Tonsai hotel beta

Hey all I don't really know how the transportation works locally so in not sure where to book a place to stay. Looking to pay under 40 us/night. If anyone could direct me on where to stay (lot of the places in the tonsai page here are gone) or anything on getting around the area that would be great. Dares are Jan 16-25

Hey. Never been but I was just looking up stuff for a trip in December. Basecamptonsai.com seems to have a lot of good info.

John,

I'm not entirely sure how prices fluctuate during high/low season. I was there this past July which is probably the cheapest time to go. Here's the beta I can give you on Tonsai:

Without looking I imagine some of the resources on Tonsai are probably out of whack because apparently all of the original development was beach front. When I arrived all of the resorts/hotels have been pushed back about 5 min walk. from the beach with the exception of a shack on the north end of the beach and the bar on the south end. Apparently a new more modern development project is taking place on the entirety of the tonsai beach front although it looked a long ways off when we were there.

I can look up where we stayed but as I recall it was....6$ night, for a little bungalow with 1 full bed, 1 twin, bathroom and fans, no A/C. We weren't staying at the nicest place either, no Pool. Stopped by Dream Valley b/c a friend stayed there one night and it looked really nice too, again not sure their prices in high season but definitely one of the more comfortable places to stay. Not sure if they mention this but the electricity is only on from 7PM-7AM, at least when we were there.

In terms of transport, we flew into Phuket, caught a bus to Krabi town, rode a small bus to Ao Nang, and then from the south end of the beach you can catch a long tail boat into Tonsai. As I recall it was like 100-200 baht each way, there isn't really a regular time schedule, they usually just wait until they have enough people to haul people over to Tonsai/Railay.

If you wanna chat more lemme know. I will do my best to be of help. Have Fun!!!

Ooh, ps the veggie burger at the first restaurant you come to walking on the nothern path is pretty awesome, in case you don't want to eat all of the delicious thai food.

I was there last week as prices started jumping from low to high season. Best cheap option is the dorm at Chill Out Bungalows. It's a 3-bed bungalow with a fan and with old but clean enough bathroom and cold shower. Can't remember if it was hot water or not...probably not. 300 Bhat if you walk up at check out (350 via booking.com). They do tend to book up fast. If you're looking for a private there are tons of bungalows around town for 600-800. The farther up the jungle road you go the cheaper. Basecamp is good for climbing info but don't stay there if you like sleep. Viking Bar across the street blasts music til 2. Even with earplugs it's loud. Chill Out plays music too, but the placement of the speakers in relation to the bungalows is much better.

If you're looking for more of a splurge, Dream Valley Resort (I think that's what it was called...definitely had dream in the name) is nice. Private fan bungalows start at 900, and go on up to a few thousand for a very nice AC room. The pool is superb.

As for transportation, it's your own two feet once you're off the boat. You'll take a longtail boat from Ao Nang or Krabi or wherever. Once you're in Tonsai there's really only 2 "streets". The path up from the beach, which makes a big horseshoe and goes back down to the beach, and he jungle trail up the hill, starting between Viking Bar and Basecamp. To get to Railay you can take a longtail, or do a light 15 min hike....or a 5 min walk at low tide. The hike is the best option in my opinion; unless you're lucky to hit at low tide. With the water in front of you walk left , past Freedom Bar and you'll see a trail.

As someone else said, the veggie burger is remarkable...you'll see why! That restaurant is the cheapest in town. If you're planning to stay awhile and aren't already carrying too much, consider stocking up on snacks and water in Ao Nang or Krabi before you arrive. Everything is 3x the price because it has to be boated in. Bring extra cash too, or be ready to hike to RaiLay when you run out.

Enjoy!

Is it easy to stay in ao Nang and catch a longtail over daily?

I prefer staying in Ao Nang. The boat only takes about 20 min each way, and there are more options for places to stay. Also, check out Chong Phli while you are there, hard to find but some of the best climbing I've done in Thailand.

Much better to go to Ao Nang like once or twice a week. It is really easy to show up in Ton Sai and find a place and you can look over your options in person. $40 a night is a lot of money over there. You can stay in a really nice place for that. Check out Ton Sai bungalows they have air-conditioning and nice tiled floors. Staying in Railay is sweet too!

Hi All,
Had my own cabin in ton sai but it was a while ago. 3-5 bucks a night, it was cheap. They gave me rice soup at the reception each morning for less than a quarter. Great place. great people.
In Rai Lei I stayed for about 15 per night and there is a lot more partying around there. Good luck. Fun place.

Steve