Monkey Beach
Tucked into the southwestern side of Phi Phi Don Island, this picturesque cove combines powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and towering limestone cliffs with something few beaches can offer: a resident population of wild monkeys that move freely among visitors. The result is an unusual pairing of tropical scenery and genuine wildlife encounter, drawing travellers who want more than a standard beach stop on their Krabi or Phi Phi itinerary. The atmosphere is relatively natural and unhurried compared to the busier beaches in the region. Monkeys approach visitors with curiosity and little hesitation, making interactions feel authentically wild rather than orchestrated. The boat journey to reach the beach adds to the experience, offering open-water views of the surrounding island coastline along the way. The calm, clear water also makes it a practical spot for a swim between stops on a longer island tour. Good to know: the beach is accessible by boat only, typically as part of an organised island-hopping tour or via water taxi from nearby piers. Visitors should keep bags zipped and food stored away before arriving, as the monkeys are opportunistic and will readily investigate anything within reach. The dry season, roughly November to April, brings calmer seas and more reliable boat access. Arriving earlier in the day is advisable, as afternoon weather can affect schedules and the beach tends to be quieter before larger tour groups arrive.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Monkey Beach, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Monkey Beach in Phuket is such a funny and unique experience! 🐒 The beach is beautiful with soft sand and clear water, but the real surprise is the monkeys! They walk around freely and sometimes come close to visitors. It’s really fun to watch them, but be careful with your food and bags! The view is also amazing, and the boat ride to get there is short and enjoyable. A great place to visit for something a little different and fun! 🌴🌊🐵
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.
Also Popular in Krabi

Koh Lipe
Koh Lipe, in Thailand's far southern Andaman near the Malaysian border, is the country's closest answer to the Maldives — powder-white sand at Sunrise and Pattaya beaches and water in improbable shades of turquoise, with snorkeling straight off the shore into the protected Ko Tarutao Natio.

Ko Lanta
A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.

Ko Phi Phi Don
The largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, balancing vibrant beach life with dramatic natural scenery.

Emerald Pool
A mineral-rich natural swimming pool deep in Krabi's rainforest, famous for its striking emerald-green water.
Monkey Beach: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monkey Beach worth visiting?
Monkey Beach holds a 4.4★ rating from 4,392 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Krabi.
When is the best time to visit Monkey Beach?
The best months to visit Krabi 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: June – September (rough Andaman seas).
Where is Monkey Beach located?
Monkey Beach is at PQV6+7JX, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near Monkey Beach
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Tips for Visiting Beaches
Check Monsoon Windows
Andaman coast beaches (Phuket, Krabi) have rough seas May–October. Gulf beaches (Samui, Hua Hin) are roughest October–December. Plan your beach trip around these windows for calm water and safe swimming.
Go Early for Empty Sand
Even the busiest beaches are nearly deserted before 9 AM. Sunrise walks on Kata, Chaweng, or Railay are magical — and you'll beat the heat for a morning swim.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Many Thai marine parks ban chemical sunscreens that damage coral. Bring reef-safe (mineral/zinc-based) sunscreen from home — it's harder to find and pricier in Thailand.
Similar Beaches Across Thailand

Patong Beach
Phuket's most famous 3km beach on the Andaman Sea, buzzing with water sports, dining, and nightlife.

Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is the pair of horseshoe bays on Koh Phangan's northeast corner that many rate the island's best all-round base — Thong Nai Pan Yai, the larger southern bay with a village feel and family resorts, and Thong Nai Pan Noi, the more polished northern bay where the island's smarte.

Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat) on Koh Phangan's north coast is the island's poster child for earned seclusion — a wide crescent of soft sand backed by jungle hills, with no road in.

Tawaen Beach
Ko Lan's largest beach, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Pattaya, with clear water and a lively shoreline.
Where to stay near Monkey Beach
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental