Ton Sai Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Ton Sai is a beach near Krabi in Thailand, offering a combination of inexpensive accommodation and great rock climbing routes that make it popular with both backpackers and climbers alike. Compared to neighbouring Rai Leh and Ao Nang it's relatively rough around on the edges; in particular, the beach is unsuitable for swimming and becomes quite rocky as the tide goes out.
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Get in
There's no overland access to Ton Sai, so all visitors arrive by boat. Rai Leh is a two minute long-tail ride or a 10-15 minute walk away, while long-tails from Ao Nang to Rai Leh will also stop at Ton Sai on demand.
There are three ways to reach Rai Leh on foot:
1) At low tide it's possible to walk around the rocky outcrop which separates Ton Sai from Rai Leh (10 minutes).
2) At high tide, most opt for the steep path which climbs up and over the rocky outcrop, which is densely covered with foliage (10 minutes).
3) The least used option is a longer trail which starts on the northern, forested, edge of Ton Sai and meanders past bungalows, thick jungle, and eventually to the back of Rai Leh, near the Diamond Cave area (20 minutes).
None of these options are possible at night without a flashlight/torch, and the jungle paths can be slippery and treacherous after the rain. At any time all three routes can be awkward and tricky for all but the fit and able-bodied so don't feel bad about taking the easy, scenic, and relaxing long-tail to get across.
Get around
The only way to get around Ton Sai is on foot. It may take five minutes or less to cover the entire area.
See
Do
Rock climbing is the primary draw for visitors, with Ton Sai offering as many routes as Rai Leh, and hosting a number of climbing schools and guiding companies, including:
- PhraNang Adventures [1] specializes in all inclusive custom packages. Many Western guides. Located on TonSai beach offering climbing on Railey/Ton Sai and on many offshore islands. Offers camp and climb on Koh Lao Liang.
- Wee's Rock Climbing School [2] offers a variety of courses and has a gear shop. Course prices range from 800 baht for intro courses to 8000 baht for five day advanced courses.
Playing with fire -- Ton Sai could well be the world centre for fire tricks: light something on fire, twirl it in the air, that's the basic idea. A lot of climbers can be found on the beach during their rest days practicing.
Buy
Eat
There are several restaurants and bars on the beach and most bungalow operators have restaurants as well.
Drink
There are several bars on the beach, several of which (oddly enough) feature non-stop reggae music. A popular climber's hang out is Dum's Kitchen, at the east end of the beach, where the routes begin at the foot of the bar.
Sleep
All accommodation is set off of the beach and tends to be of the bamboo bungalow variety, and a little more rustic (and certainly more affordable) than at Rai Leh. Rubbish piles and noisy generators are common nuisances.
- Andaman Nature Resort -- set well off the beach near the base of the cliffs, the basic bamboo bungalows are popular with budget travelers. The Andaman is largest collection of bungalows in Ton Sai. Rates are around 800 Bhat during the high season for a basic room with private bathroom. 100-150 Baht during low season.
- Country Side Resort -- Set back behind the beach (follow the path up the hill from the internet cafe, and take the right-hand fork - follow the signs), this set of 10 bungalows or so are lovely, well-kept and have views. Each is built on stilts, with its own deck, clean tiled bathroom, single or double beds, many windows and a wall of three glass doors opening onto the porch. During low season it is the best deal on Ton Sai at 150 Baht. During high season the rate may rise to 7-800 Baht. Fea cooks a mean meal, with plenty of helpful advice and smiles. The downside, as elsewhere, is ongoing construction across the street - not a big intrusion since most days are spent at the beach, on the water or on the side of a mountain.
Get out
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