Tonsai Beach Guide

Tonsai Beach belongs to the Railay peninsula, and like the rest of it, high cliffs cut it off from any road. Longtails from Ao Nang stop here first, before Railay. The sand is coarser than on Railay West, and the beach draws backpackers and climbers with cheap rooms and some of the area's best walls. There are no cars: once you land, you walk. A steep jungle trail separates Tonsai from the rest of Railay, and a rock route opens at low tide.

What to do at Tonsai Beach

1. 1Climb Tonsai Tower: Tonsai Tower is the beach's main climbing cliff, a 150 m limestone wall with a view over the sea. Two other sites nearby are Ao Link and Hin Tak Wall.
2. 2Rent gear or join a class: Tonsai has a climbing club with a full range of equipment. It is a practical base if you arrive without your own gear.
3. 3Try deep water soloing: Climbers report that several Tonsai routes are deep water solo, where you climb above the sea without ropes. Go with a local guide.
4. 4Dive and snorkel: There is a dive centre on the beach, and snorkelling trips leave from Tonsai. Ask on the beach for the day's options.
5. 5Walk to Railay West: At low tide you can cross the rocks to Railay West. It is not recommended for young children or anyone with limited mobility.

Climbing and boat tours from Tonsai

Rock climbingFrom US$48

4 hours Railay Beach 4.9 (751)

Krabi: Half-Day Rock Climbing at Railay Beach

• Four-hour morning or afternoon class with an expert instructor
• Several routes on Railay's limestone cliffs

Best for: Beginners who want to try climbing in its best-known setting

See prices & availability

Rock climbingFrom US$47

Half day Railay Beach 4.8 (172)

Krabi: Half-Day Rock Climbing Introduction at Railay Beach

• Half-day beginner course with basic techniques
• Views over the Andaman Sea from the cliff

Best for: First-time climbers

See prices & availability

From RailayFrom US$134 per group

4 or 6 hours Railay 4.7 (105)

From Railay: Private Longtail Boat Island Hopping Tour

• Three itineraries with 4 or 6 hour options
• Leaves from Railay, so no early transfer from Ao Nang

Best for: Travellers staying on Railay

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Getting there

Longtails to Tonsai leave only from Ao Nang beach and Noppharat Thara, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Tonsai is the first stop, before Railay. From Ao Nang you can only buy a one-way ticket; buy your return on the beach from the drivers of the Ton Sai Boat Club, who usually wear red shirts. You can also reach Tonsai from Chao Fah pier in Krabi Town by boat to Railay, then on foot.

Boats leave when they are full. In high season they run fairly often, but in low season or late in the evening you can wait up to an hour. You can always pay to charter the whole boat and leave at once. At very low tide the longtail service to Tonsai stops for a while. No official source lists a national park fee collected at Tonsai.

Tonsai has direct ferries to Phi Phi and Phuket, and to Koh Lanta in high season only. Ferries anchor offshore and a free longtail takes passengers to the beach. On foot, a fairly long and rough trail climbs behind the beach and over the hill behind Railay East. The park's climate data gives a hot season from early January to April and a rainy season from early May to December.

Frequently asked questions

Last updated September 2026.