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28<br />
Sites of Visit<br />
at Thong Sala Beach<br />
Thong Sala Beach takes its name from a<br />
pavilion, locally called sala, built in 1884 near<br />
the pier’s bridge. At that time, the governor of<br />
Chaiya sat in this sala to administer the town.<br />
The beach surrounding the pavilion was later<br />
called Thong Sala Beach and became the center of<br />
growth of the island, encompassing a ferry pier,<br />
speed boat and tour bus services, restaurants<br />
selling international food, souvenir shops, internet<br />
cafes, lovely coffee shops, hostels, banks,<br />
tour-guide business, car rentals, etc. The beach<br />
has become the center equipped with more<br />
modern facilities than any other places.<br />
During Songkran Festival, Thong Sala Beach<br />
is the place where Thai and foreign tourists<br />
gather for the fun-filled water-splashing activity.<br />
Another important tradition is the age-old Chak<br />
Phra ceremony (towing a Buddha image) at the<br />
end of the Buddhist Lent. The ceremony was<br />
originated in <strong>Ko</strong> <strong>Pha</strong>-<strong>ngan</strong>.<br />
29
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