Ao Ton Sai

Beach

The main village bay and ferry pier on Phi Phi Don, with beachfront restaurants and boat access to surrounding islands. Tourists arrive for swimming, snorkeling trips and connections to Phi Phi Leh.

Ao Ton Sai BangkokChiang MaiPhuketKrabiKo SamuiKo Phi PhiAyutthayaChiang RaiKo TaoPaiSukhothaiKanchanaburiHua HinPattayaAo Ton Sai
In this guide

Ao Ton Sai essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Jan-Mar
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Ao Ton Sai at a Glance

About Ao Ton Sai

Ao Ton Sai, commonly called Tonsai Bay, is the main harbor and settlement bay on Ko Phi Phi Don in southern Thailand. The bay contains the island’s primary pier where ferries and longtail boats arrive and depart, and it is fronted by the compact Tonsai Village with shops, dive centers, restaurants, and guesthouses. The area is the island’s transport and commercial center and is busy during the peak tourist season. Shorelines are shallow and developed, with boat traffic concentrated around the pier and landing areas.

  • Main transport hub: Serves as the primary transport hub on Ko Phi Phi Don, with ferries and longtail boats connecting to Phuket and Krabi.
  • High season crowding: The bay and village are low-lying and can be crowded in the high season from November to April when most visitors arrive by sea.

What to See#

  • Ton Sai Pier: The island’s main pier and ferry landing, used by ferries and longtail boats arriving from Phuket, Krabi, and the mainland.
  • Tonsai Village: A compact cluster of shops, guesthouses, dive operators, and restaurants that forms Phi Phi Don’s primary settlement and nightlife area.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Ao Ton Sai

Visit during the dry season for the best sea conditions and visibility.

Peak dry season
Nov-Feb · 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Best sea conditions and clearer water for swimming and snorkeling.
Late spring
Mar-Apr · 25-33°C (77-91°F)
Warmer waters and fewer crowds, but a rising chance of showers.

Weather & Climate near Ao Ton Sai

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2097 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 51 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 24° - 33° 34° 28 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.6h
February Very Good 24° - 34° 34° 37 mm some cloud 76% 1.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 11.8h
March Very Good 25° - 34° 35° 57 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.7 m/s 2.6 extreme 12.0h
April Good 25° - 34° 36° 129 mm partly cloudy 78% 1.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.2h
May Acceptable 25° - 33° 36° 208 mm overcast 79% 2.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.3h
June Acceptable 26° - 33° 35° 201 mm overcast 79% 2.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
July Acceptable 25° - 32° 34° 236 mm overcast 79% 2.8 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
August Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 304 mm overcast 80% 3.2 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
September Acceptable 25° - 31° 32° 337 mm overcast 81% 2.5 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
October Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 301 mm overcast 82% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.8h
November Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 194 mm overcast 82% 1.8 m/s 1.9 very high 11.7h
December Very Good 24° - 32° 33° 65 mm partly cloudy 81% 2.2 m/s 1.9 very high 11.6h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Ao Ton Sai

Typically reached by longtail boat from larger islands or mainland piers (Krabi, Ao Nang, or Phi Phi). Boats run on informal schedules; hiring a private longtail for a flexible timetable is the most reliable option.

Tips for Visiting Ao Ton Sai

  • Arrive early in the morning to see the bay before tour boats arrive.
  • Hire a local longtail boat for a short circumnavigation - captains often know quiet snorkeling spots not on the standard itinerary.