Na Baan Pier (Tha Ruea Na Baan)
“During peak holidays, ferries skip the timetable and depart the moment they are full, meaning the longest queues often move surprisingly fast.”
Description
Stepping onto Na Baan Pier immediately plunges you into a chaotic yet charming whirlwind. The air is thick with the scent of salty sea air, freshly brewed coffee, and the exhaust of hundreds of scooters. This is no place for quiet contemplation; it is a buzzing transport hub where long-term expats, weekenders from Bangkok, and independent travelers collide. Small eateries hug the waterfront, while just a short stroll away lies an evening market packed with street food stalls serving up incredibly fresh seafood.
The space is highly functional: it is the perfect launching pad to map out your route to popular beaches like Tawaen or Samae, or grab a transfer to your resort. On the downside, it is narrow, muggy, and constantly packed with people lugging bulky bags. However, the infrastructure is solid: one of the island’s few 7-Elevens is right here, alongside a Café Amazon and dozens of motorbike rental shops.
Why visit
Insider tips
💡 If you want the budget 30-baht ferry, walk all the way to the end of the long wooden pier—you pay the crew directly in cash right before boarding.
💡 The official public showers cost 50 baht and restrooms are 10 baht; use them before your return trip as remote beaches may lack facilities.
💡 Inspect your rental scooter carefully and take photos of existing scratches before signing; don't hesitate to bargain if they ask for more than 400 baht.
💡 Traffic near the waterfront is chaotic; parking a scooter close to the boats is nearly impossible due to crowds and taxi drivers.
