Joanna James
Koh Phangan is a beautiful island in southern Thailand. Being famous for the Full Moon Parties at Hat Rin beach, this island is also famous for having the finest night markets in Thailand. Let us learn more about those exciting and alluring night markets to be able to enjoy them to the fullest.
This buzzing market called Pantip Market by the locals is the place to discover the expert street vendors of Koh Phangan who have an amazing knack for turning out the most delicious varieties of food and drinks. After spending hours hiking, beach buffing and whatnot during the day, either experience a Koh Phangan spa to relax and rejuvenate or make a beeline to this market near Thong Sala Pier on Taladmai Road to delight your senses. The best way to get here and around Koh Phangan is on a rented scooter.
Operating on all days a week, which is appreciated by visitors too, the market is free and open till 11 pm, and most of the stalls are set up from early evening, from about 4 pm onwards. And all the food vendors with their push carts are ready and in operation. During the early hours of the morning, only a few permanent stalls will be operating selling beer, beverages and some traditional Thai food.
As the sun goes down, don comfortable clothing and footwear and make your way to the night market. As a first-time visitor to the night market visit the smoothie sellers and find the best smoothie combination for yourself. The vendors are amazingly creative conjuring flavour-oozing smoothies using a mix of blueberry, banana, mango, guava, passionfruit, strawberry and more, deliciously creamy, eye-catching and chilled. Try tasting different combinations of flavours as often experimented with by guests at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. If you are a beer lover, no need to be disappointed there is plenty of beer too. Wander around getting a feel of the local vibes, excitement and energy.
Almost all the stalls offer Thai cuisine relished by visitors just as much as by the locals including vegan and vegetarian options in addition to varieties of meat and seafood dishes. A few stalls would have international dishes if you still fancy them. Meat satay, steaming hot soups, rice and noodle dishes are much enjoyed. The variety of desserts is amazing, ice cream, brownies, pancakes, doughnuts and a favourite amongst locals and visitors, Thai mango sticky rice.
The high street of Thong Sala is closed off from 4 pm to 10 pm every Saturday providing more space to shoppers. Additional stalls are put up to offer more variety in the already bustling market. Look for gift items for your loved ones or indulge yourself at the stalls displaying clothing, make-up, shoes, accessories, handicraft items and more. Haggling is expected and you can pick up good bargains at the Saturday market. Enjoy the haggling and the good food as you create memories of a terrific night market experience.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
