Ao Ton Sai
Beach Busy bay and resort area on Ko Phi Phi
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, 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.
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.
Best Time to Visit Ao Ton Sai #
Visit during the dry season for the best sea conditions and visibility.
Weather & Climate near Ao Ton Sai #
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.
January
January is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. The driest month with just 28 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 36°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (208 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (201 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (304 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (337 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (301 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (194 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
