Long Beach — locally called Phra Ae — is the busiest of the island's mid-section beaches, a 2.5 km stretch of golden sand that attracts a mix of backpackers and independent travellers. The beach road running behind it has the highest concentration of budget guesthouses, restaurants, and bars on the island, making it the social hub for a certain type of traveller.
The water here is excellent — calm in the dry season, with a long gentle slope into the sea. Watersports operators on the beach offer kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkelling equipment. Klong Khong beach immediately to the south has a more alternative feel, with fire-show bars and hammock cafes that fill up in the evening.