Monkey Beach Phi Phi Islands Thailand
A picturesque cove on Phi Phi Don, famous for its playful macaques and stunning turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Monkey Beach Phi Phi Islands Thailand
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque cove on Phi Phi Don, famous for its playful macaques and stunning turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs.
"Witness playful monkeys and crystal-clear waters in this enchanting coastal paradise."
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Never feed or touch the monkeys. They are wild and can be unpredictable. Keep valuables secure!
🛶 Kayak for Serenity
Rent a kayak from a nearby resort for a more personal and peaceful exploration of the bay.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Playful Macaque Monkeys
The beach itself
Witness dozens of wild macaques frolicking, climbing trees, and interacting with their environment. A truly unique wildlife encounter.
Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
The bay
Swim, snorkel, or kayak in the stunningly clear, vibrant turquoise waters surrounding the beach. Perfect for underwater exploration.
Dramatic Limestone Cliffs
Surrounding the bay
Admire the towering limestone karsts that frame the beach, creating a picturesque and dramatic natural backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Monkeys!
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Never feed or touch the monkeys. They are wild and can be unpredictable. Keep valuables secure! +1
🛶 Kayak for Serenity
Rent a kayak from a nearby resort for a more personal and peaceful exploration of the bay.
☀️ Avoid Midday Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to escape the peak tour group rush.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The dramatic cliffs and clear waters make for stunning photos. Be mindful of the monkeys!
Tips
from all over the internet
🐒 Respect the Wildlife
Never feed or touch the monkeys. They are wild and can be unpredictable. Keep valuables secure! +1
🛶 Kayak for Serenity
Rent a kayak from a nearby resort for a more personal and peaceful exploration of the bay.
☀️ Avoid Midday Crowds
Visit early morning or late afternoon to escape the peak tour group rush.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The dramatic cliffs and clear waters make for stunning photos. Be mindful of the monkeys!
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot and humid. Bring plenty of water, especially if you're kayaking or hiking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkey Beach is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, featuring clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, alongside the unique attraction of playful wild monkeys. While the scenery is captivating, visitors should be aware of potential crowds and the unpredictable nature of the macaques, emphasizing the importance of respecting wildlife and securing belongings. +1
"Monkey Beach was a very cool and unique experience. Seeing wild monkeys up close in their natural environment was something special and definitely a highlight of the trip. Depending on the tour you choose, you can either go onto the beach or stay on the boat. We chose to watch from a distance, which still gave us a great view and felt comfortable.
The monkeys were easy to see, and it was really fun just observing them from the boat. It’s not something you get to experience every day, and it makes the place feel very different from a regular beach.
We also went snorkeling nearby, just outside the beach area, and that was another great part of the stop. The water was nice, and it was fun to combine wildlife with snorkeling in the same place.
Overall, Monkey Beach is definitely worth visiting, whether you choose to stay on the boat or go onto the beach. A very cool experience that I would absolutely recommend."
Isak Wistrand
"Monkey Beach is a truly beautiful slice of Phi Phi, featuring the perfect combination of powdery white sand, dramatic limestone cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s an idyllic spot for swimming and snorkeling, with abundant marine life visible just offshore. The primary attraction, of course, is the resident troop of wild long-tailed macaque monkeys, which are a fascinating sight to observe in their natural habitat.
However, a serious note of caution is essential for any visitor. While the monkeys are the highlight, they are wild animals and should be treated with utmost respect and distance. Never, under any circumstances, should you feed the monkeys. Human food is harmful to them and directly leads to aggressive behavior and potential bites, which require immediate medical attention and rabies shots.
Furthermore, please be vigilant with all personal belongings. These monkeys are notorious thieves and will snatch anything shiny, loose, or resembling a food container—including water bottles, sunglasses, and bags. Keep everything zipped and secured, preferably in a dry bag, and maintain at least a three-meter distance at all times. Visit early to beat the crowds, observe quietly, and help keep this incredible natural area pristine. The beauty here is undeniable, provided you prioritize safety and respect the wildlife's space."
Arturo Garcia - Yoga
"This is one of the most famous Monkey Beaches, a picturesque cove on the southwestern side of Phi Phi Don Island. It features white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and is home to a population of wild macaque monkeys. Visitors often reach it by long-tail boat or rented kayak from Tonsai Bay and enjoy swimming and snorkeling there."
khaled moon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Beach is most commonly accessed by boat tours from Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don. You can also rent a longtail boat or kayak from nearby resorts for a more independent experience. Many island-hopping tours include a stop here.
No, Monkey Beach is not accessible by foot. It's located on a secluded cove and requires boat or kayak transportation.
Many day tours from Phi Phi Don, Phuket, or Krabi include Monkey Beach. Look for tours that offer ample time at each stop, as some can feel rushed.
Yes, kayaking is a popular and rewarding way to reach Monkey Beach, offering a more intimate experience. Kayaks can be rented from various points on Phi Phi Don.
The travel time depends on your starting point and mode of transport. From Tonsai Bay, a longtail boat ride is typically 10-15 minutes. Kayaking might take longer depending on your pace and location.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no specific entrance fee for Monkey Beach itself. However, you will need to pay for boat transportation or kayak rental to get there.
Monkey Beach is a natural attraction and does not have official opening hours. It's accessible whenever boat services are running, typically from early morning until late afternoon.
The primary cost is for your transportation to the beach. Some boat tours might have a small national park fee included in their price.
Yes, you can book tours online in advance, especially during peak season. However, many tours can also be booked on the spot from tour operators in Tonsai Bay.
Monkey Beach can get very crowded, especially during the midday hours when most tour boats arrive. Visiting early or late can offer a less crowded experience.
🎫 🐒 Wildlife & Nature
The beach is home to a troop of wild macaque monkeys. They are known for their playful and curious nature.
While they are a major attraction, it's crucial to maintain a safe distance. Do not feed, touch, or provoke the monkeys, as they can be aggressive and bite. +1
The waters around Monkey Beach are rich with marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs, making it a good spot for snorkeling.
The area around Monkey Beach is characterized by dramatic cliffs, and while there might be informal paths, dedicated hiking trails are not a primary feature. The focus is on the beach and water activities.
Observe them from a safe distance as they play and interact. They are often most active in the morning and late afternoon.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the playful monkeys, the stunning turquoise waters, and the dramatic limestone cliffs. The interplay between the wildlife and the scenery is unique.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, leading to better photographic conditions.
A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended, especially if you plan on kayaking or swimming, as splashes are common.
The beach itself offers great vantage points. If you arrive by kayak, you can capture unique angles of the cove and cliffs.
Be mindful of the monkeys. They can be curious and might approach if they see food or shiny objects. Keep your distance and secure your belongings. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting via a boat tour that is family-friendly and allows for a comfortable viewing experience. If kayaking, ensure children are comfortable and supervised at all times. The clear, shallow waters near the shore can be good for younger children to paddle in, but always keep a close eye on them. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as amenities on the beach are limited.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for shared longtail boat services if kayaking isn't an option. While group tours can be pricier, sometimes negotiating with local boat operators for a shorter, more focused trip to Monkey Beach can be more affordable than a full-day excursion. Be aware that some tours might feel rushed, as noted by travelers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Aim for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting conditions and fewer crowds. A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended due to the proximity to water and potential for splashes, especially if you're kayaking or swimming. Be mindful of the monkeys' curiosity towards shiny objects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Monkeys of Monkey Beach
To ensure a safe and respectful encounter, visitors are strongly advised not to feed the monkeys. Feeding them can lead to aggressive behavior, dependency, and the spread of diseases. It also disrupts their natural foraging patterns. Instead, observe them from a safe distance, admire their antics, and capture photos without direct interaction. This approach helps preserve their wild nature and ensures a positive experience for both humans and monkeys.
Many visitors arrive via boat tours, and the monkeys often associate boats with potential food. This can lead to them approaching vessels. If you're arriving by kayak, you might have a more controlled and less intense encounter. The key takeaway is to respect their space and understand that their behavior can be unpredictable, despite their seemingly tame appearance.
Navigating Monkey Beach: Access and Activities
+1For a more independent and intimate experience, renting a kayak is highly recommended. This allows you to paddle at your own pace, explore the cove without the crowds of larger boats, and truly soak in the serene atmosphere. Kayaks can be rented from various resorts and rental shops on Phi Phi Don. The journey by kayak offers a unique perspective of the island's coastline and the dramatic limestone cliffs.
Once at Monkey Beach, the main activities revolve around its natural beauty and wildlife. Snorkeling in the clear turquoise waters reveals vibrant coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Simply relaxing on the small, sandy beach and observing the monkeys is a highlight for many. The picturesque setting also makes it an ideal spot for photography, capturing the unique blend of wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit