


Monkey Hill Viewpoint
Monkey Hill Viewpoint sits on a forested hill in the Ratsada area of Phuket, offering visitors two distinct draws: close encounters with a large population of wild macaques and sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The monkeys are present in considerable numbers throughout the trail itself, meaning most visitors see plenty of wildlife well before reaching the summit. At the top, a broadcast tower marks the peak alongside an observation area with open views across Phuket. The atmosphere is an informal mix of nature walk and scenic viewpoint, with a steady flow of visitors throughout the day. The trail takes roughly 90 minutes return and involves a steady incline through shaded forest, which helps temper the heat but still makes for a physically demanding walk. The monkeys, while plentiful and often entertaining, are wild animals and have been known to approach bags and belongings — particularly if food is visible. Visitors should arrive prepared for the conditions: wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes, and avoid carrying open food or bags that are easy for monkeys to grab. Early morning is generally the cooler and quieter time to visit. There is no admission fee reported by visitors, and the location is accessible from Phuket Old Town, making it a convenient addition to a day exploring the area.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Monkey Hill Viewpoint, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I visited this park a couple of times. There are many monkeys and quite a lot of visitors as well. Some people behave in ways that can frighten the animals — waving sticks and hitting them against the pavement near the monkeys. Because of this, the monkeys can act unpredictably and aggressively. I noticed that some locals feed them, and the monkeys often run up and grab food directly from people’s hands. I wouldn’t recommend doing this. Park workers also ride through the area and feed the monkeys bananas, which is interesting to watch. At the entrance, bags are checked to make sure no food is brought inside. If food is found, it must be left at the entrance and can be collected when leaving. Some visitors suggested carrying a stick for protection, but I chose not to. This is the monkeys’ natural habitat, and visitors are guests here. It’s best to behave calmly: stay quiet, avoid eye contact with the monkeys, keep your distance, and don’t hold or wave objects. When the monkeys are not disturbed, they remain relaxed and quietly groom each other. In any case, stay alert, but don’t panic. I saw one situation where a group of four men were being loud and waving sticks. One of them even fell to the ground, and a monkey reacted aggressively. After that, one of the monkeys suddenly ran after a passing man and grabbed onto his pants. This kind of behavior should be avoided. Panic-driven behavior not only agitates the monkeys but can also put other visitors at risk. The viewpoint itself is not particularly remarkable. The most interesting part is the walk up and the opportunity to observe the monkeys in their natural environment.
visited Monkey Hill Viewpoint with my friend, and we really enjoyed our time here. If you are visiting Phuket or Phuket Old Town, this place is definitely a must-visit. The viewpoint is beautiful and peaceful, and you can see amazing views of the whole city from the top. One thing I really liked is that the entry is completely free, so anyone can come and enjoy the nature and the atmosphere. There are also many monkeys around, which is fun to see, but you have to be a little careful with your bags, food, and water bottles because the monkeys are playful and sometimes try to take things. The walk up is not too hard, and the road is clean and safe. It feels very relaxing, especially if you come in the morning or late afternoon. It's a great spot to take photos, spend time with friends, and enjoy fresh air away from the busy city. Overall, this is one of my favorite places in Phuket, and I highly recommend visiting if you want a simple but memorable experience.
I love 🐒 and I was not disappointed. I saw probably a hundred or two in total. The view near the top is nice. There is no real need to walk all the way to the top. It is just the local tv and radio broadcasting towers. There is a little drink store at the very top for the people who absolutely needed to walk to the top but no views. It is about a 5 km walk to the top. The path is paved but you my need to walk around monkeys to use the path. There is also a body weight gym you can use while the monkey coach, cheer you on or just clean their but while you work out.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Monkey Hill Viewpoint
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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 Through Klook or GetYourGuide
These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. 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.
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Ko Yao Yai
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Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.
Getting around
- •Grab (widely available)
- •Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
- •Motorbike rental
- •Airport bus to Phuket Town
- •Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands
Where to stay near Monkey Hill Viewpoint
Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.