Most people arrive at Tonsai Pier a little disoriented. Ferries unloading everywhere, backpack straps tangled up, longtail boat drivers calling out destinations over the noise of rolling luggage and boat engines. And then suddenly someone asks, “Laem Tong?”
If that’s where you’re staying, you’re heading to the quieter side of Koh Phi Phi Don — far away from the beach bars, fire shows, and constant movement around Tonsai Village.
Honestly, the difference between the two parts of the island feels bigger than the map suggests.
So… where exactly is Laem Tong Beach?
Laem Tong Beach sits up on the northern end of the island. It’s quieter, slower, and somehow feels detached from the chaos around Tonsai even though it’s not actually very far away.
The beach itself is calm most days, especially in high season. Fewer boats. Fewer parties. You wake up hearing water instead of bass vibrating through hostel walls. After a few nights around Tonsai, arriving at Laem Tong almost feels like switching islands completely.
The trip from Tonsai is short, but figuring out how to do it catches a lot of people off guard the first time.
Taking a longtail boat (what most people do)
This is the easiest option, and honestly the one most travelers end up taking.
Longtail boats leave from the beach area near Tonsai throughout the day. There’s no real schedule. Sometimes they leave immediately, sometimes everyone sits there waiting for a few more passengers while the driver negotiates prices with three different groups at once. That’s just part of it.
The ride usually takes around 20–30 minutes depending on the sea.
And it’s beautiful.
You pass limestone cliffs, tiny hidden coves, bits of jungle hanging over the water. On calm days the sea turns almost unreal turquoise around the northern bays. People usually stop talking halfway through and just stare out at the coastline.
Shared boats are normally around 300–500 THB per person. Private charters cost more — usually somewhere around 1,500 THB and up depending on season and your bargaining skills.
A small thing nobody tells you: you will probably get splashed. Sometimes lightly. Sometimes enough that your backpack suddenly becomes everybody’s problem. Waterproof your stuff before getting on the boat, especially during windy afternoons.
Weather matters more than people think
Between roughly May and October, the sea around Phi Phi can get rough surprisingly fast.
Longtail boats still run a lot of the time, but the ride can go from “beautiful island moment” to “why am I airborne right now?” pretty quickly. If the weather looks bad, listen to locals. They know when conditions are sketchy.
Sometimes boats stop entirely for a while if the waves get too rough.
It’s annoying, but honestly better than pretending these boats are safer than they are.
Ferry transfers and hotel pickups
If you’re arriving from Phuket or Krabi, your ferry or speedboat will almost always drop you at Tonsai first.
There’s no public ferry straight to Laem Tong Beach.
A lot of hotels up north arrange transfers though, especially the resorts around Laem Tong. Some include shared longtail pickup in the booking price, others charge extra. Either way, it’s usually worth organizing ahead of time instead of trying to sort it out while standing at the pier sweating through your shirt with luggage.
If your accommodation offers transfer service, take it.
Seriously. It removes half the stress immediately.
Can you hike there?
Technically yes.
Would I recommend it to everyone? Not really.
There’s a trail cutting through the interior of the island from Tonsai toward the north side. In good weather it can actually be a nice hike — jungle sections, elevated viewpoints, random quiet stretches where you barely see anyone.
But parts of the trail are steep, uneven, muddy after rain, and not especially well marked. If you arrive carrying a suitcase thinking you’ll casually walk to Laem Tong… that mood changes fast.
People underestimate Phi Phi heat too. Midday sun here feels brutal sometimes.
If you do hike:
- bring way more water than you think
- wear proper shoes
- download offline maps first
- start early if possible
And honestly, don’t force it if the weather looks rough.
About taxis and roads…
Phi Phi isn’t really a “jump in a taxi” kind of island.
There are a few overland transport options toward the north — pickup trucks, occasional resort vehicles, some rough road access — but it’s limited compared to other Thai islands.
Most people still use boats because they’re simpler and usually faster.
And honestly more fun too.
A few things that help a lot
Carry cash
Especially small Thai Baht notes.
Boat drivers, tiny shops, and smaller guesthouses around Laem Tong often prefer cash. ATM fees on Phi Phi are annoying enough already, and there are very few options once you’re up north.
Try to arrive earlier in the day
Morning crossings are usually calmer and easier to organize. By late afternoon, weather changes and boat availability can get unpredictable.
Also… arriving at Laem Tong around sunset is great, but arriving stressed at sunset while negotiating transport with wet luggage is less great.
Don’t overpack
Dragging huge bags through Tonsai sand, onto floating docks, and into longtail boats gets old very quickly. Phi Phi is one of those places where traveling lighter genuinely improves the experience.
Is Laem Tong Beach worth the extra effort?
I think so.
Especially if you want quieter mornings, calmer beaches, or just a break from the nonstop energy around Tonsai Bay.
Tonsai has the convenience, nightlife, cheap hostels, and constant activity. It’s fun for a couple days.
But Laem Tong feels softer around the edges. Slower dinners. Less noise. More space between people.
You notice the sound of the water again.
And after the madness of Tonsai Pier, that quiet up north feels pretty nice.