Koh Phangan is less a shopping destination than Samui, however, what is unique about shopping on Phangan is you are more likely to be supporting independent retailers with much more individual products. You will be able to find almost anything you need on Phangan and if not here then always online and have it sent to you, but let’s focus on the island’s shops for now. Whether it’s everyday items or something special, here is your guide to shopping on this beautiful island.
Thailand Online Shopping Guide
Food and Groceries
If you come to Koh Phangan for a long period of time, then you would possibly need to purchase some supplies. If it's food and groceries, cleaning supplies or dog food, you'll want to get acquainted with the numerous stores offering various goods. The island has 3 major supermarkets and also fresh food markets.
Markets
If you want to support more local businesses, there are a few markets on the island where you can buy fresh food. Some are permanent and open every day, while others are more event-based, such as the Saturday market. Here is a list of marketplaces that sell fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish.
Thong Sala Fresh Market
This market, which is located in the heart of the city, is one of the most important, and it is even frequented by restaurant owners. A whole street dedicated to fresh produce may be found here. The street is lined with individual stores that blend together despite the fact that some offer different items and others sell the same. It is worthwhile to visit the various stalls in order to find the best bananas, for example.
This street is known for its fresh fish, which is frequently delivered by fishermen on a regular basis. You can also purchase beef on this street. This is a fantastic location to acquire Thai ingredients; they have a wide variety of veggies and herbs, as well as curry pastes and ingredients for Burmese meals.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Big C Market
Outside of the Big C supermarket, there is a market with vendors selling fresh produce and ingredients, as well as ready-to-eat foods. A wonderful little market with independent traders that takes place three times a week. It's a good idea to look here first for ingredients before traveling to the grocer.
Walking Street Market on Saturdays
Thong Sala's 'Chinese street' transforms into a pedestrian street market once a week. Along with selling souvenirs, clothing, food, and other wonderful items, you can also buy fresh vegetables to cook with, including locally grown bananas and other fruit.
Shops in the Neighborhood
There are a lot of these little businesses scattered over the island, similar to Mama Restaurants where you can eat delicious Thai food made by Mama, selling vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood, and other local ingredients. To assist families in your neighborhood, familiarize yourself with your local ones.
Supermarkets
Koh Phangan currently boasts a few major branded supermarkets as the island has grown and become more international. This is where you can acquire worldwide ingredients, as well as Thai food and fruit, if you're missing some home comforts. Of course, international produce will be more expensive.
Big C
Big C Supermarket is located on the major Baan Tai road on the route to Thong Sala from Haad Rin. Vegetables, fruit, dairy items such as cheese, bread, and tinned and canned foods are all available here.
Makro
Makro is more of a wholesale store, but you can use it for personal shopping as well if you get a card. The largest assortment of international ingredients, as well as fresh vegetables, seafood, meat, dairy, and dry goods such as pasta, can be found here.
Tesco
This supermarket, located in the centre of Thong Sala, first opened its doors in 2008. This is Thailand's counterpart of the Tesco supermarkets you may be familiar with back home. They offer a fresh produce section, however, it is smaller than the other stores.
Limpingpong
This little grocery is perfect for buying herbs and spices, as well as healthy living and vegetarian and vegan products. They have organic veggies, vegetarian sausages and meats, tempeh, soy, and other dry products and noodles, as well as a variety of spreads, nuts, seeds, and quinoa.
Fashion and Clothes
When it comes to clothing, here on the island, you would be happily surprised by a broad spectrum. Of course, there is the neon full moon party t-shirts as well as high-quality trance wear which suits its party reputation. In the last few years, many independent designers have opened stores here with beautiful clothing. There is a broad variety of retail to pick from and the markets sell cheaper clothing as well. Lots of talented artists and shops have fashion shows to showcase on the island which is a great way to explore the island’s style.
Here’s our pick of some great Fashion shops:
Haad Rin
Fusion Fashion Shop
Fusion is really the ‘Haad rin Fashion Centre’ with Indian and Boho quirky styles that, day and night, can encourage the free-spirited traveller. They also stock accessories from the world over.
Luna Lena Beachwear
This trendy shop, part of an exclusive US swimwear company, has a broad variety of women's swimwear, bikinis and accessories that are influenced by nature and a passion for exotic adventures. The products on sale have a fantastic special theme and a rather trendy design, which perfectly complements the store's own sun-bleached beach hut-style décor.
Napo Po
A unique shop in the centre of Haad Rin with clothes picked from all over the world. A very stylish shop with a lovely owner.
Merav’s Boutique
An exclusive store selling an amazing range of clothes and accessories. Everything with consideration of fine European production and architecture.
Amazonas 1974
This store is situated in the centre of Haad Rin Town and offers bikinis, clothes, shoes, footwear, fashion accessories, and jewellery. In a chic-Bohemian way, the things on sale at Amazonas are colourful and trendy; the clothes on the show are of Asian and Indian inspiration and mainly for women.
Thong Sala
Moontribe Progressive Fashion
Progressive Design Shop Moontribe imports and retails clothes and accessories for men & women. A large range of Native, Urban Street and Trance Wear from renowned Western labels such as Psylo, High, Shaman, Miss Be, Aspire, Luna Fashion, Buddha and Fairy Floss.
Maka Lulu
From the creators of Atman Life Station in Sri Thanu, they have three stores with Thong Sala’s version being Maka Lulu. They collect inspiration from deserts, star-studded skies, small seaside towns, vintage film, the Himalayas and so much more. All clothing is ethically produced.
AWA
AWA is an island-based concept store featuring Bohemian Chic, Modern Tribal and Nomadic Street Style Clothing and jewellery. Expect an earthy palette with extremely wearable yet stylish pieces perfect for Phangan life and everyday style elsewhere in the world.
Bang Bang
Next door to AWA, the first of the stores from the same owners on Walking Street.
Kali
Located near Walking Street and the main pier Kali is an enchanting shop & wellbeing cafe selling boho fashion and accessories, pieces for home decor, souvenirs and even natural remedies.
Sri Thanu
Koh Phangan Yoga Shop
A small retail store in Koh Phangan for yoga and athletic wear. Accessible and high-quality yoga pads, shirts, leggings, from white to tights.
Serafin Design
Unique, designed women's wear. Fairtrade, made with affection and fantastic Feminine Beauty Inspiration.
Jewellery and style
The jewellery here in Koh Phangan is a major part of life. It's about voicing yourself and how you feel and maybe having the mystical forces of stones to assist and direct you or sending a piece to somebody you care about to demonstrate your affection. You can find traditional Thai jewellery or more extravagant and statement pieces plus international creations brought from around the world.
Mohea Creations
Mohea Designs produce exquisite pieces of jewellery and they now have a store in Baan Tai. Each item is unique and development of the moment to share joy, liberty and happiness and to realize how beautiful we are. You will now notice clothes, shoes, and leatherwork amongst the jewellery. Owner Phailin also makes custom jewellery, so go and give her your wish.
Pet Tawan Silver Jewelry
In a very ancient, traditional way, they make custom designed silver jewellery, restore and polish silver jewellery and every item is distinctive in their unique style. With the assistance of a skilled Gemologist, you will find your personal stone, tumbled, rugged stones to heal.
Beaton Macrame & stone
Stone store and unique handmade Macrame by a lovely couple. The shop in Thong Sala is situated at Soi Krung Thai.
Magic Stones
Now located in Sri Thanu, all unique and silver, gold with semi-precious metals and precious stones. Each piece is distinctive and one of a kind.
Gifts and Souvenirs
You might want to take something or send something to friends and family around the world, a gift of your time on Koh Phangan. There is a huge selection to chose from here, of course, the standard Thailand souvenirs found at markets and then maybe something more unique such as from the jewellery or clothing shops listed above.
Some other ideas would be…
20 Baht Shops
They offer a lot of worthless things, but if you use your imagination, you can also find some funny gems and toys for youngsters!
Pink Pineapple Self Care
On Thong Sala's popular walking lane, Pink Pineapple opened their shop where they sell all-natural, upscale crafted and upright delicious items for your essential routine of self-care. They still have a nice range of presents from local and Thai artists and will wrap your pick with gift wraps and offer cards and gift boxes as well.
LekArt
If you are looking for something truly unique you will find it here, located near Panthip market Thong Sala. It’s a blend of modern and multicultural work with an ethnic artisan studio. Well-known for their feather head-pieces and leatherwork.
Mr Moon Hammock Lovers
Mr Moon offers a number of hammock types and numerous budget choices. There's a hammock for sitting, a large one, also one for your pet! Everything is crafted from cotton in particular, so they are very cozy. If you would like to glance at Mr. Moon's Hammocks then visit his Baan Tai store, you're likely to hear some amazing tales from this ultimate KP Gem, too.
Electronics
The fascination with all things technological in Thailand shows no signs of abating. There is a shop for every palate and every kind of shopper. Although the capital Bangkok has maze-like mega-malls stocking anything you might probably picture, here on the island of Koh Phangan you will find more niche small shops selling electronics.
If you want a speaker or sound system for your home then there are a few shops around Panthip market in Thong Sala. For phones and accessories, you can find things in the supermarkets or again, at smaller shops. This is one section of shopping where, depending on the quality you need, it might be better to go to a reputable retailer on Koh Samui or the mainland or, shop online.
Homeware
Whether you come for the near future to Koh Phangan or even if you only want to make your stay a bit more convenient, home comforts might be wanted. You will find some items at Homemart and some local shops on the island, Lazada has a fantastic range of all the things required and delivery is reliable, they also have a choice to pay on arrival.
If it is not big items that you need then you can mostly get it here, immediately. For kitchenware, you can go to the 20 Baht shop for cheap items or Limpingpong has more high-quality items such as woks, frying pans and glasses etc.
Bedding and linen can be bought from Homemart, and like the title of the shop implies this is where you will find most things for home improvements, much like stores back in your home country.
Summary
Koh Phangan has everything you need for life, gifts, clothing and electronics, and even more unique, handmade items you will not find anywhere else in the world. Although it is not what you would call a shopper’s paradise, we have the neighbouring island of Samui for that and hence why Phangan retains its charm.