Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Ao Ton Sai Pier
- Where is Ao Ton Sai Pier?
- How to Get to Ao Ton Sai Pier
- What to See and Do in Ao Ton Sai Pier
- Observe the fish schools swimming along the pier
- Browse the numerous shops along Ao Ton Sai Pier’s bay area
- Book a diving trip around the Phi Phi Islands
- Hop between the pier’s seaside bars
- Soak in the stunning view of Ton Sai Beach’s west end
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
- Acqua Restaurant Phi Phi
- Pa-Noi Thai Food
- The Mango Garden
- Where to Shop in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
- The Adventure Club
- Phi Phi Market
- Phasaow Shop
- Where to Stay in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
- The Pier 519 Hostel
- P2 Wood Loft
- Dormsin Hostel
- FAQs about Ao Ton Sai Pier
Ao Ton Sai Pier is an important gateway for divers. It’s the main port in the Phi Phi Islands which means this docking site is packed to the teeth with a nice selection of PADI diving centers offering diving courses, trips, and gear.
This pier is also a bustling tourist hub filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops selling various products and services. And because it’s only a boat away from Phuket and Krabi’s main ports, it’s certainly an attractive option for tourists.
It’s a must-visit entry point if you want to explore the islands of the Andaman Sea. And come out full of unforgettable memories.
Where is Ao Ton Sai Pier?
Ao Ton Sai Pier is in the middle point of Ton Sai Beach. It’s at the south end of Koh Phi Phi Don’s center.
How to Get to Ao Ton Sai Pier
Speedboat/Longtail boat: You can only get to Ao Ton Sai Pier by boarding a speedboat or longtail boat at the Rassada Pier in Phuket or the Ao Nang Pier in Krabi. That’s why you must travel to any of these two piers to continue your
These boats depart daily and tickets are available at their respective piers.
What to See and Do in Ao Ton Sai Pier
Observe the fish schools swimming along the pier
Media credit: sinchaisangsri
Ao Ton Sai Pier has two recognizable features: its numerous docked boats and the crystal-clear waters that surround it. Its crystalline waters, in particular, are known for the large schools of fish swimming along the jetty and under the boats.
Just know that you can’t stay at the pier itself to observe these small fishes. Instead, we recommend sitting on the side of the seawall for a closer look at the water.
The stunning sunset view you’ll get in the afternoon is also a big plus. It’s your timely cue to set up a date in the late afternoon.
Browse the numerous shops along Ao Ton Sai Pier’s bay area
Media credit: hipseaview
Ao Ton Sai Pier is the entry point to the famous Phi Phi Islands so it’s a bustling hub filled with shops selling souvenirs, clothes, accessories, gadgets, and more. These shops are lined up along the pier, so you can quickly browse through them upon arrival.
You’ll also find several money exchangers and ATMs, so you’re covered if you’re short on cash or need your foreign currency converted to Thai baht. There are numerous cafes and restaurants as well, so you have plenty of options for food and drinks.
Book a diving trip around the Phi Phi Islands
Media credit: divetribe_phiphi
Ao Ton Sai Pier is known for its numerous PADI dive centers and shops. Here, you can book diving trips to popular dive sites around Phi Phi Islands like Koh Bida Nai, Loh Samah Bay, Maya Bay, Hin Bida, and more.
Of these, Hin Bida is definitely a must-see for its striking limestone rock formations, staghorn coral reefs, and frequent leopard shark sightings. In fact, this dive site is aptly named “Phi Phi Shark Point.”
The pier also has numerous travel agencies offering snorkeling trips and island-hopping adventures to popular destinations near the Phi Phi Islands. Think Koh Lanta, Koh Rok, Koh Poda, Koh Yao Yai, etc.
Hop between the pier’s seaside bars
Media credit: the_clumsy_adventurers
Bar-hopping is arguably the most popular activity in Ao Ton Sai Pier. This place is packed with lively seaside bars offering a broad range of drinks, nightly entertainment, and breathtaking ocean views.
These bars are lined up along Ton Sai Bay, so you don’t have to walk far from the pier to find them. We recommend hitting them up in the afternoon to enjoy the bay’s stunning sunset view and catch the electrifying live performances by evening.
Expect fireshows and loud music.
Soak in the stunning view of Ton Sai Beach’s west end
Media credit: mashaprostokvasha94
This pier is along Ton Sai Bay, so expect a stunning ocean and beach views as soon as your boat arrives at Koh Phi Phi Don. You can admire its most picturesque scenery which features Ton Sai Beach’s west end.
With the right angle, you can capture a postcard-perfect photo of a long palm-fringed coastline, lines of docked longtail boats and ferries, and imposing limestone cliffs. It looks even more impressive when taken with a drone camera.
Just know that you need a drone permit because Ao Ton Sai Pier is under Hat Noppharat Thara – Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
Acqua Restaurant Phi Phi
Media from acquarestaurantphiphi
Address: 125/18 Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 83 181 6915
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
- 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai and Western food
Acqua Restaurant Phi Phi is a fancy restaurant in Ton Sai Beach, so it’s only a 2-minute walk from Ao Ton Sai Pier. It has unique textured rustic interiors and furnishings coated with thin and uneven white paint.
However, this restaurant is best known for its nice variety of Western and Thai dishes. Their massaman curry is fantastic and a definite must-try!
They also serve a great selection of drinks, from cocktails to fruit shakes, Italian sodas, and coffees. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to ask for their dedicated halal and vegetarian menu.
Pa-Noi Thai Food
Media credit: nickmichon
Address: Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 87 569 9108
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 11:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food
Pa-Noi Thai Food is an accessible restaurant located in Ao Ton Sai Pier’s Phi Phi Market. While all their traditional Thai dishes are great, their pad Thai is something that must be tried by everyone!
It also offers a nice selection of healthy shakes made from fresh fruits and vegetables. And for a complete experience, end your meal with a delicious treat: mango sticky rice!
The Mango Garden
Media from themangogarden
Address: Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 64 928 9465
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for breakfast and brunch
The Mango Garden is arguably the best breakfast and brunch spot near Ao Ton Sai Pier. Its extensive menu offers a broad range of morning delights, from scrambled eggs to classic waffles, energizing breakfast sets, and healthy breakfast bowls.
However, their bestsellers are their signature mango pairing, like mango sticky rice, mango with smoked salmon, mango muesli, and more! For drinks, they also have numerous mango-based smoothies and regular cups of coffee and tea.
Where to Shop in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
The Adventure Club
Media from theadventureclubpp
Address: 125/19 Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 81 970 0314
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for snorkelers and divers
The Adventure Club is a top-rated diving shop near Ao Ton Sai Pier. Aside from its superb PADI diving courses and trips, this shop is also a reliable supplier of a wide range of snorkeling and diving gear.
Here, you can shop for good-quality wetsuits, rash guards, snorkeling masks, swimming fins, and more. They also sell shirts, bags, and adventure watches suitable for diving.
Phi Phi Market
Media credit: kyompooh
Address: Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for all-around shopping
Phi Phi Market is the local market in Ao Ton Sai Pier. It’s packed with shops and kiosks selling all kinds of products, from clothes to accessories, electronic devices, souvenir items, and more.
You’ll also find establishments like tattoo studios, Thai massage shops, nail salons, and art galleries here.
Phasaow Shop
Media credit: freshcracked
Address: Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 75 607 164
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for groceries
Phasaow Shop is a popular supermarket in Ao Ton Sai Village, which sells all the essential items you’ll ever need. It’s also only a 2-minute walk from the pier, so it’s convenient when you need to stock up on groceries.
Just note that there are frozen fish on display so the establishment can get a little smelly.
Where to Stay in and Near Ao Ton Sai Pier
The Pier 519 Hostel
Media from thepier519hostel
Address: 58/38 Moo 7, Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 93 598 1095
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
The Pier 519 Hostel is a popular choice for backpackers who frequent the Phi Phi Islands. This convenient hotel is only 57 meters from Ao Ton Sai Pier so you don’t have to walk far to get there.
Plus, you get quick access to the numerous shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars along the pier. This hotel provides comfy bunk beds and lockers to keep your belongings safe.
However, it only has a communal bathroom that all the guests have to share so it might not be the best choice if you’re obsessed with hygiene.
P2 Wood Loft
Media credit: mytripreviews
Address: 139 Moo 7, Koh Phi Phi Don, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 88 634 7912
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
P2 Wood Loft is a charming hotel known for its industrial-style interiors with rustic and brick motifs. It also provides minimalist rooms with modern amenities.
The hotel’s largest room can accommodate up to four guests, and having no age limit makes it ideal for all kinds of families.
There’s also a cozy balcony on its 3rd floor, and it has several hammocks so guests can enjoy relaxing naps or read books in peace.
Dormsin Hostel
Media from dormsinphiphi
Address: Soi Chao Koh, Ao Nang
Phone: +66 83 883 6397
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for backpackers
Dormsin Hostel is known for its cheap bed-in-a-box spaces which was initially popularized in Japan.
These box-shaped bed spaces can comfortably fit one person and they only have curtains for privacy. Also, don’t expect to get reliable soundproofing.
However, it’s good the hotel’s communal bathroom has several showers, toilets, and sinks, so there are enough options for everyone. A massive plus is this hotel is only a 6-minute walk from the pier.
