Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach
A secluded beach paradise accessed via a jungle trail, offering stunning cliffs, golden sands, and a peaceful escape from Ao Nang.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quieter beach, beautiful sunset
Monkey Trail to Pai Plong Beach
Best Time
Quieter beach, beautiful sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded beach paradise accessed via a jungle trail, offering stunning cliffs, golden sands, and a peaceful escape from Ao Nang.
"A stunning beach to get to. It’s a short walk along the monkey trail but it’s worth it. Breathtaking views of the cliffs."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The Monkey Trail has steep stairs and uneven terrain. Leave the flip-flops behind!
🐒 Don't Feed the Monkeys!
They can be cheeky and aggressive. Keep your distance and secure your belongings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cheeky Monkey Encounters
Monkey Trail
Get ready for close encounters with playful (and sometimes bold!) macaques along the jungle path.
+1Pai Plong Beach Serenity
Pai Plong Beach
Discover a secluded, beautiful beach with stunning limestone cliffs and golden sand.
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The Scenic Jungle Trek
Monkey Trail
A short, adventurous hike through lush jungle with boardwalks and stairs leading to paradise.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Monkeys (and the Hike!)
Pai Plong Beach: Your Quieter Escape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The Monkey Trail has steep stairs and uneven terrain. Leave the flip-flops behind!
🐒 Don't Feed the Monkeys!
They can be cheeky and aggressive. Keep your distance and secure your belongings.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Shops on Pai Plong Beach can be pricey. Pack your own essentials.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are spectacular, and the beach tends to be less crowded.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The Monkey Trail has steep stairs and uneven terrain. Leave the flip-flops behind!
🐒 Don't Feed the Monkeys!
They can be cheeky and aggressive. Keep your distance and secure your belongings.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Shops on Pai Plong Beach can be pricey. Pack your own essentials.
🌅 Aim for Sunset
The views are spectacular, and the beach tends to be less crowded.
🚤 Boat Option Available
While the trail is popular, boats can also take you to Pai Plong Beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pai Plong Beach is a beautiful and tranquil escape from the busier Ao Nang, offering stunning cliff views and a more relaxed atmosphere. While the Monkey Trail hike can be steep and encounters with monkeys require caution, the destination is widely considered worth the effort. Some visitors have noted occasional issues with water cleanliness, but overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a peaceful beach experience. +2
"Nice Beach with nice views! If you‘re staying there, it must be amazing. We just came from the Ao Nang Beach to enjoy a swim and a quieter beach in the late afternoon. We really enjoyed it. There have been a little bit of dirt in the sea but less compared to Ao Nang. Just the way to the beach was a little bit to annoying because of the cheeky monkeys."
Viktoria Steinmetz
"Beautiful and scenic beach - a lot quieter than Ao nang with the lovely landscape around it. I think you can only access it by walking the monkey trail from ao nang, or maybe by boat too.
We were there mid-end July and the water seemed to be quite dirty, it was unbearable but still had quite a lot of dirt stuck to our swim stuff when we got out the sea.
There are some big building works going on towards the back of the beach so there is a big boat/barge with trucks driving on and off it half way down the beach. It’s a bit of an eye-saw however if you keep walking down you don’t really notice it.
Still highly recommend coming here though as it was beautiful!"
Leo van Galen
"Quieter and More Swimmable Beach Option
This beach is less crowded and quite beautiful, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to Ao Nang Beach. It’s also slightly cleaner, making it a better option if you’re looking to swim.
The water is calm enough for a refreshing dip, and the overall vibe is more peaceful — great for those who want to unwind away from the busy tourist areas."
lemonhao88
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Head to the southern end of Ao Nang Beach. You'll find the entrance to the Monkey Trail there. It's a short walk or a quick tuk-tuk ride from the main Ao Nang area.
The trail is short, about 15 minutes, but it is steep with many steps. It requires some caution due to uneven terrain.
Yes, you can arrange for a longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach to take you directly to Pai Plong Beach. This is a good alternative if you prefer not to hike.
You can walk from most of Ao Nang Beach or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the southern end.
The hike is quite short, typically taking around 15 minutes to reach Pai Plong Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific entrance fees for the Monkey Trail or Pai Plong Beach itself. However, if you opt for a boat ride, there will be a fee.
While the beach is free to access, prices at any shops or vendors on Pai Plong Beach might be higher than in Ao Nang. It's wise to bring your own water and snacks.
The Monkey Trail is a natural path and is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening or closing times.
No, Pai Plong Beach does not have an admission fee. It's a public beach accessible via the Monkey Trail or by boat.
You can usually arrange boat trips on the spot at Ao Nang Beach. For specific timings or advance bookings, it's best to inquire with local boat operators.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Late afternoon is popular for its beautiful sunset views and a slightly less crowded atmosphere. Early mornings offer a more peaceful experience.
Information on specific facilities is limited, but some reviews mention shops. It's advisable to be prepared and use facilities before or after your visit.
The trail is named after the macaques that inhabit the area. You're very likely to see monkeys, so be mindful of your belongings.
Yes, it's generally considered a good spot for swimming, often cleaner and calmer than Ao Nang Beach. However, water quality can vary. +1
Maintain a safe distance, do not feed them, and keep your valuables secured. Monkeys can be bold and may try to snatch items.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning limestone cliffs, the golden sand, and the serene ocean views. Sunsets here are particularly breathtaking.
Some visitors have captured drone footage, showcasing the beach and surrounding cliffs from above. Be sure to check local drone regulations.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Midday provides clear views of the turquoise water.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture interesting shots of the monkeys. Remember to keep a safe distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once at Pai Plong Beach, it's a more relaxed environment for families. The calmer waters can be good for a dip, but always supervise children closely. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is essential, as options on the beach might be limited or more expensive. Consider the boat option if the hike seems too challenging for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own water and snacks. While there are shops at Pai Plong Beach, their prices are often inflated. If you're looking for a free or low-cost beach day away from the main tourist hubs, this is an excellent option.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Pai Plong Beach offers a peaceful escape where you can relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the scenery. It's a great spot to recharge and soak in the natural beauty of Krabi without the hustle and bustle. Remember to stay aware of your surroundings and secure your belongings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Monkey Trail
Be prepared for the trail's namesake inhabitants: the macaques. These wild monkeys are a common sight and can be quite curious. While they add to the adventure, it's crucial to remember they are wild animals. Avoid direct eye contact, do not attempt to feed them, and secure all personal belongings, including food and drinks, as they are known to snatch items.
For those who prefer to avoid the hike, or if mobility is a concern, longtail boats are readily available from Ao Nang Beach to take you directly to Pai Plong Beach. This offers a more relaxed, albeit less adventurous, way to reach the secluded shores.
Pai Plong Beach: A Tranquil Retreat
While generally praised for its beauty and calmer waters, some visitors have noted occasional issues with water clarity, particularly during certain times of the year. Despite this, it's frequently recommended as a cleaner and more swimmable option compared to Ao Nang. The beach is also home to a few shops, but it's advisable to bring your own water and snacks as prices can be higher.
The beach offers a wonderful opportunity to simply unwind, sunbathe, and enjoy the natural surroundings. The breathtaking views of the cliffs and the Andaman Sea make it a perfect spot to capture memorable photographs, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit