At the heart of Thailand’s Ko Phi Phi archipelago is Ao Ton Sai, a lively bay where ferries shuttle day-trippers and extended-stay tourists to and from the largest island. For most, this is where a holiday on Ko Phi Phi begins and ends.
The bay is more than a mile wide and covers one side of the isthmus, joining the two landmasses that make up Phi Phi Don. Most of the activity is centered on the east side, where you’ll find Ton Sai Village, the pier and the island’s most popular beach.
The bay is a lively place to be during daylight hours. The ferry traffic is light compared to the constant line of longtail boats and dive operators cruising the bay. Things quiet down to the east near the mouth of the bay.
While remote corners of the island may have more beauty and tranquility than Ao Ton Sai, the bay area can’t be beat for convenience. There are more hotels, restaurants and bars here than in any other part of the island. And since there’s virtually no motorized traffic, it’s nice to have several options within walking distance.
Getting There & Away
Ferries from Ao Ton Sai to Phuket or Krabi take between 2 and 3 hours, but tourists are increasingly likely to show up in a chartered seaplane from Phuket after a few minutes’ flight. Phuket operates an international airport with a limited number of international flights and several daily connections to the new international airport in Bangkok.
Things to Do
Ao Ton Sai Attractions
- Hat Yao
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Also known as ‘long beach’, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand on the island, located at the easternmost end of the bay.
- Shark Point
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A favorite snorkeling destination in the bay. the black-tipped reef sharks that give it its name are no threat to humans.
- Ton Sai Village
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A shopping, drinking and dining district backing the hotels and resorts that line ao ton sai.
- Ton Sai Beach
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Not as popular as hat yao, this beach is a pleasingly quiet alternative.