Laem Tong Beach is a delightful place in northern Phi Phi for a
relaxing quiet holiday. The only access to the main part of Phi
Phi is by boat, this means you have almost total seclusion. The
atmosphere is quite the opposite of Tonsai Village, as here you'll
hardly leave your hotel.
Right in front of the beach here, although too far to swim to,
are Bamboo Island, Mosquito Island and Hin Klang, three of the best
spots for snorkelling and diving in Phi Phi. In the distance you
can see Railay Beach and Koh Lanta.
The seafloor is a uniform depth for at least a hundred metres until
the coral begins, shortly after that is the drop off, a large colourful
reef that descends to the depths.
Laem Tong Beach Facilities
Toilets can be found behind the pool at Holiday Inn Resort.
There aren't any beach chairs or sun loungers for rent however
the hotels have them for their guests. Hammocks can be found under
the shade of coconut palms.
In middle of the beach a fair way out to sea is an anchored raft
that's perfect for sunbathing.
Where to Stay on Laem Tong Beach
Holiday
Inn Resort Phi Phi has bungalows right on the beach and good
facilities in a stunning setting.
Zeavola
Resort is a high-standard innovative resort. Beach bungalows
are spacious and equipped with a TV and DVD player. Good landscaping
means that the resort is well hidden, secluded with great facilities.
Beach Eats
Jasmine BBQ Restaurant is the most popular eatery on the beach,
probably due to the combination of no frills good food, cheap prices
and great atmosphere. Tables are limited, often you need to book
before lunchtime to get a table in the evening. Open throughout
the day the menu consists of Thai dishes and catch of the day.
Almost next door is Holiday Inn's Chaba Seafood with a daily selection
of fresh seafood on an ice platter. Fairly expensive.
Further down the beach you'll find Sawadee Restaurant, the restaurant
of PP Erawin Resort which offers great dining on the beach.
Laem Tong Beach Activities
Laem Tong Beach is a serene spot, however there are some activities
to get the pulse going. The warm flat water and consistent wind
is excellent for windsurfing, and equipment can be hired at the
hotels.
Swim out to the drop off and you'll find excellent snorkelling.
At the north end of the beach you don't have to swim so far to see
the coral in front of Phi Phi Natural Resort. Longtails can take
you out to see Bamboo or Mosquito Island, the beaches are stunning
and the snorkelling amazing, just remember to arrange a time to
be picked up!
For those interested in diving there are at least two dive centres
that offer dive courses and can handle all your dive-related requirements.
As the sun drops you might find some of the locals, hotel staff
members and guests playing football (soccer) or volleyball on the
beach; feel free to join in.
Getting to Laem Tong Beach
A longtail boat to/from Tonsai Village costs 800 baht (2007), more
at night.
Each morning at 7am there's a ferry to Tonsai Village, it takes
about an hour and the price is 100 Baht (2007).
Destination
Air seaplanes now fly direct to Laem Tong Beach from Phuket
Airport up to four times daily, using this service will add an extra
day or more to your holiday depending on you flight connections.
Return flights back to Phuket are up to three times more popular
that outbound services, this is because it can take the best part
of a day to get here from Phuket Airport. Destination
Air review.
Laem Tong Beach After Dark
The Holiday Inn's Sunset Satay Bar is really something, and only
10 minutes stroll from the beach. The walkway is well made and well
lit for the way back down. It's a bit like a pub's beer garden (only
more expensive) with a spectacular view to the west.
Jasmine BBQ Restaurant has the most life on a quiet beach, the
beach shack is brimming with atmosphere. |
