I kid you not. Accessible only by boat, Ton Sai offers visitors an idyllic setting for relaxation and adventure amidst stunning natural beauty. However it is only about a 20 minute walk between the two beaches, meaning you could stay at either and climb at any crag you choose. There are a few rental shops located along the beachfront offering a variety of kayaks for rent, from single to double kayaks. We (South Africans) are heading to Phuket for a week and then Krabi for our second week at the end of May / beginning of June. Be careful. Its active ingredient Picaridin is made from black pepper, and is equally as effective as DEET without the drawbacks. Places like this will keep you here for longer than expected. In March-April of 2018 I made my second trip to Thailand. Its adrenaline inducing and mind-blowingly gorgeous. For that reason I would suggest the shoulder seasons to get best of both worlds (Oct-Nov & Feb-Mar). With its calm and clear waters, kayaking is a great way to explore the picturesque coastline and nearby islands at a leisurely pace. You can rent a kayak from the bars and cafes on Tonsai Beach for as low as 500 baht for the entire day (Price may have changed). They will go their with an offering hoping all goes well for them to fall pregnant. Tons Sai Legacy is a particularly good spot. During good conditions (low tide), you can either take a 30 minute walk towards Phra Nang Shrine. Is it possible to walk to and from Railay in the evening when its dark, is the path lit? In addition to the climbing, Thailand is worth going to for the food alone, so having the ability to combine the two is something special. Check with your hotel where you can get a massage in Tonsai. A free longtail boat service is provided to carry passengers to and from the shore. Tonsai beach is suppose to be the harder place to climb, and Railay is apparently a bit easier. When I visited Ton Sai Beach, one of my favorite things to do was to relax and unwind at the various beach bars. Climb the many rock formations and stalagmites which have different levels of difficulty. Tonsai Beach is without a doubt Thailands best spot for climbing, though with the rise of Crazy Horse in Northern Thailand and Mae Hong Son in Central Thailand some people may disagree with me. Ton Sai Bay looks like an incredible place to visit. One of the most popular places is Chill Out Hostel. However, accommodation is a bit more $ than I`m willing to spend. for nearly as long. The viewpoint comes first, so the if you can get through the beginning part, youre golden to see the view. I stayed at Tonsai and loved it for the fact that it attracts a bit more of a chilled out crowd and there are a few more cheaper but nice bungalows. has some of the best beginner routes in addition to some of the best multi-pitches in Thailand. Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach both offer freaking epic, gorgeous, and mind-blowing rock formations and you get the chance to ascend them. It is very uncommon to find expansion bolts, and if you do, do not clip them under any circumstances. If you do this, leave early to give yourself enough time. Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the area so bring the camera. As of November 2016, they still have not started building it even though they were supposed to start years ago. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Though there are a few options, the best I found was Rock Climbing in Thailand & Laos by Elke Schmitz. Similar to Railey Beach, the climbing in Ton Sai is world renowned. Site Map, on A Guide to Rock Climbing Tonsai Beach: Thailands Best Crag, Tonsai Beach is without a doubt Thailands best spot for climbing, though with the rise of. Slackline There is a big slackline culture at Tonsai, and there are numerous lines of various lengths and tensions. It is the undisputed king of Thailands climbing. Most of the shops sell large 5L jugs, which will last you a day or two. I love Tonsai beach as much as I love Railay beach. Though it is true that you can arrive to Tonsai from Railay East (as they always insist), but what they usually dont tell you is that it is about a 40 min walk. Take in the sunset in the evenings. If youre unsure, you can also ask for more information at Basecamp Tonsai. All restaurants have tofu options for vegetarians or vegans. You can either decide to stay in the main island of Koh Phi Phi then just go to Ton Sai Beach for the day. Ton Sai Beach is a small, secluded beach located on the southern coast of Thailands Railay Peninsula. The ferry journey time between Railay Beach and Ko Phi Phi is around 45 min and covers a distance of around 62 km. For that reason they started to fail within 2-5 years. The lagoon and viewpoint are not for the fainthearted. For expensive options you have Dream Valley Resortor the Tonsai Bay Resort. Where would you reccomend staying in tonsai? Dont take my word for it. When then happens, youre going to have to know which ones to clip. But no place is without its faults. Phra-Nang Beach is an especially nice crag as well, as it is shaded from the sun and rain all day and has some very good routes to choose from. There are many different route from beginner to advance and everything in between. . Final Thoughts on Rock Climbing in Tonsai. Tonsai is like a paradise! Cheap bungalows are whats up here. Tonsai has started to see some major development over the last few years, and there are plans for the installation of a major Railay-style beach resort. Thought is was tough? Get a taxi into Ao Nang Pier, or you can buy a bus/ shuttle ticket from inside the airport to avoid scams. Also note, theres a resort thats being built on Tonsai. There are a number of small corner stores around Tonsai where you can buy basic supplies, snacks and water. Though these were a drastic improvement to the expansion bolts, after about another decade they too began to fail. By Plane. Make sure to put in some sort of hydration packets into your water, especially if you buy a 15L jug, as the water is distilled and does not have minerals to hydrate you. Dont forget to bring sunscreen, bug spray for the jungle walk, a towel, hat and lots of water. When you get on the boat do let the driver know you are doing to Tonsai Becah so they dont continue on to Railay Beach. Or if you are experienced, you can improve your skills and challenge yourself to harder routes. Heres more info onrock climbing around Tonsai and Railay. Theres a small restaurant/bar on Railay West, and theres a bunch of bars of Railay East. It does get a bit crowded here, but you cant blame anyone, its stunning. The hike over the mountain couldnt get easier. They also lose power during the day. These bolts where expansion bolts, and not equipped for the harsh tropical conditions. Most go over and visit Chicken Island, Tub Island and Poda Island. By the very end of Phra Nang Beach is a cave where you will find four bamboo ladders. I particularly enjoyed meeting the high concentration of Korean, Russian and Chinese climbers. Chilling by the beach, surrounded by jungle cliffs, is the most common way of watching the hours pass by. Its no wonder base Jumpers and rock climbers make up a big part of the family here on Tonsai. You have plenty of other weirdos right there with ya! Check out Railey too. to catch the early shade and fresh breeze. The third and current generation of bolts are titanium glue-ins. These prices can vary a lot depending on the season. Since Ive been chillin in Krabi long-term, Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach have become my backyard playgrounds. It definitely is a beautiful place. Railay Lagoon The most popular day hike around. Can this be done day and night or are there tides to consider? Lifes short, climb today, work tomorrow. At Railay you will get full signal anywhere you go. Alternatively, if you want even a chiller and a cheaper spot to stay, do what I do and stay on Tonsai beach. Railay West is a spectacularbeach, but if possible, Phranag Cave is even prettier. Happy hours in all the bars offer great deals on cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. The truth is that the climbing here is year round, with each season offering its own benefits. Although the beach in Ton Sai isnt as pretty as Ao Nang or Railey, the vibe of the place makes up for it. For lunch I suggest either Green Valley or Ton Sai Legacy. There were some cheeky monkeys that owned the beach and definitely would help themselves to your stuff if you didnt watch it. All that is to say is that the time to go is. Low tide: It is possible to go around this small forested hill when its low tide. Its only about a 15 min ride, and its cost is 200 baht. Travel and more. Youre literally going to be belaying off of the pristine sand. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. The taxi may be pricey from the airport, so remember do negotiate a price. So if ever you need a place where you can fully relax I strongly suggest these two beaches. Take the ferry from Tonsai pier to Railay Beach. Tonsai Beach is part of the Railay Peninsula and is only accessible by boat. It feels homey, the atmosphere is very relaxed, and the people all have that mellowed out, island lifestyle aurora. Tonsai is also one of the worlds prime places to dirtbag. . When the path does reopen, be careful and take your time. You can either walk to neighbouring Railay Beach at low tide or via the jungle path up behind the small town at high tide. Chill Out isnt a bad place if youre looking to make friends or to party, however it is quite loud and relatively expensive for what you get. Not surprisingly theres a lot of awesome things to do in Tonsai Beach, and no matter your style youre bound to find something cool to while away the time. A few popular climbing routes in Ton Sai beach are Tonsai Wall,Dums KitchenandTyrolean Wall. Boats will leave as soon as there is 8 people. The beach is surrounded by high mountains and there is no road access. For local fisherman the cave is where they offer a phallic symbol that hopefully will result in them having a great catch. It isnt the quietest place, as there are a lot of people around day drinking and enjoying the beach. There is a (quite long and arduous) path that leads up behind the beach over to the hill behind the east side of Railay. Railay Coffee Located at nearby Railay beach, it is the only proper coffee shop around. Longtail boats are the type of boats youll be whisked away on. Great blog Nevertheless, Tonsai has it all: beautiful beaches, friendly locals, amazing food, cheap beer and great climbing. Its really fun even if you havent been before, and it really does get more addicting as you do it. There is a direct ferry connection to and from the islands of Phi Phi and Phuket, as well as Lanta during high season only. I'd prefer to be within walking distance to where the night action is, but like to have access nice beaches through the day,maybe we will have to walk through the day, ?? The path through the jungle will open up to nicer beaches, beautiful viewpoints, intriguing cave shrines and a picturesque lagoon that requires a fair amount of effort to reach. I'm Nina, and I've been climbing volcanos, basking on exotic beaches, and dabbling in new cultures since 2011. A lot of fire twirlers will sell beginner pois if you are interested in taking it up yourself. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Weve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planets best destinations and adventures. 21 Krabi Beaches That'll Make You Book Your Trip Today (Thailand), Krabi Itinerary: Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand for 1-7 Days & When To Visit, Things to Do in Krabi, Thailand - A Comprehensive Guide to the Region, whereintheworldisnina.com/about-nina-ragusa-travel-blogger-and-nomadic-expat/. As with Tonsai, there are too many good crags and climbs to choose from to list them all here. This steep hike will take you about 20 minutes to climb up, but do go at your own pace. However, due to a death caused by a massive belly flop (no joke), most of the areas have been permanently closed off to tourists. During the low season, they are much more intermittent so youll have to ask when you arrive. If you fly in late, we recommend spending a night in Ao Nang and getting a longtail in the morning. Will you be coming here when you come to Krabi? But we found staying at laid-back Tonsai Beach was the best way to see this stunning scenery. You will be doing a bit of rock climbing sans the harness and rope. This is a cautionary tale to take the precautionary measurements to keep healthy and safe. The approach is a bit far (especially if youre coming from Tonsai), but the climbing is worth it, trust me. There are ropes to assist you. However, the signal at Tonsai is poor just about everywhere besides the beach. We also compare all three the beaches to help you figure out which you would like to visit.The main beaches in Krabi are pretty average, so if you are staying in Krabi I can't recommend a trip out to these beaches highly enough.Important to note that the water to get these beaches are pretty choppy (our little one did a fair amount of crying because she was scared on the longtail boats with the bumpy ride). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The bus/ shuttle will be a flat fee that is not negotiable. Check out The Sanctuary on Kho Phagnan as well! There is a massage parlour with a view of the beach called Mambos. Therere plenty more bars just like this one, this just happens to be my go to bar. Quick note, there some routes which have been retro-bolted with titanium glue-ins, but where the old bots where never removed. Love doing yoga? I was staying for a month, so after a bit of negotiation, they offered me a private bungalow for a 40% discount if I agreed to pay upfront with cash. Tonsai is one of the worlds best know climbing spots for a good reason. The climbing can be divided into two main areas, Tonsai and Railay. Make sure to use the link below to ensure youre getting an internationally certified AMGA guide though one of our partner guiding services. TIP: 12go.asiais the best way to book ferries, buses, and trains ahead of time in Thailand! Many rock climbers will be skacklining in their down time. One thing to mention is that Tonsai doesnt have a huge quantity of easy climbs (well say under 7a). View a map of Railay & Ton Sai. However it is only about a 20 minute walk between the two beaches, meaning you could stay at either and climb at any crag you choose. UPDATE: I got the name! Whether youre a seasoned yogi or a beginner, Ton Sai is an ideal destination for those looking to deepen their practice and connect with like-minded individuals in a beautiful and serene setting. Water is fairly calm, and it has some cool bars. !..hope that helps.. Im also looking at staying at phi phi for a few nights and am a bit confused where to go. The beach is beautiful, as long as youre here during high tide. You can go diving out of Tonsai at Scuba Talent Dive Centre which is located on the beach. The second generation of bolts where stainless steel glue-ins. Have a great time. The Wandering Climber. Both sell basic climbing supplies such as caulk, quickdraws, carabiners, etc. However, it is important to note that the walk involves a steep and rocky path that can be challenging to navigate, especially in hot or rainy weather. It is a minimum of 8 people per boat and services run from 8am to 6pm. Poi., hooping, staff,etc.. often with fire, is definitely a thing here. They can be found at Chill Out Hostel and Viking Bar. (most easily accessed through the cave from Thaiwand Wall). Or if you are not into diving you can go snorkelling. How far of a walk is it from TonSai to Railay West? Ferries run everyday and you can purchase your tickets from the local travel agent. This is how we got to Tonsai Beach. Alternatively, you can also visit the Hong Group Island Tour which brings you around 5 islands for snorkeling. You can also kayak towards this place if you want to. From Ao Nang: 100B to Tonsai or Railay West. Dont forget your bug spray as the bugs will find you up there too. They even sell banana loaf for 70 baht. Ive been climbing quite a few times and even bouldering in a cave. Last updated on 27 March 2018 by Your Krabi. which is without a doubt one of the best crags in Tonsai. Alternatively, you may use, Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi, Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Wooden penises aside, you can also visit a lagoon located down a path on the way to Phra Nang Beach. Ask the locals. If youre looking for a good mix of routes (beginner and intermediate climbs) I would suggest Fire Wall. Subscribe, Home | Thailand | Awesome Things to Do in Tonsai Beach, Thailand. It gets so low, you can just walk over the rocks to the other side. In fact this years hike is slightly different thAN LAST YEARS. Compared to its neighboring islands, the value for accommodation at Ton Sai is better. There are lots of good and cheap street food! There are lots of reallyreally cool beach bars! Railey Beach is only a short 10 minute walk- however, when its high tide, the path going there can be dangerous and rocky. Youre rarely in your room. We were planning on staying in a more isolated part of island but tonsai is calling! Since this is such a popular tourist destination, it is very easy to arrive at Tonsai. The second hardest will be whether you want a mango or a watermelon juice. Phra Nang Cave will surprise you. We have heard it is clean, inexpensive, good masseurs and even offer you a cup of herbal tea at the end. Unless its waaaay nicer to stay at Ton Sai despite the walk. The distance between the two beaches is about 1.5 kilometers, and the walk takes about 30 minutes. These are both excellent crags and are generally less traveled. Oh wow! T. he dirt is red and will stain your body and clothes, so make sure to wash up before getting back to hotel as some of them will charge you if you dirty their linen. Climbers flock here and tend to stay for longer as the accommodation tend to be cheaper. There are two seasons in Thailand. About a 20min walk from Tonsai lies Railay Beach. Boats are offered all day, but expect to wait a bit as they will likely wait until the boat is full, usually at about eight to ten people. Nope. Who cares? In my trip, I stayed at the. Freedom Bar All day internet, with views of the climbing and beach! Walk towards there and you should see a path. Its also less populated than Railay. The cheapest way to get from Krabi to Tonsai Bay Resort, Tonsai Beach costs only 77, and the quickest way takes just 20 mins. Longtail boats can be chartered from the beach to visit the local islands. Typically 14 ferries run weekly, although weekend and . Just rent the gear and go. You get more of thesecrowds on Tonsai, but its on Railay as well! Many people come down here and have their trips end early due to unfortunate circumstances. Youll be surrounded by quite the eclectic crowd too. Note: it is only possible to buy one way tickets to Tonsai from Ao Nang and Nopparat Thara. Thats the lifestyle here. Here, you can see the various tourist attractions around the area including the famous Maya Bay. Some resorts at Tonsai Beach will transfer you for a charge. is another smaller shop located next to Freedom Bar. More About Nina. That means that you can hotspot into your phone if youd like (which I did numerous times when the power was out). Not really. I hoop and I always meet otherfellow hoopers here as well as meet people who dont hoop, but want to learn. Though I doubt this will ruin the climbing, it will only go to further increase prices and eat away from the vibes which have historically lead climbers to pick this place. Walking to Railay Beach from Ton Sai is a popular activity for visitors looking to explore the nearby area. If youre up for the challenge, then embrace the climb as part of the experience. There is a jungle path, or you can walk round at low tide - float over Ton Sai on this map: http://www.railay.com/railay/intro/map3.shtml. Book here through booking.com. 6. Interesting enough..a lot of penises. You may want to rethink going to the lagoon. For this, it is common to see two bolts next to each other. *July 2023 Update* Dengue is still extremely common at Tonsai. Paasook Resort The sneakiest beta in Tonsai for internet. As soon as you climb this, you will be rewarded with a stunning viewpoint overlooking Railey and Ton Sai. As in, you get electricity from 6 at night until 6 in the morning when they shut it off. its Paasook Resort, but resort its not. Culinary delights are not as world class as other parts of the country, but a tasty portion of food will be found for varying budgets. With a bit of adjustment youll be crushing in no time. Hi, friend! The easiest way to get there is by longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach, which runs several times a day. There is two ways to get to Railay Beach, and you cannot get lost on both trails. You will definitely find a slackline somewhere in Tonsai. Take some snacks up and take your time up there. Wed like to go to the bars there. Be sure to select the Explorer Plan on the next page so that youll be covered for outdoor rock climbing! Click here to check ticket prices. Check the weather before hand, you dont want to be paddling in waves and strong winds. From Bangkok you have to get to Krabi. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Trippy decor and beverages can be found here along with other substances you might enjoy. Many of the restaurants serve up delicious Thai and Western food for reasonable prices, and if desired, you can easily end up spending 300-400 baht for a meal. This sounds like paradise! Some woman believe it is the cave of fertility. or the time being Tonsai remains king. However it is still a solid choice. The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without. There have been many guide books published over the years, but the best one I used was Rock Climbing in Thailand by Elke Schmitz. Join us as we take you on an adventure around the cliffs to Tonsai Beach and even inside the wild Phra Nang Cave. Railay to Tonsai: Its super easy. This trip will take a lot longer and you maybe be going into the wind on the way back. There are various schools and companies where you can rent gear from and do a day climb. Just let your hotel or the travel agent know a day before so they can arrange it for you. Walking to Railay from Ton Sai is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the region while also discovering the charm of the neighboring beach. Would it be better to stop at Railay as well for a couple of nights? Tonsai Beach, in the Krabi province, is a small village based in a bay on the Thai mainland, which is only accessible by boat. We've taken ours through rivers, jungles, and cities and they're still alive and kickin'. The cheapest way to get from Phuket to Tonsai Bay Resort, Tonsai Beach costs only 259, and the quickest way takes just 2 hours. You can easily find long-tail boats for hire at the Ao Nang Beach pier, and the journey typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on weather conditions. Thanks a ton , Hi Keep in mind, that Railay Beach does not loose power during the day, meaning that you can always make the walk over and choose from one of the many restaurantes. Go here to read more about travel insurance and you cant travel without it! The areas warm and clear waters are home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, and even sea turtles. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If that doesnt work you can walk out away from the airport and the price should lower. Railay Beach may get all the hype but there are actually 3 beaches you should visit in this beautiful area of Thailand! Youll have to ask around for beta when youre there or hire a guide to show you around. The Tonsai Beach in Krabi I would suggest that you get your copy of the guide book before you head over. No accommodation is located on Tonsai Beach. They have good wifi and air conditioning if you can get a table inside. Overall, the beach bars in Ton Sai offer the perfect place to chill and soak up the relaxed vibe of this unique and picturesque beach. Phranang Cave beach Penis cave at Railay Beach The lagoon and viewpoint are not for the fainthearted.