.
Pantip Market
The Thong Sala Night Market, more commonly referred to as the Pantip Market, is an exciting stop you could visit daily. This market is known for its affordability and wide selection of food, making is a frequented stop for both tourists and locals. There are various vendors who come set up outside every day and more permanent indoor stall that make Pantip Market a plentiful and convenient, all-in-one eatery right in the center of Koh Phangan.
The more permanent stalls surrounding the picnic tables begin to open in the late morning while the mobile vendors begin to pack in their food stands throughout the afternoon and evening. The alleyways of food stands and luring aromas is open until 11 pm, but we recommend coming for a late lunch or dinner between 3 pm and 9 pm so you can enjoy all that Pantip has to offer.
Search through the outdoor stands for the tent with the big clay smoking pot for some perfectly rendered meats–the crispy pork salad is especially good. For just 35 baht you can get 4 pieces of hot and fresh takoyaki. For a full meal, try some Thai spicy noodle soup from the only outdoor stand that has a table for customers to relax at as they eat.
Venture into the covered areas with picnic tables and more permanent stalls for some homemade pasta from Il Tuscano, or a gyro from the Greek stall, or anything off the menu at The Hummus Shack. There is enough here for you to try something new everyday!
Phangan Food Court
The Phangan Food Court is a simple yet satisfying stop also in Thong Sala. Perfect for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Come here anytime between 11 am and 9 pm to get a variety of foods and cuisines from Asian, Western, Mexican, and everything in between.
Go to the Pho Phangan stall for some delectable pho or a bahn mi. Segal´s stand has an amazing falafel bowl that`s crispy on the outside and perfectlz soft on the inside. One of our other favorite stands here is the samosa stand that fries each samosa fresh to order, so you can enjoy them piping hot.
The Food Court is a great stop for a quick meal in a clean environment with options for everyone. Check out the stalls in front to buy some cheap clothes and sunglasses to help fully integrate you into island life!
Mama Market
Another great place on the island to end a full day of beach activities is Mama Market in Srithanu. This market is a bit smaller and caters to the more health oriented eaters. It is open from 4-11 pm and positioned only a few hundred meters from the entrance to Zen Beach–the area drawing in more of the spiritual and wellness community. Have a seat on the cool stone benches in the evening with friends and share a variety of dishes with no shortage of vegan, vegetarian, and organic options. Some days you can even catch a live band up on stage while you eat.
We recommend watching the sunset at Zen beach first and then heading to Mama Market to grab some skewers from the BBQ stand, a fresh salad, or any of the mouthwatering dishes from the Thai food stall. There is also an abundance of fresh fruits and produce here so you can stock up to have some refreshing snacks in the heat.
Vintage Night Market
Night Market, Cafe Vintage located in Baan Tai and often referred to as the Baan Tai Market, is a vibrant and energetic scene open from 11 am to 11 pm. Even if you aren’t hungry, tag along for drinks after touring the island and stay for the live music, desserts, and good conversation. With a wide selection of cuisine, you can’t go wrong here. Whether you prefer a massive platter of local Thai food, fresh sushi, or classic burgers and beer, you will find it all at Vintage and you can count on high quality food and atmosphere as well as live music most days.
Here at Vintage Market, the Thai food stall is one of our favorites for good food and big portions. Bring friends for this one as it is always a feast! The pizza stand is great comfort food made with artisan crust and 3 different size options to choose from. For dessert, there is a local woman with a table off to the side of the stage serving a selection of homemade baked goods–perfect for finishing off any meal!
Walking Street Markets – Street Food and Markets Combine
In addition to the daily markets on the island, there other markets that occur only on specific days of the week. Many busy parts of the island have dedicated walking streets that are lined with shops and restaurants open throughout the week. However, once a week, these streets are filled with tents, stalls, and people to create a market event teeming with energy.
Saturday Night Market
The Saturday Night Market is one of Thong Sala’s most exciting food events. Every Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm you can find countless food, drink, clothing, and art vendors lined up to form what is quite possibly the busiest market on the island. The food at every stand is phenomenal and cheap and the clothing vendors and homemade, artisan products are too.
Enter from the pier side to be met with a wave of wonderful smells and colors. As you work your way further down, the food stalls begin to dwindle and disappear to be replaced by art vendors, clothing racks, and other local products. The Saturday Night Market is an event not to be missed during your visit to Koh Phangan.
This is a great market to try various fried sandwiches, pork ribs, or roasted duck. Fill a cup with a variety of ingredients of you choosing to then be cooked into an omelette right in front of you and served over rice for just 40 baht. Searching for some local cuisine? The Saturday Walking Market has a blue tent just off the stretch of main road that makes some phenomenal Pad Thai and other noodle dishes to try.
For dessert, search for the sweets stand that has loads of cakes, donuts, and brownies but don`t forget to grab one of the coconut pancakes made with fresh coconut meat, black sticky rice, and coconut milk. This is one of our favorite, Koh Phangan specific desserts made by a Thai woman who created the recipe herself and is almost as sweet as the dessert.
Chaloklum Sunday Market
The Sunday Market in the north attracts families, locals, and tourists from all over the island. Located in the area of the Chaloklum pier, park your bike and begin to walk to see what makes this market so special. Quickly browse the clothes and produce, then grab something to eat and sit on the pier to listen to the live band play as the sun goes down. Offering local Thai treats as well as some international stands, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a great view by water.
The Indian stand at this market has some of the tastiest chicken vindaloo we have ever encountered. Don`t forget the extra roti on the side. If you´ve worked up an appetite swimming and exploring all day, go to the German tent for some juicy thuringer sausages. Don´t miss the last stand before the pier with fish cakes that literally sell like hot cakes!
To finish, cool off with a cup or cone of fresh, homemade coconut ice cream. Ask for a chocolate sauce and peanut toppings to make it even sweeter. The market runs from 4-10 pm, but get here early as food does run out. Once your full and satisfied, check out the clothes and other local handmade crafts and Thai souvenirs available for purchase.
Tips for Markets and Street Food Dining
You can show up and enjoy the markets of Koh Phangan no matter who you are or where you are from. There is no plan for visiting markets, but there are a few things that will make the activity even more enjoyable.
- Arrive early! Thai markets can get busy with tourists and locals alike. Arriving early allows you to beat the crowd, get the freshest food, and ensure you´ll be able to try everything you want before it runs out.
- Bring cash and have small bills! Local market vendors will likely only accept cash payments and most of what you buy will be cheap.
- Be adventurous! Try new foods and maybe practice your bargaining skills. Just remember, be respectful in the process.
Grab your flip flops and your wallet and head to the markets for a memorable night of dining and shopping.
Beach, Parties, and Food Delights
You won’t run out of options when it comes to markets to experience and food to eat while you visit the island. Check out a few as you explore various parts of Koh Phangan, or visit your favorites ones over and over. Markets are a fun and affordable way to fill your time and get a glimpse into the local culture. Whatever you crave, you’ll find it here on the island!
Check out the other activities to do in Koh Phangan here and don´t miss out on the OXA Beach Party for a night you will never forget!