Laemtong beach
⭐ Information about Laemtong beach (Phi Phi Island)
Laemtong Beach, also known by its Urak Lawoi name “Tue Loh Sue Na,” has been called this for around 100 years before adopting its current name. “Tue Loh Sue Na” translates to “Flower Bay.” Located on Phi Phi Don Island, Laemtong Beach is in the northern part of the island. Directly across from Laemtong Beach, you can see Bamboo Island (Koh Mai Phai). A long-tail boat ride between the two takes only about 15-20 minutes, making it a convenient and scenic trip.
⭐ Hotel at Laemtong beach (Phi Phi Island)
Laemtong Beach doesn’t have many hotels and resorts; there are only four: Phi Phi Natural Resort, Phi Phi Erawan Palms Resort, Zeavola Resort & Spa, and Phi Phi Holiday Resort. Compared to Tonsai Bay, the number of accommodations here is quite small. Laemtong Beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat, focusing on nature rather than nightlife. There are no pubs or party scenes, only a few restaurants and small bars. However, this doesn’t mean the hotels lack amenities. The 4-5 star hotels and resorts here offer comprehensive facilities, making them perfect for nature lovers, couples, families, or anyone looking to truly relax and unwind. Let nature heal your life’s exhaustion—leave your stress behind here. The experience will be more than worth it. If you visit Phi Phi Island, you should definitely spend a night here. The peaceful and warm atmosphere is highly recommended.
⭐ Gypsy Village at Laemtong beach
(Image reference from Transborder News)
There is a beautiful and intriguing story about Laemtong Beach. On Phi Phi Island, there is a hidden gem of cultural heritage: a village that many people don’t know about and few have visited. This is the “Chao Lay” (Thai Mai) village, also known by the longstanding name “Urak Lawoi Bulee Brebri.” The term “Urak Lawoi Bulee Brebri” translates to “the sea gypsies of the Urak Lawoi tribe on Phi Phi Island.” This small village covers only about 2 rai (approximately 0.8 acres) and consists of 38 households. The residents are descendants from various tribes, including the Chao Lay Sing, Urak Lawoi, and Moken people, who have come together to form the Laemtong village that exists today.
⭐ Baan Laemtong School
(Reference image from Facebook page: Chaw Le Laem Tong – Koh Phi Phi, Urak Lawo Village, Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi)
In terms of education, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) visited the people on Phi Phi Island, a group of New Thai (Chao Lay) awaited his arrival. His Majesty learned that this community had no school for their children. Concerned about their lack of educational facilities, he initiated the construction of a school for the Chao Lay community. According to records from Laemtong School, the construction of the school began in 1972 and took approximately five years to complete.
(Image reference from Transborder News)
⭐ Tradition and Culture
(Reference image from Facebook page: Chaw Le Laem Tong – Koh Phi Phi, Urak Lawo Village, Laem Tong, Koh Phi Phi)
In terms of cultural traditions, the Urak Lawoi Bulee Brebri tribe’s most significant event is the “Urak Lawoi Boat Floating Ceremony.” This ceremony is conducted to ward off bad luck and send the spirits of ancestors to the sacred land of “Kunung Jurai.” It is a vital tradition featuring music played along the beachfront and the construction of a beautifully decorated boat using palm wood, known as “Pajak.” The boat is crafted to sway gracefully with the waves, its fabric sails fluttering gently in the wind. All the New Thai (Chao Lay) people who gather to send off the boat pray for it to safely navigate the waves and reach the ancestral sacred land. Their prayers are filled with the strong faith and collective spirit of the Urak Lawoi community.
The boat floating ceremony is held twice a year during the full moon of the sixth and eleventh lunar months, usually corresponding to May and November. This information is partially referenced from the Sirindhorn Anthropology Center (Public Organization).
(Image reference from Transborder News)
Currently, Laemtong Village still lacks many conveniences, especially regarding drinking water and daily water supply. The limited space forces Thai Mai (Chao Lay) children to walk around the mountain to attend school. Walker Thailand would like to be a small voice for this cause. If anyone is interested in helping the New Thai Laemtong Village or Laemtong School, please contact the village head of Phi Phi Island to coordinate and provide assistance. This would be a truly generous act, and we deeply appreciate any help you can offer. Thank you very much.
How do you feel after reading this far?
Of course, you must have learned a bit about the lifestyle of the Chao Lay, or Thai Mai, living on Phi Phi Island. Even if you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Laemtong Beach or are still gathering information for your trip to Phi Phi Island, we are honored to share information about this beautiful destination. Our goal is to help both Thai and international visitors understand more about the art, culture, and traditions of Thailand.
Conclusion
Laemtong Beach is perfect for travelers seeking privacy and an escape from crowded areas. Currently, most visitors are families and honeymoon couples. The sunset atmosphere is especially breathtaking and shouldn’t be missed.
⭐ How to go to Laemtong beach (Phi Phi Island)
You can easily travel to Laemtong beach from either Phuket (Rassada Pier) or Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) using ferry services. The journey takes about 3 hours. Please note that Laemtong beach itself does not have a pier, so there will be a transfer to smaller boats upon arrival at the beach.
Note: During the high season, there will be a transfer to Andaman Cruiser (a larger boat accommodating approximately 50-90 people) directly at Laemtong beach. During the low season, transfers will be at Klong Jilad Pier, which is located behind Laemtong beach.
You can easily travel to Laemtong beach starting from either Phuket (Rassada Pier) or Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) using speedboats, which take approximately 1.5 hours. Traveling by speedboat significantly saves travel time and depends on personal preference.
⭐ Popular Route
Phuket (Rassada pier)
Phi Phi (Tonsai pier)
Krabi (Klong Jilad pier)
⭐ The Maps to Laemtong beach (Phi Phi Island)
⭐ The Ferry Boat Companies
Andaman Wave Master
⭐ The Speed Boat Companies
Andaman Wave Express
Phi Phi Logistic
⭐ FAQs with Laemtong beach (Phi Phi Island)
At Laem Tong Beach, most of the destinations are private beachfront resorts and you can go diving or island hopping at Bamboo Island, which is opposite Laem Tong Beach. However, if you want to travel to other islands, you may have to take a boat back to Ton Sai Pier (the center of Phi Phi Island) to travel again.
Note: There may be some companies that can travel from Laem Tong Beach to Krabi Province. Please check the details on our website again.
You can buy the boat ticket directly from your hotel. However, the ticket price and passenger seats may not be enough. It is recommended to book the boat seat in advance to prevent any mistakes during the trip.
Of course, food service will be provided at your accommodation. There may be small restaurants and bars open in that area. You can also walk around the beach to check out the food and beverage options that you want.
The pharmacy is currently not available. We recommend that if you require medication for any chronic condition, you prepare in advance before your stay at Cape Laem Tong Beach. Alternatively, if necessary, you can travel by long-tail boat to reach the hospital on Phi Phi Island (please consult your hotel staff again).
