Tonsai Beach - Koh Phi Phi

Most of the action on Koh Phi Phi Don is situated between Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach to the north. Tonsai Pier is where all visitors arrive to the island. As a result the area is brimming with entertainment, accommodation and shops.

Over 2km long, Tonsai Beach is broken into Tonsay Bay, Tonsai East and West.

Tonsai Bay

As the Phi Phi Don’s main transport hub, Tonsai Bay is a hive of activity during the day. Ferries come and go, yachts anchor for a spot of snorkelling and tour boats leave for nearby islands. Once the last ferry has gone Tonsai Bay becomes a sleepy fishing village. There are some basic shops including ATM’s, 7-Eleven and cheap Thai restaurants.

Long tail boats parked at Tonsai Beach – Koh Phi Phi

Tonsai West

Head west past the pier and hospital towards the limestone mountains and you’re in Tonsai West. It is surprisingly quiet; with powdery white sand, clear water and good coral for snorkelling. Rent a deck chair and laze in the sun, hire a kayak and explore the coast or snorkel right off the beach. If you’re looking for somewhere close to Tonsai Village yet away from the crowds this is the perfect spot.

A couple of bars offer night-time entertainment, though you can hear thumping base from the clubs in Tonsai in the distance. Facilities are limited, there’s one convenience store and some small shops in the beachside resorts.

High-end resorts line the beach, offering luxurious rooms, local and international food and sunset cocktails.

Tonsai East

Tonsai East is famous for its nightlife. Bars and restaurants hold nightly entertainment including fire shows, live music and dancing until the early hours.

During the day the beach is good for snorkelling with shallow water and an active coral reef. Tonsai East is around 500m long with wonderful views over Tonsai Bay and Koh Phi Phi Leh.

It’s only a 15 minute stroll to the Village, or you can catch a water taxi right off the beach. There’s also a path leading to Phi Phi Viewpoint and Koh Dalum at the foot of the hill where Tonsai East meets Tonsai Village. Continue east along the coast to reach Long Beach and Shark Point.

A large selection of budget and mid-range bungalow resorts line the beach. Most restaurants serve local and international food.

Tonsai Village

The winding streets are tightly packed with bars and clubs catering to all tastes – enjoy techno, live music, reggae and even bar-side Muay Thai. There is good shopping in the Village during the day from convenience stores to souvenir and diving shops. Accommodation is aimed at backpackers – fan rooms, cheap dorms and guesthouses.