Krabi is one of our favorite places in Thailand, but some of its most popular spots can get very crowded, especially in the high season. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to Ao Nang or Railay, Tonsai beach is a stunning and peaceful spot to escape the crowds. Getting there from the mainland of Krabi or Railay beach is also very simple and affordable.

In this guide we provide some helpful tips on how to get to Tonsai Beach and the best things to do in the area. We also have a full blog post dedicated to Hidden Gems in Thailand if you want to go off the beaten track. 

Jump to:

• How to Get to Tonsai Beach from Ao Nang
• How to Get to Tonsai Beach from Railay
• Tips & Things to Do in Tonsai
• Tonsai Beach Final Thoughts

How to Get to Tonsai Beach from Ao Nang

If you’re staying in the Ao Nang area, getting to Tonsai is really easy and affordable. We walked to Ao Nang beach and bought a longtail boat ticket to Tonsai for 100TBH per person, one way – that’s only around £2. The ticket counter is located right next to the beach at the end of the main road. Boats usually wait to get a group of at least 6 people before they’re ready to go but we didn’t wait longer than 5 minutes.  

The boat stopped at Railay first as this is where most visitors get off. Afterwards, we were the only ones left onboard and were dropped off at Tonsai. The whole journey was very scenic, passing by some stunning limestone cliffs and nearby beaches. It was also very short, taking around 15 minutes. 

For the return trip, we bought another 100 THB ticket from a boat counter located right on Tonsai beach. We were a bit worried that there wouldn’t be many people coming back to Ao Nang and we’d have to wait a while. Luckily, there was already a group of 4 people waiting. However, if you’re visiting in the low season, expect a longer wait or you might have to pay for a private boat if you’re rushing to get back. 

How to Get to Tonsai Beach from Railay

If you’re wondering how to get to Tonsai beach from Railay, we have good news. Railay is very close to Tonsai beach and you have multiple options to get there: 

• Walk: There is a small jungle trail from Railay beach leading to Tonsai. The walk takes around 15 minutes but it’s not particularly challenging. However, you might consider wearing proper trainers rather than sandals or flip flops. 
• Kayak: There are kayak rentals at both Railay and Tonsai beach. It shouldn’t take you longer than 15 minutes to kayak from Railay West to Tonsai beach. 
• Longtail Boat: You can buy a ticket for a longtail boat heading from Railay West to Ao Nang and ask them to drop you off at Tonsai. You can expect to pay around 100TBH for a one way ride. 

Tips & Things to Do in Tonsai

If you have time, we recommend staying for 2-3 nights in Tonsai. Simple bungalows are the most popular accommodation choice, though there is one luxury resort if you’re looking for something more upscale. Most places have electricity throughout the day but as Tonsai is slightly more remote you can expect some power cuts. You’ll also find some minimarts and plenty of delicious, affordable restaurants, so you won’t be sacrificing convenience during your stay. Also make sure you bring cash as there’s no ATM in Tonsai. 

Despite Tonsai being peaceful and quiet, there are still plenty of great things to do and see in the area. Once you’ve figured out how to get to Tonsai, here are the best things to do. 

Tonsai Beach

Tonsai beach is an absolute highlight with its dramatic limestone cliffs and calm, crystal clear waters. Despite being just a 15 minute boat ride from Ao Nang, it feels truly remote, with a laid back, almost desert island atmosphere. There’s plenty of space to relax and swim without the crowds. We recommend visiting the beach in the morning as there’s plenty of natural shade to escape the heat. 

If you are interested in quieter beaches in Thailand, please also see our Koh Yao Yai’s Best Beaches Guide.

Kayak to Minao’s Beach

Minao’s Beach is a truly stunning, hidden gem. It offers plenty of shade to chill and great snorkeling options. There’s also a little swing there – a great spot for photos. To get there you can rent a kayak from Tonsai Beach for around 200TBH per hour. It should take you only 10 minutes to get there and you will pass some amazing limestone cliffs.

Rock Climbing

Tonsai Beach is a very popular spot to try rock climbing. It’s also a great place for beginners and a great alternative to busy spots around Railay. You will have plenty of space and time to master your climbing skills. 

Visit Tonsai Village

Tonsai village is well worth exploring whether you’re looking for affordable backpacker accommodation, delicious Thai food or a chilled reggae bar. When you get to Tonsai beach, you need to turn by the tourist information and follow the paved path through the village, where you’ll pass some great affordable restaurants, small shops, and a few massage spots. The village offers great hippie vibes, with walls covered in colorful graffiti. Wandering through the village offers a glimpse of what it was like visiting Thailand 20 years ago. 

Eat delicious Food and Hang Out With Cats at Capone’s Pyramid Cafe

Capone’s Pyramid Cafe is a great chilled restaurant where you can try some delicious Thai food, grab a refreshing fruit shake and hang out with some amazing cats. It’s an unofficial cat cafe but very ethical as cats can come and go as they please. You can find more information about Capone’s Pyramid Cafe here:
Krabi Cat Cafe: Capone’s Pyramid Cafe – The Hidden Gem of Tonsai Beach 

Jungle Trail to Railay Beach

If you’re wondering how to get to Tonsai beach for free, walking the jungle trail from Railay is a great option. It’s also a great activity when you’re in Tonsai, offering you a 15-minutes walk through the jungle. Watch out for monkeys and make sure you’re wearing sturdy footwear. 

Tonsai Beach Final Thoughts

We hope this post helped you figure out how to get to Tonsai and that inspired you to visit this stunning place. Tonsai is a great spot to escape crowds and enjoy Thailand’s natural beauty. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, laid back vibe and stunning beach, Tonsai is a true unspoiled hidden gem that deserves to be explored.