Monkey Bay
Monkey Bay, known locally as Ao Ling, is a small natural cove on Phi Phi Island reached by boat from Ao Nang and other departure points along the Krabi coast. Dramatic limestone cliffs frame the bay on all sides, and the water is shallow, calm, and clear enough to reveal the seabed beneath the surface — conditions that make it a popular snorkelling stop on island-hopping itineraries. What sets it apart from other coves along this coastline is the resident monkey population that inhabits the surrounding jungle and regularly descends to the shoreline, giving the bay an unpredictable, lively character that more developed beach stops simply cannot replicate. Visitors typically snorkel directly from the boat or wade along the white sand, with good visibility for spotting marine life close to shore. The relatively undeveloped setting attracts travellers looking for a more natural, quieter experience, though the presence of the monkeys ensures it is rarely dull. The bay is genuinely wild rather than managed, and that rawness is a significant part of its appeal. Good to know: The boat ride out to Monkey Bay can be genuinely rough, and even travellers who are not usually prone to motion sickness have reported difficulty on choppy days — motion sickness medication is worth taking as a precaution. Around the monkeys, keep bags, food, and loose items secured at all times, as they are known to steal belongings and can bite if they feel cornered. The cove is best visited between November and February when seas are calmer and water visibility is at its peak.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Monkey Bay, round out your day in Phi Phi Islands with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Visiting Monkey Bay on Phi Phi Island was an unforgettable experience. The place is absolutely stunning — turquoise water so clear you can see every ripple, limestone cliffs framing the cove, and white sand that glows under the sun. The highlight, of course, is the group of monkeys that call the area home. There are quite a few of them, and while you’re not supposed to feed or touch them, you can get remarkably close — just a few feet away. What stood out the most was how calm and friendly the monkeys were. They weren’t aggressive at all; they just hung out, interacted among themselves, and watched visitors with curiosity. It’s an incredible feeling to be that close to wildlife in such a peaceful tropical setting. I captured plenty of videos and photos that show just how magical it all was — the playful monkeys, the sparkling sea, and the natural beauty surrounding the bay. An absolute must-see if you’re visiting Phi Phi Island!
A tropical paradise with a wild twist! Monkey Bay is absolutely stunning, featuring crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling right off the boat, with plenty of vibrant marine life. Seeing the monkeys in their natural habitat was the highlight of the trip—just remember to admire them from a distance and keep your belongings secure! A breathtaking, must-visit destination that feels like a scene from a movie.
Very beautiful bay, be careful with the monkeys since they can bite you and steal your stuff. We have been there at noon and we saw a lot of monkeys, it’s worth the trip
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,676 reviews on Google.
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Monkey Bay: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Bay worth visiting?
Monkey Bay holds a 4.2★ rating from 1,676 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Phi Phi Islands.
When is the best time to visit Monkey Bay?
The best months to visit Phi Phi Islands are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: May – October (rough crossings, storm swell).
Where is Monkey Bay located?
Monkey Bay is at PQC9+HV9, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand, in Phi Phi Islands. Getting around Phi Phi Islands: Walking — Tonsai village and the twin bays are entirely pedestrian; Longtail taxis to Long Beach and the outer bays.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (rough crossings, storm swell)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Ferries and speedboats run from Phuket's Rassada pier (~2 hrs, ฿400–700) and Krabi's Klong Jilad pier (~1.5–2 hrs, ฿350–500), plus high-season boats from Koh Lanta. Everything lands at Tonsai pier on Phi Phi Don. There are no cars and no airport.
Getting around
- •Walking — Tonsai village and the twin bays are entirely pedestrian
- •Longtail taxis to Long Beach and the outer bays
- •Kayaks for the close coves and Monkey Beach
Where to stay near Monkey Bay
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
Nearby Places
Phi Phi Island Divers
Ao Nang-based dive centre offering guided expeditions and beginner courses around the Phi Phi Islands.
Phi Phi Moon Longtail
Longtail boat tours and taxi services operating daily from Ao Tonsai pier on Koh Phi Phi.
Phi Phi Island Boat Tours | TravelPirateTours
Boat tour operator exploring Phi Phi's iconic islands, caves, and turquoise waters daily from 07:00.
LONGTAIL BOAT PHI PHI
Private longtail boat tours from Aonang to Phi Phi Islands, offering flexible itineraries and an intimate on-water experience.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Kathu where rescued elephants roam freely and visitors connect with them through feeding and bathing.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is Chiang Mai's best-known ethical elephant operation — a network of small camps in the Karen hill country of Mae Wang, about 60 kilometres southwest of the city, where rescued elephants live in semi-wild family groups.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Pattaya Camp 1
An ethical elephant sanctuary in Pattaya's jungle offering hands-on feeding, mud baths, and close wildlife encounters.
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Samui (Soi 1 Branch)
Ethical elephant sanctuary in Maenam offering daily hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a jungle setting.
Where to stay near Monkey Bay
Find hotels in Phi Phi Islands on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Asia-focused selection
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: May – October (rough crossings, storm swell)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 32°C(77°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Ferries and speedboats run from Phuket's Rassada pier (~2 hrs, ฿400–700) and Krabi's Klong Jilad pier (~1.5–2 hrs, ฿350–500), plus high-season boats from Koh Lanta. Everything lands at Tonsai pier on Phi Phi Don. There are no cars and no airport.
Getting around
- •Walking — Tonsai village and the twin bays are entirely pedestrian
- •Longtail taxis to Long Beach and the outer bays
- •Kayaks for the close coves and Monkey Beach