Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Tonsai Bay is located on the south coast of Koh Phi Phi Don, the largest of the islands in Koh Phi Phi archipelago, in the centre of the island at the edge of Tonsai Village.

Tonsai Bay is the main point on the island for the arrival and departure of boats and is not good for swimming or sunbathing. If you want to swim or sunbathe near Tonsai Village then the nearby Loh Dalum Beach is a much better option.

About Tonsai Bay

Tonsai Bay is dominated by Tonsai Pier, which is located in the centre of the bay. Tonsai Pier is Koh Phi Phi’s main ferry port and the place where most visitors to the island arrive and depart.

Most of the length of Tonsai Bay (1.16 km) is white sand beach. It is, however, difficult to sit on the beach or to access the water from the beach because the whole bay is full of boats moored close to shore. Some of the boats are larger ferries, fishing boats converted for tours and diving, or speed boats, but the majority are smaller wooden longtail boats which are used primarily as taxi boats. Because of the hilly landscape it is difficult to reach most parts of the island by road and even for short trips, such as the one to Long Beach, the only way to travel other than by walking is by taxi boat.

Tonsai Bay is, however, an area of outstanding natural beauty. At the east end of the bay is long wall of spectacular cliffs. This great view is the first thing that most visitors will see when they arrive on Koh Phi Phi.

There is also a seafront promenade running along the centre of Tonsai with some interesting sculptures. It is a nice place to walk in the evening.

Tonsai Bay has one major resort, Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort, which costs around 2,500 THB a night for a standard room with a good view over Tonsai Bay. The rooms at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort are stacked in terraces up the side of a steep hill and all have balconies. Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort also has a long swimming pool with sea views.

Location of Tonsai Bay

Tonsai Bay is located 1.0 km walking distance from Koh Phi Phi Viewpoint depending upon the route you take.