Monkey Island Hon Lao
Hon Lao Island, Vietnam's Monkey Island, offers wild monkey encounters, entertaining shows, and scenic beaches near Nha Trang.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Monkey Island Hon Lao
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better prices
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hon Lao Island, Vietnam's Monkey Island, offers wild monkey encounters, entertaining shows, and scenic beaches near Nha Trang.
"A unique wildlife experience with playful monkeys and quirky shows, but be prepared for the crowds and prices."
🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand
Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry .
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mischievous Monkey Encounters
Throughout the island
Interact with hundreds of wild monkeys, feed them bananas, and witness their playful antics. A truly unique wildlife experience!
Monkey Circus Shows
Designated show area
Be entertained by surprisingly skilled monkeys performing tricks and races. A quirky and memorable spectacle.
Scenic Beaches and Swings
Island coastline
Relax on picturesque beaches with clear waters, perfect for a dip or enjoying the island vibes.
Colorful Island Houses
Specific side of the island
Discover charming, brightly colored houses that offer great photo opportunities and add to the island's character.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Encounters: Be Prepared!
Timing Your Visit for Fun & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand
Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry.
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched.
⏰ Be Patient with Ferries
Ferry times can be a bit random. Relax and enjoy the wait, or check with your tour operator for schedules.
📸 Capture the Moments
The island offers many picturesque spots, especially the colorful houses, for great photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand
Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry.
🔒 Secure Your Belongings
Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched.
⏰ Be Patient with Ferries
Ferry times can be a bit random. Relax and enjoy the wait, or check with your tour operator for schedules.
📸 Capture the Moments
The island offers many picturesque spots, especially the colorful houses, for great photos.
🐒 Respect Monkey Territory
While friendly, monkeys are wild. Give them space and be assertive if they approach too closely with food.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkey Island offers a unique, albeit touristy, experience with its playful monkeys and entertaining shows. Visitors enjoy the close encounters with wildlife and the island's scenic beaches. However, some find the animal shows ethically questionable and the island's development overly commercialized. Prices for food, especially bananas, can be high if not purchased beforehand.
"Monkeys ain't dangerous, they won't bite or scratch at all. They friendly and sweet.
And the money's show are just fun
We were visiting together with Tour company, so as i know it would be cheaper"
Azima Isagalieva
"They literally force the monkeys to envolve by making them have races on little motorbikes - this and the circus show are probably not the best animal husbandry but besides that they can run around the whole island freely and can get feeded by visitors mostly by bananas - buy the bananas BEFORE getting on the island if you want to save money as they have crazy prices on the island - nice beaches around the island with swings and stuff to enjoy clear water - entry is 180k which u pay by purchasing a ferry ticket - ferry times are as everything in vietnam a bit random on times"
_ Poel
"Had a lot of fun here walking around feeding the monkeys. The circus show was unlike anything I’ve seen before although it did make me feel sorry for the animals."
Dylan Maltais
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Island (Hon Lao) is located about 20 km north of Nha Trang. You can reach it by boat, usually as part of a tour package or by hiring a private boat. Many tours depart from Nha Trang's piers.
Ferry times can be somewhat random, but return boats typically leave approximately every half hour. It's best to confirm the schedule with your tour operator or at the departure point.
Yes, tours to Monkey Island are widely available from Nha Trang. Many tour companies offer packages that include transportation, island entry, and sometimes lunch.
The boat ride to Monkey Island from Nha Trang typically takes around 12-15 minutes.
No, Monkey Island is only accessible by boat. You cannot drive directly to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Monkey Island is approximately 180,000 VND. This is often paid when purchasing your ferry ticket.
Typically, the main ticket covers ferry access and island entry. Some tours might bundle additional activities or food.
Tickets are usually purchased at the mainland departure point before boarding the ferry. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your trip.
The standard ticket usually includes the boat ride to and from the island and access to the island's attractions, including the monkey areas and shows.
Information on child discounts is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring with tour operators or at the ticket booth.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
While the monkeys are generally friendly and sweet, they can be bold and may try to snatch food or items. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep belongings secure.
Activities include interacting with and feeding monkeys, watching entertaining monkey circus shows, relaxing on the beaches, and exploring the island's scenic spots.
The island is not very large, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around. However, you can spend longer enjoying the beaches and shows.
Monkey shows are typically held at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:15 p.m..
Yes, there are nice beaches around the island with clear water where you can swim.
🍽️ 🍌 Food & Dining
Food, particularly bananas for feeding the monkeys, is available for purchase on the island, but prices can be high.
Bananas for feeding the monkeys typically cost around 35,000 VND on the island, but can be bought for 20,000 VND at the ticket booth before boarding.
While there might be some basic food stalls, it's not known for extensive dining options. Many visitors opt for tours that include meals.
Bringing your own snacks and water is generally a good idea, especially to save on costs. However, be mindful of how you store them to avoid attracting the monkeys.
Bananas are the most common and recommended food for feeding the monkeys.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities include the playful monkeys, the colorful houses on one side of the island, and the scenic beaches.
It's best to maintain a safe distance and avoid direct interaction while taking photos. Be aware of your surroundings, as monkeys can be quick to grab items.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing monkeys from a safe distance. Consider a waterproof case if you plan on swimming.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors and the animals. Avoid flash photography directly at the monkeys.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Monkeys of Hon Lao
Some visitors have noted that the monkeys can be aggressive amongst themselves, and while direct aggression towards humans is rare, respecting their space and territory is advised. The island also features 'monkey shows' where the animals perform various tricks, including riding motorbikes and racing. While entertaining, some find these performances ethically questionable due to animal husbandry concerns. Despite this, the island offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these lively creatures in a semi-wild environment.
Navigating Tours and Transportation
The ferry ride itself is relatively short, usually around 12-15 minutes. While the ferry schedule is generally consistent with boats departing every half hour, it's wise to be prepared for potential minor delays, as is common in Vietnam. When booking a tour, it's a good idea to clarify what is included, such as the cost of bananas for feeding the monkeys, as prices can vary significantly between the mainland and the island itself. For those seeking more flexibility, hiring a private boat is an option, though it may be more expensive.
Beyond the Monkeys: Island Attractions
Beyond the natural beauty, the island also features amenities like swings on the beaches, adding to the leisurely atmosphere. The 'monkey circus' shows, though debated ethically, are a unique form of entertainment that many visitors find amusing. Exploring the island can take around 40 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the various sights and activities before catching a return ferry.
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