Monkey Trail Ao Nang-Pai Plong
1 / 10

Monkey Trail Ao Nang-Pai Plong

4.3
·3k reviews·Ao Nang, Thailand

A jungle path with wooden steps leading to a serene beach, famous for its playful monkeys and scenic views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Morning

Avoid heat & mosquitoes

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Monkey Trail Ao Nang-Pai Plong

Monkey Trail Ao Nang-Pai Plong

Best Time

Early Morning

Avoid heat & mosquitoes

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A jungle path with wooden steps leading to a serene beach, famous for its playful monkeys and scenic views.

4.3
(3k reviews)

"A fun little adventure with wildlife and scenery, leading to a relaxing beach payoff."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐒 Secure Your Snacks!

Monkeys love food! Keep all food and drinks hidden. Avoid plastic bottles to prevent them from being taken.

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail has steep, potentially slippery wooden steps. Good grip is essential for a safe hike.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Monkey Encounters

Monkey Encounters

Trail Entrance

Witness dozens of monkeys, including playful babies, in their natural habitat. Be cautious and secure your belongings.

Reddit
Jungle Trek & Steps

Jungle Trek & Steps

The Trail Itself

A moderately challenging hike through lush jungle with steep wooden stairs offering a good workout.

Reddit
Pai Plong Beach

Pai Plong Beach

End of the Trail

A quiet, clean, and less crowded beach perfect for a refreshing swim or relaxation after the hike.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beware of the Monkeys!

Monkeys are very active and curious at the trail entrance. They may approach you for food or belongings. Secure your items and avoid bringing snacks or drinks in plastic packaging to prevent unwanted encounters and help keep the area clean. Reddit

Trail Conditions & What to Bring

The trail features steep wooden steps and can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a workout. Mosquitoes can be present, so consider repellent. The trail is free to access. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early Morning
Why
Avoid heat & mosquitoes
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Is it not recommended to walk through this forest ?

🐒 Secure Your Snacks!

Monkeys love food! Keep all food and drinks hidden. Avoid plastic bottles to prevent them from being taken. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail has steep, potentially slippery wooden steps. Good grip is essential for a safe hike. Reddit

reddit.com

Any short tracking points at krabi ?

reddit.com

Must do’s in Krabi?

🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend

Mosquitoes can be active, especially if you stop for too long. Come prepared to avoid bites. Reddit

💧 Bring Water (Carefully!)

Stay hydrated, but keep water bottles secure and out of sight from the monkeys. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐒 Secure Your Snacks!

Monkeys love food! Keep all food and drinks hidden. Avoid plastic bottles to prevent them from being taken. Reddit

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The trail has steep, potentially slippery wooden steps. Good grip is essential for a safe hike. Reddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Your Friend

Mosquitoes can be active, especially if you stop for too long. Come prepared to avoid bites. Reddit

💧 Bring Water (Carefully!)

Stay hydrated, but keep water bottles secure and out of sight from the monkeys. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hike to Pai Plong Beach

The beach at the end is a peaceful reward. It's a great spot for a swim or to relax. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Monkey Trail offers a short, scenic jungle hike with the exciting possibility of seeing monkeys, leading to the peaceful Pai Plong Beach. While the trail itself is rewarding, some visitors note issues with litter and an unpleasant smell at the entrance, alongside the bold behavior of the monkeys. Despite these drawbacks, the free access and natural beauty make it a worthwhile detour for many. Reddit

"⭐⭐⭐

Oh, Monkey Trail in Ao Nang, Krabi—what a wild, wacky, and slightly terrifying adventure.

My girlfriend and I were pumped to hike this trail this morning (August 24, 2025), expecting a fun jungle jaunt. Instead, we walked straight into a monkey showdown at the entrance, surrounded by a literal landfill of trash. 😱 Plastic bottles, straws, cups—it looked like a post-apocalyptic monkey picnic gone wrong. We couldn’t wrap our heads around the litter chaos.

As we approached the trailhead, we were greeted by a furry flash mob—dozens of monkeys swinging from trees, running on the ground, rummaging through trash, and then eyeballing us like we’d strolled into their turf.

Most were chill, with adorable baby monkeys tumbling around, riding on mamas back, and looking like tiny fluffballs of cuteness.
But then, out of nowhere, a massive, beady-eyed male monkey—let’s call him King Kong’s cranky caffeinated cousin—locked onto my girlfriend’s Thai tea like it was the Holy Grail. This dude charged her with the intensity of a caffeinated linebacker. 😬 Fearing a scratch or a chomp from this furry fiend, she threw her plastic cup (complete with straw, lid, and carrier) to the ground. King Kong Monkey pounced, slurped that Thai tea like a frat bro at caffeine happy hour, and left the plastic carnage behind.
Mystery solved: the monkeys are the masterminds behind this trashpocalypse! 🙈

Here’s a pro tip: don’t bring plastic bottles and snacks or drinks unless you want to donate them to the monkey mob. The trail is short, you will survive without a water bottle for 1 hour. Leave the plastic items at the hotel and help keep this beautiful area clean and trash free.

Krabi, please, we’re begging you—clean up this landfill of an entrance. It’s 2025, we’re almost sending astronauts to Mars, but we can’t invent a monkey-proof trash can? Come on, city officials, hire a worker to warn tourists or build some Fort Knox-level garbage bins before the monkeys start their own recycling empire. 🗑️

Once we escaped the monkey gauntlet and hit the trail, things took a turn for the better. The trail itself was clean, monkey-free, and a legit workout. Yes, monkey trail is monkey free because all the monkeys wait for you to enter the trail and steal your plastic wrapped food and drinks - not a single monkey after venturing 40 feet into the trail!
But, Those steps—oh, those endless steps—had us huffing and puffing like we were training for the Stairmaster Olympics.

Keep moving, must keep moving though, or the mosquitoes will treat you like an all-you-can-eat buffet. 🦟

The hike was fun, sweaty, and rewarding, with jungle vibes that made us feel like Indiana Jones (minus the treasure, sadly).

Lots of selfie photo spots, but don’t stop too long or you will be a main course for the mosquito buffet!

Overall, the trail itself was a blast, but the trash-strewn, monkey-mobbed entrance was a nightmare.

Three stars for the workout and jungle charm, but Krabi, please save this place from becoming a monkey-run dump!

We had fun, but we’re still shaking from that Thai tea caffeinated King Kong heist. 😅

🐒 🙈 🐵"

Doctor Kutchapeckeroff

"If you're looking for a short adventure with rewarding views, the Monkey Trail is a must-do! The trail is completely free to access, which is a huge bonus, especially given how scenic and well-maintained it is. It's a relatively moderate walk overall, but it does include a section with steep wooden stairs that can really get your heart pumping—so be ready for a bit of a workout, especially on the way up!

The trail winds through a peaceful natural setting, and there are several spots where you can pause to take in the absolutely stunning views. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, it’s the kind of trail that gives you a quick escape into nature without needing to spend a whole day hiking. I’d definitely recommend wearing sturdy shoes, as some parts of the path and the stairs can be slippery or uneven, especially after rain.

There’s something special about reaching the higher points and looking out across the landscape—it’s quiet, serene, and makes the climb totally worth it. Great for solo hikers, couples, or even families with older kids. Just make sure you're prepared for the stairs! Will definitely be coming back."

Erica Mateus

"Wild, Scenic, Rewarding

The Monkey Trail in Ao Nang is a fun little adventure and definitely worth checking out if you’re nearby. True to its name, we saw plenty of monkeys along the way, which made the walk exciting and memorable. The trail itself is short but has some steep and uneven parts, so it’s not ideal for everyone — good shoes and a bit of fitness definitely help.

There are a few downsides: we noticed some plastic litter and at times a bit of an unpleasant smell, which takes away from the natural beauty. But the real reward comes once you reach Pai Plong Beach at the other end — quiet, clean, and not crowded when we were there in August. It’s a lovely spot with scenic views and the perfect place for a refreshing swim.

Tips for visitors: Watch your belongings around the monkeys, bring a bottle of water, and go earlier in the day to avoid slippery conditions. If you enjoy nature and don’t mind a short climb, it’s a fun detour with a relaxing beach as your payoff.

Overall, the Monkey Trail offers a unique mix of wildlife and scenery, with the beach at the end making the effort truly worthwhile."

Samuel

What People Like

Free access
Monkey sightings
Scenic jungle path

What People Dislike

Litter at entrance
Monkey boldness
Slippery steps

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monkey Trail is located near Ao Nang beach. You can typically access it by walking from Ao Nang beach or taking a short taxi ride to the trailhead. It's a direct path to Pai Plong Beach. Reddit

Parking can be limited in Ao Nang. It's often easier to walk from your accommodation if you're staying nearby or consider using a local songthaew (shared taxi). Reddit

While navigation apps can help you find the general area, the trail itself is quite distinct. Be aware that some online maps might not perfectly reflect the current trail conditions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Monkey Trail is completely free to access. This makes it a great budget-friendly activity for visitors. Reddit

The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's sufficient light for safety and to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

Yes, the Monkey Trail is typically open year-round. However, conditions might be more challenging during the rainy season due to slippery paths. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike itself is quite short, usually taking about 10-15 minutes to complete one way. The time can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop. Reddit

It's suitable for families with older children who can manage the steep steps. Younger children might need to be carried or supervised very closely due to the terrain. Reddit

As the name suggests, you're very likely to see monkeys, especially near the entrance. You might also encounter various insects and birds in the jungle. Reddit

Restrooms are not typically available along the trail itself. You may find facilities near Ao Nang beach or at Pai Plong Beach. Reddit

Wearing insect repellent is highly recommended. Visiting earlier in the day or during drier months can also help reduce mosquito activity. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for scenic viewpoints along the trail, especially where the jungle opens up to offer glimpses of the coast. The beach at the end also provides beautiful photo opportunities. Reddit

It's best to keep a safe distance and avoid direct interaction. Monkeys can be unpredictable, and focusing on your camera might make you less aware of your surroundings. Reddit

A standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the experience. If you want better shots of wildlife, a zoom lens can be helpful, but keep gear minimal to avoid attracting monkeys. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Monkey Trail can be a fun adventure for families, but it requires some preparation. The steep wooden steps can be challenging for very young children, so consider carrying toddlers or ensuring older kids have good supervision. The abundance of monkeys at the entrance can be exciting for kids, but it's crucial to keep them close and secure all belongings to prevent any unwanted interactions or items being taken. Reddit

Recommendations for families:
* Wear sturdy shoes: Essential for navigating the slippery steps.
* Pack light: Avoid bringing tempting snacks or drinks that could attract monkeys.
* Supervise closely: Keep a watchful eye on children, especially near the monkeys.
* Consider the payoff: The quiet beach at the end is a great reward for the effort. Reddit

🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Adventurers

For solo travelers and those on a budget, the Monkey Trail is an excellent choice. It's completely free to access and offers a rewarding short hike with beautiful scenery and wildlife encounters. The trail is generally safe for solo exploration during daylight hours. Reddit

Tips for solo/budget travelers:
* Go early: Beat the heat and potential crowds, and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
* Pack essentials only: A water bottle (kept secure!) and insect repellent are usually sufficient.
* Be aware of surroundings: While generally safe, always stay alert, especially at the monkey-heavy entrance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Monkey Trail: A Traveler's Guide

The Monkey Trail, connecting Ao Nang to Pai Plong Beach, is a short but engaging jungle path. It's known for its wooden steps and the lively monkey population that often greets visitors at the trailhead. While the hike itself is relatively quick, typically taking 10-15 minutes, it offers a rewarding experience for those prepared for its unique challenges. The trail is free to access, making it an attractive option for a quick nature escape. Reddit

Key features of the trail include its dense jungle environment and the significant number of wooden steps, which can be steep and require a moderate level of fitness. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear as the steps can become slippery, especially after rain. The presence of mosquitoes is also a consideration, so bringing insect repellent is a good idea. Despite these points, the trail is generally well-maintained and offers beautiful natural scenery. Reddit

Community insights highlight the importance of respecting the wildlife. While the monkeys are a major draw, they can be bold and may attempt to snatch food or belongings. Securing all items and avoiding the display of snacks or drinks is crucial. The trail's destination, Pai Plong Beach, is often described as a tranquil and clean reward, offering a peaceful contrast to the lively entrance. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters: Monkeys and More

The Monkey Trail lives up to its name, with a significant population of monkeys frequently seen at the entrance. These primates are often curious and can be quite active, rummaging through trash and approaching visitors. Reviews suggest that securing all food and drinks is paramount, as monkeys have been known to snatch items. It's important to maintain a safe distance and avoid feeding them to ensure a positive experience for both humans and animals. Reddit

Beyond the monkeys, the trail winds through a tropical jungle environment, offering a glimpse into local flora and fauna. While less commonly highlighted, the sounds of various birds and insects contribute to the immersive jungle atmosphere. Visitors should be mindful of the natural surroundings and avoid disturbing any wildlife they encounter. The presence of mosquitoes is also notable, particularly during certain times of the day or year, making insect repellent a practical addition to your packing list. Reddit

You may also like