If you’re choosing between Ton Sai Beach and Loh Dalum Beach, there are a few things you need to know before booking.
Koh Phi Phi isn’t just a popular place to stay for a few days… it is also a major stop for day tours. Around lunchtime, the island gets flooded with hungry visitors, and the area around the pier all the way to the west side of Ton Sai Beach becomes crowded very quickly.
This phenomenon only lasts a few hours, but it can still be annoying when you’re visiting Koh Phi Phi for its beauty and a bit of peace.
At the same time, Loh Dalum Beach is known for its beach parties. There’s a pool party at the end of the beach, with loud EDM music blasting well into the night.
That said, both areas are solid options… if you know where to stay and which parts to avoid. And maybe you’re the kind of traveler who actually enjoys partying until late (you’re definitely not the only one).
Right by the pier, you’ll find the busiest part of Koh Phi Phi. Boats come and go nonstop, not just for overnight guests, but also for the many tours that stop here for lunch between 12:00 and 15:00.
The bay at Ton Sai Beach is magnificent, even with all those boats. The trick is to stay away from the pier and head toward the far east side of the island.
For views alone, the far end of Tonsai Beach Road near Hippies Bar & Restaurant offers some unique spots across all budget ranges, where you can relax with comfortable seating and ice-cold drinks.
If you actually want to enjoy the beach, walk further along the shore past Hippies Bar & Restaurant. Some sections are privately owned by hotels, but eventually you’ll find a good stretch of sand. And it gets even better: keep walking, and you’ll reach two of the island’s best beaches: Viking Beach and Long Beach. These are simply excellent.
When it comes to accommodations, the east side of Ton Sai Bay is, in my opinion, the best area to book a hotel. It’s relatively calm, centrally located, and provides easy access to great beaches.
A 7–10 minute walk brings you to the island’s nightlife area, and along the way you’ll pass plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops.
Swimming is not allowed around Ao Ton Sai Pier (the island’s main pier). On the west side of the bay, you’ll mainly find buffet restaurants catering to day-trip visitors.
Further down, there are a few local eateries and bars, where the vibe becomes noticeably more relaxed. Still, I strongly prefer the east side over the west.
To summarize: for a combination of great cafés, restaurants, and beach access, the east side of Ton Sai Beach is arguably the best area to stay on Koh Phi Phi. It’s my personal favorite as well, although accommodations directly on the main road can be pricey.
More affordable guesthouses are usually located just behind it.
In contrast to Ton Sai Beach, Loh Dalum Beach is fully swimmable and you can enter the water almost anywhere. It’s a wide, open beach with far fewer boats, and at first glance, it might seem like the perfect spot. It’s easy to spend an entire day sunbathing here, although shaded areas are limited.
However, there are a few important downsides. First, the water is extremely shallow for the first 50 meters or more. There’s also quite a bit of shellfish near the shoreline, which can make the water look cloudy in some areas.
Second, when the tide goes out, the beach quickly loses much of its appeal. The exposed seabed isn’t particularly attractive, partly due to long-term boat activity in these shallow waters.
That said, Loh Dalum Beach truly comes alive later in the day. As the tide drops and the sun begins to set, the sky often turns a deep orange.
Some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen were right here on Koh Phi Phi. Add in the beachfront bars, beach clubs, and parties, and you’ve got the setup for a great night out.
Many venues place comfortable chairs directly on the sand around sunset, creating a really relaxed atmosphere. Around 7:30 PM, several spots host fire shows.
There’s also the famous Ibiza Pool Party, which attracts a lively, party-focused crowd and continues into the early hours.
That said, it’s actually quite easy to avoid the party scene while still enjoying Loh Dalum Beach. If you stay on the west side of the beach, you’ll often find hotels with pools overlooking the water.
Here, you get the scenery without the noise… no loud music, just a more relaxed atmosphere with the comforts of your hotel.
If you’re into parties and want to meet like-minded, younger travelers, Loh Dalum Beach is a great choice. You can also visit the Reggae Bar, the island’s most famous bar, where tourists can take part in Muay Thai boxing matches. Participants are rewarded with a free bucket of alcohol, but it’s just as entertaining to watch.
It might sound like Loh Dalum Beach has more downsides than upsides, but the beach itself is still quite enjoyable, especially before sunset. That said, I do believe Viking Beach and Long Beach are better if you’re purely looking for natural beauty.
Still, Loh Dalum’s central location and direct access to the island’s nightlife make it a unique and appealing option. And if you want to avoid the crowds, just stay toward the quieter west end.
If you’re coming to Koh Phi Phi for beautiful beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and a well-balanced stay, Ton Sai Beach (specifically the east side) is the clear winner. It offers the best mix of scenery, accessibility, and comfort, while still keeping you within walking distance of everything that makes the island fun. Add in easy access to Viking Beach and Long Beach, and it’s simply the most complete option.
Loh Dalum Beach, on the other hand, is much more niche. If your priority is partying, socializing, and meeting other travelers, this is exactly where you want to be. The energy here is unmatched, especially around sunset and into the night. During the day, it’s a solid beach, but it falls short compared to other beaches on the island.
That’s why the choice is actually quite simple:
And if you’re still unsure, here’s the honest truth: you’ll likely end up spending time in both areas anyway. The island is small, everything is within walking distance, and each side offers something different. I’d still go for Ton Sai Beach and explore Loh Dalum Beach at least one time during the afternoon and one time to explore one of the many beach front bars.