“Experience the wonder of nature where wildlife and the sea coexist in harmony at Monkey Beach. Enjoy observing the charming lifestyle of the resident long-tailed macaque troops on fine white sand resembling granulated sugar.”
Monkey Beach, known internationally as Monkey Beach, is one of the most distinctive landmarks that adds color and character to tourism in the Phi Phi Islands. While other beaches focus on tranquility or luxury resort experiences, Monkey Beach offers a raw natural charm created entirely by nature. The most memorable feature of this beach is the stretch of pure white sand running alongside clear emerald-green waters, backed by towering limestone cliffs covered with dense vegetation, which serve as the natural habitat of large groups of wild long-tailed macaques that frequently come down to the beach to forage and roam.
The natural area of Monkey Beach combines ecological highlights and points of interest in a remarkable way. The first highlight is the resident troop of long-tailed macaques, which are very familiar with tourists. They often appear climbing on rocks, relaxing on the sand, and providing visitors with opportunities to photograph and observe wildlife behavior up close in its natural environment. Just a few meters offshore lies the shallow coral reef of Monkey Bay, one of the best and most abundant snorkeling sites on Phi Phi Don Island. Beneath the crystal-clear water are hard corals, brain corals, and schools of colorful tropical fish, especially sergeant major fish and clownfish swimming around the reef formations, creating an exciting underwater experience for swimmers and snorkelers.
The outstanding appeal of Monkey Beach is its lively and exciting atmosphere. The surroundings are filled with the sound of waves meeting the shore and the chatter of wild monkeys. Kayaking along the limestone cliffs into the bay feels like an adventure to a hidden island. Visiting Monkey Beach therefore offers a complete travel experience, combining relaxation on sandy shores, snorkeling to explore the underwater world, and learning about wildlife. It is a destination that highlights the richness of the national park and creates unique and unforgettable memories for every traveler.
How to Get There
- Private Car: If driving to the departure pier on the mainland, travel from Krabi Town via Highway 4034 toward Noppharat Thara Beach Pier or Ao Nang Tourist Pier. Park your vehicle at the national park parking area or a private parking facility before taking a ferry to the Phi Phi Islands.
- Public Transportation: Take a local songthaew from Krabi Town to Ao Nang Pier, where ferry and speedboat tickets to Phi Phi Don Island are available.
- Boat Transfer to Monkey Beach: Monkey Beach is located on Phi Phi Don Island. The most convenient way to reach it is by renting a kayak from Tonsai Bay and paddling along the limestone cliffs (approximately 30–40 minutes), or by hiring a local longtail boat from Tonsai Bay, which takes only 5–10 minutes. The beach is also a common stop on speedboat day-trip programs departing from Krabi and Phuket.
Travel Tips
- The best time to visit is from November to April, when the sea is calm and the water is at its clearest. It is recommended to visit in the morning (08:30–10:30 AM) to avoid the larger tour groups that typically arrive in the afternoon.
- Recommended activities include kayaking into the bay, snorkeling over the coral reefs in front of the beach, and photographing the long-tailed macaques from a safe distance.
- Do not feed monkeys under any circumstances, as it may alter their natural behavior and increase the risk of them grabbing belongings. Keep valuables such as glasses, phones, and hats securely stored, as monkeys may take them. Wear water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral fragments.
- Nearby attractions include Tonsai Bay, Loh Dalum Bay, and the Phi Phi Don Viewpoint (Phi Phi Viewpoint).
Entrance Fee:
- There is no additional fee to access the beach (as it is located on Phi Phi Don Island and included within the general tourism area), except in cases where local authorities inspect the island environmental maintenance fee ticket of 20 THB at the main pier.
Opening Hours:
- Open all day (recommended visiting hours are 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM for safety regarding sea conditions and wildlife activity during the evening).