Phantip Plaza

Phantip Plaza is Thong Sala’s handy market block, a 5-minute walk from the pier. By day, it’s your one-stop for beach gear and basics—T‑shirts (150–200 THB), sarongs (~200 THB), dry bags (250–400 THB), snorkels, phone chargers, plus a few souvenir stalls and quick-fix services. Most evenings from around 5pm, the courtyard morphs into the Phantip Night Market, so you can shop, then fuel up on pad thai (60–80 THB), mango sticky rice, and fresh smoothies. Expect backpackers fresh off the ferry and local families, busiest 6pm–9pm. Cash is easiest; prices are fair if you’re polite about bargaining.