Located at the southern end of Ton Sai Bay, Long Beach is one of the most laid back destinations for holiday makers who look for a tranquil escapade during vacation. Nestled under a canopy of palm trees, the Long Beach is a favourite of beachside tourists who look for walking in the soft, white sand of the seashore and indulge in various adventure sports. It is the only beach in Phuket where you can enjoy snorkelling directly from the beach. Stunning coral reefs and colourful marine life nestled under the shallow turquoise waters make Long Beach a diver’s dream destination. Being located at a walking distance from Tonsai Village tourists have easy access to the bars and restaurants and enjoy an electrifying nightlife with good food, music and dance.
About 200 metres from the Long Beach is a rock popping up the surface of the water. Standing at its cliff you can spot the black tip reef sharks some of which stretch over one metre in length. With a Thailand trip package from India, you can enjoy during your trip to this tropical paradise such as beach kayaking, volleyball, boat ride, Thai Spa massage and hiking to the viewpoint.
After sunset the locals and tourists assemble at the beach for craziest beach parties with cocktails and lively music. It is also a tranquil haven for those who want to spend a laid back vacation by just reclining in a deck chair and watching a stunning sunset in the skyline. There are a number of plush resorts and cottages where you can enjoy comfortable accommodation along with the bonus of staying close to nature. Most of these resorts have fine dining and take away services of authentic Thai cuisines prepared with fresh organic ingredients.
There are various routes by which you can reach Long Beach. If you are travelling from Bangkok, take an overnight bus ride followed by ferry service to reach Long Beach.
But, if you are travelling from Krabi or Koh Phi Phi, the most convenient mode of transport is by boat ride to Koh Lanta. From Phuket Airport there is a taxi service that will drop you within a short time to Rassada jetty. From there you can take a ferry ride to Koh Lanta.
The Long Beach in Phi Phi is a great destination for holidaymaking round the year. But, the best time to visit the place is during the months between late November and early April. During this time of the year the region experiences less rainfall and the climate is sunny and pleasant.
If you want to enjoy water sports in Long Beach, the ideal time is during the months between January and April. The months between December and February are ideal for sightseeing and touring the various places of interest around Long Beach. For those who want to spend a secluded vacation at the seaside, choose the shoulder time i.e. the months between May till October when Thailand experiences rainfall and the prominent places are less crowded by visitors.
-Location: Krabi- 81150, Phuket, Thailand
-Timing: Visit Long Beach in the early morning if you want to see the panoramic sunset across the vast stretch of turquoise water or enjoy water sports viz. snorkelling, kayaking etc. If you want to enjoy the nightlife or beach parties, visit the beach after sunset.
Nightlife in Long Beach is all about spending on the cushions of a rustic beach bar with unobtrusive background music or pumping party with loud rock music and everything heightened with a lavish stock of bucket cocktails. Most of the bars and restaurants near Long Beach have two contrasting ambiance-one is a laid back vibe and the other is a frantic party mood. Here is a list of bars and restaurants where you can get to experience both the ambiances in one venue:
1. Slinky Bar- The alfresco bar located near Long Beach is the punters’ ultimate destination for enjoying the electric nightlife in Phuket. The tablet cum disco offers a wide range of entertainment options that include dance floor, body art, bucket cocktails, fire limbo and others. Slinky Bar is considered as the liveliest party destination in Phuket with trendiest music and hippest dance accompanied with lip smacking fare.
2. May’s Kitchen- For the connoisseurs of prawns and other seafood, May’s Kitchen should be your first choice of eateries near Long Beach. Even if you are a vegetarian you can try their Fried Kale or lovely Veg Panang Curry that are prepared with fish ingredients. Deep fried prawns cooked in tempera paste and chicken barbecue are some of the must-try dishes in this place.
3. Papillon Restaurant- The beautiful garden restaurant located about 180 metres from the main road is a quiet nook for fine dining. You can savour reasonably priced European, Asian and Thai cuisines served by hospitable staff. Seafood sizzlers, Thai Pad (Papillon version) and Tamarind Beef Curry are the highly recommended dishes. You can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast platter (including juice, fresh fruit and tea/coffee) for just 190 Bahts. The property also has bungalows where you can enjoy lavish accommodation by the seaside.
4. Banana Rooftop Bar- Located in the Tonsai Village a unique venue for fine dining with stunning sunset views from the terrace of the building. The property comprises two bars with thatched roofs and bamboo pillars where music shows, fire shows and Hoola Hoop contests are held. Beers, spirits and cocktails are also available for approximately 120 Bahts.
Long Beach is an amazing beachside destination for those who can make the most of it. Here are some of the best insider tips for you to make your trip comfortable and easy:
1. Carry your essentials such as sarongs/bikinis, beach hat, torch, personal medicines, first aid kit, sunscreen, hiking shoes, power bank, rehydration sachets and scarves ( if you are visiting the temples you need to cover your head).
2. Carry Visa and other daily expenses.
3. If you are travelling solo, avoid going to the isolated areas of the Long Beach or roam around insufficiently lit areas.
4. Do not get heavily drunk nor leave your drink unattended.
5. While trying some new dish let the waiter know if you are a vegetarian or you are allergic to any specific food.
6. Using a fork while eating is considered a route in dining etiquette. Fork is mainly used for pushing the food to your spoon.