The short answer
Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial: what visitors should know first
Go for a quiet walk and a moment at the memorial. It is flat and close to the village, best in the evening, and worth including even if you spend the day on boats.
History and context
The story behind Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami struck Ko Phi Phi Don on 26 December 2004, with waves entering the isthmus from both bays. Wikipedia describes Loh Dalum as the bay hit hardest, with a memorial on the beach facing it.
Useful facts
Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial facts at a glance
- Location
- North bay of the Ton Sai isthmus
- Experience type
- Beach walk and memorial
- Known for
- Calm bay and the tsunami memorial
- Best time
- Late afternoon to dusk
- Note
- Beach bars get loud late in the evening
Why it matters
Why Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial is worth your time
Loh Dalum is where the island's history and its everyday life sit side by side. Wikipedia records that the wave entering this bay in December 2004 was about 6.5 metres high, higher than at Ton Sai Bay, and that more than a thousand people on the island died.
Visitors now swim, eat and drink on the same sand, which is part of the island's resilience. For families it is an honest reminder to respect warning signs, follow local guidance and keep insurance in place. It also doubles as the nicest evening stroll on the island, which is a good reason to come regardless.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The memorial
A quiet place to reflect on the 2004 tsunami.
- 02
Evening walk
Flat sand, limestone cliffs and longtail boats at rest.
- 03
View from above
Pair with the viewpoint to see the whole bay.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Cross the isthmus from the pier and you arrive at Loh Dalum, a curve of sand with limestone cliffs behind. In the late afternoon the bay is gentle, with longtail boats resting and families walking the shoreline.
A memorial to the 2004 tsunami stands on the beach facing the bay. Spend a few minutes there before moving on. Wikivoyage also mentions a small memorial garden near a beach bar in the village, which gives context to what happened here.
If you stay for sunset, the viewpoint above the bay gives a very different perspective on the same water. Later, the beachfront becomes a social space with music and fire shows, so older travellers who want quiet should walk earlier and move away from the bars by dark.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Go before the bars get loud
- Carry water and a hat
- Respect the memorial
- Do not swim during rough conditions or against local advice
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- North side of the isthmus, Ton Sai, Ko Phi Phi Don
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Late afternoon or evening
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Flat sand and paths close to the village, with some soft sand underfoot. Shade is limited in the afternoon, so go later in the day and carry water.
- Tickets and access
- Free to walk. Be respectful at the memorial and avoid loud behaviour. Beach bars nearby get busy late in the evening.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Loh Dalum Bay and the Tsunami Memorial
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Flat sand and paths close to the village, with some soft sand underfoot. Shade is limited in the afternoon, so go later in the day and carry water.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is there a tsunami memorial?
Wikipedia notes one on the beach facing Loh Dalum Bay. Wikivoyage also mentions a memorial garden in Ton Sai.
Is Loh Dalum good for swimming?
Conditions vary with tide and season. Check local advice and flags.
Is it noisy at night?
Beach bars nearby get lively late; walk earlier if you prefer quiet.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
