Tonsai Beach is the first place you’ll encounter when arriving on Phi Phi Don Island. It’s located at the southern end of the island’s isthmus, which is home to Phi Phi Town, the island’s only settlement.
Unlike Loh Dalum on the opposite side of the isthmus, Tonsai Bay has deeper waters in its central part, which is why two piers were built to handle the ferries and boats bringing in tourists.
Tonsai Beach serves a dual purpose—its central and left sections are busy with boats, functioning as a technical zone. On the right side, however, you’ll find a proper beach resort with clear waters, soft sand, and all the tropical amenities you’d expect.
Beach Overview
Tonsai Beach is a mix of functionality and relaxation. The main beachfront can be divided into two distinct sections, clearly visible both on the ground and from above on Google Maps.
On the far right, the sandy stretch is about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) long, but only 300 meters (984 feet) can be considered a proper beach. The water here is shallow but suitable for swimming, with almost no boats in this area.
Near the pier and extending to the left, the beach becomes a busy port filled with long-tail boats. Unfortunately, environmental concerns are minimal, so mooring ropes and litter are scattered along the shoreline.
The left side of Tonsai also offers some space for beachgoers, but it’s less appealing. The sand is mixed with debris, the view is dominated by boats, and the area is surrounded by cliffs and hotel fences. Roped-off swimming areas create shallow “kiddie pools” for bathers.
Beyond the headland, the right side offers a more pleasant beach experience with a wider, sandy area and fewer boats. This side of the isthmus feels wilder and less developed, with open spaces, walking paths, and rustic bungalows.
For those seeking an escape from the busier left side, the right part of Tonsai offers a more peaceful, untamed atmosphere. However, prices for these rustic bungalows might seem a bit high. It’s a clean, quiet area with light yellow sand scattered with small stones and seashells.
Swimming
The left side of Tonsai, beyond the headland, has a gentle slope and is heavily affected by the tides, much like the rest of the island’s beaches. The shoreline across the entire isthmus rises just a few meters (about 10 feet) above sea level and slopes gradually underwater. Closer to the center of the beach, the water deepens more quickly, while near the cliffs, the shallow seabed is widest.
As a result, waves are more noticeable in the center of the bay during strong breezes, while the edges remain calmer. During storm season, waves can be much stronger across the whole bay, which is why some parts of the shoreline are reinforced with concrete structures. These reinforcements blend well with the surroundings and don’t detract from the beach’s appearance.
At low tide, the beach undergoes a dramatic transformation, with the sea receding 50 to 150 meters (164 to 492 feet) from the shore.
Sunbeds and Shade
The width of the beach varies along its length. At high tide, there’s no more than 20 meters (66 feet) of sand left near the cliffs, and closer to the center, the beach narrows to almost nothing. This explains the lack of sunbed rentals in the public areas, though some resorts offer sunbeds behind symbolic fences.
Shade is sparse along the shore, with only a few spots under trees. During low tide, the beach expands significantly, and reaching the water can feel like a long walk.
Beach Photos
The left side of Tonsai Beach
The right side of Tonsai Beach
Amenities
The beachfront along Ao Tonsai, from the pier all the way to the far right, is lined with tourist-oriented businesses: bars, restaurants, massage parlors, and resorts. There’s even the largest medical facility on the island by local standards.
Surprisingly, during my entire walk, I didn’t come across a single traditional Thai shop, let alone any chain convenience stores. It feels like a quiet, sleepy neighborhood in the Thai style, with all the essentials found in Phi Phi Town.
To be honest, walking in the heat from the far end of Tonsai to Phi Phi Town isn’t the most enjoyable experience. So, if you’re staying on the right side of the beach, make sure to stock up on drinks before heading back to your bungalow.
However, from the Tonsai Pier to the far left end of Tonsai Beach, you have access to all the offerings of the local tourist infrastructure. Phi Phi Town starts right where you exit the pier and stretches inland across the isthmus.
To the left, along the coast, a busy walking path leads toward Viking Beach and Long Beach. On the seaside, the path is bordered only by a low curb, while the opposite side is packed with travel agencies, cafes, pharmacies, and various tourist service kiosks.
There aren’t many easy access points to the beach here, and frankly, there’s little desire to head down to the sand in this section.
Accommodation
On the right side of Tonsai Beach, there are about six large hotels, although the only one that can truly be called “large” is the Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel. It’s built on the narrowest part of the isthmus, offering access to both Tonsai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach. I’ve listed all the decent, noteworthy hotels on Tonsai Beach separately:
- Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort
- Phi Phi Nice Beach Hotel Hip
- Phi Phi Sand Sea View Resort
- Phi Phi Island Cabana Hotel
Unfortunately, most hotels and resorts on the island suffer from inconsistent service quality and lackluster maintenance of their properties. You can find a comprehensive list of hotels on Phi Phi Don by following the link below.
How to Find the Beach
Finding the beach is very simple — just step off the Ao Tonsai pier, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Phi Phi Town. If you face the pier, the path to the right will lead you towards the picturesque Tonsai, while the path to the left takes you to the more functional, technical side of Tonsai Beach.
At first, the trail may seem a bit unclear — it’s noisy, crowded, and you’ll be bombarded with people trying to sell you things from all directions. But after about 50 meters, you’ll escape this tourist chaos and find yourself on a tiled path. This is the only path along the entire shoreline, so just follow it along the beach.
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