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Phi Phi Islands

Monkey Beach

4.4(4,465 reviews)

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 Phi Phi Islands with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

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.

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.

Monkey Beach was a very cool and unique experience. Seeing wild monkeys up close in their natural environment was something special and definitely a highlight of the trip. Depending on the tour you choose, you can either go onto the beach or stay on the boat. We chose to watch from a distance, which still gave us a great view and felt comfortable. The monkeys were easy to see, and it was really fun just observing them from the boat. It’s not something you get to experience every day, and it makes the place feel very different from a regular beach. We also went snorkeling nearby, just outside the beach area, and that was another great part of the stop. The water was nice, and it was fun to combine wildlife with snorkeling in the same place. Overall, Monkey Beach is definitely worth visiting, whether you choose to stay on the boat or go onto the beach. A very cool experience that I would absolutely recommend.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 4,465 reviews on Google.

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Monkey Beach: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Monkey Beach worth visiting?

Monkey Beach holds a 4.4★ rating from 4,465 Google reviews — a strong rating for beaches in Phi Phi Islands.

When is the best time to visit Monkey Beach?

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 Beach located?

Monkey Beach is at PQV6+7JX, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, 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

Very High

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 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.

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