{"ok":true,"data":{"id":10930,"slug":"long-beach-koh-phi-phi","name":"Long Beach","country":"Thailand","state":"Phuket","city":"Koh Phi Phi","coords":{"lat":7.67,"lng":98.778},"beachType":"Sandy","tags":["hidden","scenic","private"],"article":{"hero":"Long Beach earns its name through simple geography—a gentle arc stretching northeast from the rocky headland that separates it from Phi Phi's developed twin bays. The sand runs coarse compared to Railay's powder, mixed with crushed coral that crunches underfoot and catches afternoon sun in a thousand tiny mirrors. Longtails anchor far offshore where the water deepens, their captains wading passengers through shin-deep wavelets to reach dry sand. During low tide, the bay becomes an immense wading pool, its turquoise shallows exposing starfish and transparent shrimp.\n\nThe beach's isolation is relative—you'll find bungalow operations, beachfront restaurants strung with hammocks, and enough infrastructure to support multi-night stays. Yet Long Beach remains blessedly removed from Tonsai Village's speaker-blown beach parties and alley bars. Mornings bring near-solitude: local women rake seaweed, fishermen check nets strung between boats, and the only other footprints belong to sunrise joggers from the southern resorts. The jungle-covered hills behind the beach muffle sound from the island's opposite side, creating an acoustic separation that makes Tonsai's crowds feel more distant than a thirty-minute walk.\n\nSunset transforms the eastern exposure—rather than watching the sun drop into the Andaman, you witness the cliffs and hills behind you catch fire with alpenglow, the limestone turning shades of rose and amber while the bay itself settles into violet shadow. Evenings stay quiet by Phi Phi standards; the restaurants serve grilled catch from morning boats, occasional fire dancers perform halfheartedly for small crowds, and by ten the beach empties except for couples walking the firm sand near the waterline and the soft glow of lanterns from bungalow porches scattered through the palms.","teaser":"You hike twenty minutes over the island's spine or negotiate boat fare from Tonsai's chaos. The beach unfolds gradually—a kilometer of pale sand facing east, backed by budget bungalows and palms, the water so shallow that you wade fifty meters before swimming depth.","uniqueAngle":"The only major Koh Phi Phi beach offering genuine separation from the island's notorious party scene while maintaining swimming-quality sand and developed accommodation options.","accessType":"Longtail or 20-minute hill trail","thingsToDo":[{"icon":"swim","title":"Shallow Bay Wading","subtitle":"Turquoise water extending fifty meters"},{"icon":"hike","title":"Viewpoint Trail","subtitle":"Jungle path to isthmus overlook"},{"icon":"snorkel","title":"Rocky Headland Reefs","subtitle":"Southern coral gardens"},{"icon":"sun","title":"Hammock Afternoons","subtitle":"Beachfront shade under palms"}],"audience":{"surfer":"Long Beach offers no surf whatsoever—the eastern exposure, shallow shelf, and island's position in the bay create conditions where even monsoon storms barely produce ankle-high chop. You'll see the occasional SUP rental, but the beach functions purely as a calm-water swimming destination. Surfers passing through Phi Phi use it as a quiet recovery spot between swells elsewhere in Thailand, enjoying the absence of Tonsai's party noise while waiting for forecasts to improve at better-positioned breaks on Phuket's western coast or down at Nai Harn.","couples":"Long Beach delivers Phi Phi's scenery minus the bucket-drink crowds and thumping bass that define Tonsai after dark. You'll claim beachfront bungalows simple enough to feel adventurous, walk an uncrowded shore at sunset, and swim in water clear enough to watch your feet on the sandy bottom. The isolation suits couples seeking relative quiet while staying social—you'll meet other travelers at communal restaurant tables, arrange snorkeling trips through bungalow owners, and still access Tonsai's energy via the scenic hillside trail when you want more than Long Beach's gentle rhythm. Think Robinson Crusoe with room service and WiFi.","backpacker":"The beach calculates perfectly for budget travelers seeking Phi Phi minus the party premium: fan bungalows run three hundred baht, beachfront pad thai costs seventy, and the longtail from Tonsai pier splits four ways. You'll meet long-term travelers who chose Long Beach specifically to avoid the FireBall-shot aggressiveness of the main village, though the hillside trail keeps Tonsai's nightlife accessible when desired. Days fall into an easy pattern—morning snorkel sessions around the southern rocks, afternoon hammock reading, sunset swims in water warm as tea, and occasional treks over the hill for proper nightlife before retreating back to Long Beach's quiet by midnight.","local":"Thai staff from Tonsai's resorts and restaurants often live in Long Beach's back-of-house bungalows, commuting daily over the hill to serve tourists before returning to quieter quarters. Local Phi Phi families visit on Buddhist holidays, claiming picnic spots near the northern end where boats land less frequently, and bringing ice chests packed with sticky rice and grilled meats. They swim fully clothed during hot season afternoons, the children shrieking in the shallows while parents wade out with smartphones in plastic bags, documenting family beach days. The Thais recognize Long Beach as Phi Phi's residential shore—where islanders actually live rather than merely work, creating a subtle local presence absent from Tonsai's tourist-optimized geography.","family":null,"party":null,"diver":null,"explorer":null},"faqs":[{"a":"Long Beach generally offers safe swimming conditions, especially during the high season (November to April) when the sea is calmer. The beach has a gentle slope making it suitable for swimmers of various abilities. However, there are no lifeguards stationed here, so swim at your own caution. During the monsoon season, currents can be stronger and the sea rougher. Always check current conditions before swimming and avoid going too far from shore. The relative isolation means help isn't immediately available if problems arise.","q":"Is Long Beach safe for swimming?"},{"a":"The best time to visit Long Beach is during the dry season from November to April when seas are calm and weather is sunny. This period offers the best swimming conditions and access to the beach. December to February provides the most pleasant temperatures. During the monsoon season (May to October), rough seas can make boat access difficult or impossible, and some accommodations may close. For budget travelers, the shoulder months of November and April offer good weather with fewer crowds and better rates than peak season.","q":"When is the best time to visit Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi?"},{"a":"Long Beach is accessible only by boat or by foot via a challenging jungle trail from Tonsai Village. Most visitors take a longtail boat from Tonsai Pier, which takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around 100-150 baht per person. Boats run regularly during daylight hours, with fewer services in low season. The hiking trail takes 30-45 minutes over steep terrain and is quite strenuous, especially in heat. Many resorts on Long Beach offer boat transfers for guests. There are no roads or vehicles on this beach.","q":"How do I get to Long Beach on Koh Phi Phi?"},{"a":"Long Beach has limited but sufficient accommodation options, ranging from basic beach bungalows to mid-range resorts. Properties are generally smaller and more intimate than those on Tonsai Bay. Most resorts have their own restaurants serving Thai and international cuisine, as there are few independent dining options. Prices tend to be slightly higher than Tonsai due to the remote location. Some accommodations close during low season. There are no convenience stores, so bring essentials or expect to pay premium prices. The dining atmosphere is relaxed and casual.","q":"What are the food and accommodation options at Long Beach?"},{"a":"Long Beach offers a quieter, more secluded experience compared to the busy Tonsai Bay area. It's ideal for travelers seeking relaxation away from the party scene and crowds. The beach features soft white sand, clear turquoise water, and beautiful sunset views. Its relative isolation creates a peaceful atmosphere perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding. The limited development means a more natural setting. It's particularly appealing to couples and those wanting to disconnect, though you sacrifice the convenience and nightlife of the main village area.","q":"Why choose Long Beach over other Phi Phi beaches?"}]},"seo":{"title":"Long Beach Koh Phi Phi: White Sand Escape from the Crowds","description":"Powder-soft sand stretches beneath limestone cliffs at this secluded Phi Phi sanctuary. Swim in turquoise shallows where longtail boats bob gently offshore.","ogImage":"/api/place-photo?ref=Ab43m-tYp_kDNk-JBhJQc7GdvOD-NajDByKMKNmpCiYiwOnu1b91U3ttiXLAKFD80UFW096nkR5yIGs_e6H5tPjk_p4xqNEi_t6qDjWZhLUUEnYVoFe9qWDsId0P3w9mXuaBb6Hb80-WIsJzbIGFpt9YHwV6azRPJNrp7xrVf7vvGQm0-losgtxb4Ji5Zvm8Db-476XfvfCTxxHG0aF9hhyFY4iKysg9ZOlBvPM1f8WQrzKrSiyU0aOmTyiHTM4VU_zHc_R3F8rfaVQN47I_0Mc8ZN7tNUD1TtnLke14VaxM7VPrcIlBBks7UFfILxxNc1B3VyzLeXLxx5BJ5lVf7HM42w5LLD4ZjOaQY3nT_swX6QGFTvs4LNCSlvey8IM3GZejfMGNZavzFaVv6eQx9VMlKJ5aSZUBVBP-D4OwaYtQdwXe4A&w=1600"},"images":[]}}