Monkey Bay

Imagine a secluded stretch of land where white sands meet crystal-clear turquoise waters. This is Monkey Bay — a picturesque natural wonder located on the southwest coast of Phi Phi Don island, a jewel of Thailand. The beach, about 200 meters long, is nestled between majestic limestone cliffs and lush tropical greenery, creating a sense of total isolation from the outside world.

Monkey Bay. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This place gained worldwide fame thanks to its unusual inhabitants — a colony of wild macaques that boldly come down to the shore in search of treats. Travelers from all over the world flock to Koh Phi Phi to see for themselves how these exotic primates interact with tourists against an idyllic seascape.

The bay is a mandatory stop for most sea excursions. The absence of land trails makes it even more alluring, as it can only be reached by water. The combination of untouched nature, snorkeling opportunities, and unique wildlife makes Monkey Bay one of the most memorable spots on the Krabi region's tourist map.

To plan your trip to this scenic location, it's helpful to know its exact position. Although the beach doesn't have an official office, geographic coordinates will help guide your boatman.

The main attraction in Monkey Bay is, without a doubt, observing crab-eating macaques. You can watch these agile creatures descend from the cliffs to the water's edge, play with one other, and curiously inspect guests. However, keep safety in mind: monkeys are very clever and might swipe unattended belongings or show aggression if they feel threatened.

For underwater world enthusiasts, the conditions here are ideal. Right off the shore, there's a shallow coral reef where schools of colorful tropical fish dart through the clear water. Be sure to bring your snorkeling gear, as the gentle entry into the sea and lack of strong currents make swimming comfortable even for beginners.

Those seeking tranquility should simply enjoy relaxing on the soft sand while admiring the panorama of Loh Dalum Bay. Since the beach completely lacks infrastructure, don't forget to bring a supply of water and snacks. Try to arrive early in the morning to catch the bay in silence before the main excursion boats arrive and to secure a cozy spot in the shade of the coastal trees.

Because Monkey Bay is isolated by steep cliffs, it is impossible to reach by land — the path lies exclusively across the sea. The beach is located on the southwest side of Phi Phi Don island, just 700 meters from the main Tonsai pier. The most popular and authentic way to get here is to rent a traditional Thai long-tail boat. The rental cost for a group of up to eight people is usually around 3,000 baht.

For active travelers, a kayak is a great option, which can be rented at Loh Dalum beach. The journey by water takes little time but offers unforgettable views of the rocky coastline. The bay is also included in the itinerary of most group excursions departing from Phuket or Krabi province.

If you are in the town center or far from the port, take a local taxi to Tonsai Pier, where your water journey will begin. Remember that since there is no public transport on the island itself, boats are the only reliable way to connect with this secluded location.

Monkey Bay got its name from its native inhabitants — wild crab-eating macaques. Unlike many other tourist spots where animals were specially introduced, the primates here are a natural part of the ecosystem and live in the dense jungle that grows right up to the water's edge.

Over time, the macaques have become so accustomed to the daily flow of visitors that they have stopped fearing humans and have become the rightful masters of the beach. Tourists bringing treats have unintentionally changed the animals' behavior, making them more interactive, though they still remain wild creatures of nature.

In addition to its "living" attraction, the bay is recognized as one of the best spots for snorkeling in the entire archipelago. It is often mentioned in guidebooks alongside famous locations like Long Beach and Bamboo Island, thanks to its unique combination of underwater biodiversity and untouched landscape.

It is generally recommended to allocate 2 to 3 hours for a visit to Monkey Bay. This is plenty of time to leisurely boat to the shore, watch the macaques play, take vivid photos, and enjoy snorkeling at the coral reef.

The total duration of your visit may vary depending on excursion schedules or tide times. If you decide to head there independently by kayak, allow extra time for travel and resting in the shade to fully soak in the serene atmosphere of this place.

Monkey Bay is a natural site and is accessible 24/7. However, it's best to plan your visit during daylight hours, as boats between islands only run until sunset.

Experienced guides suggest arriving at the beach as early as possible, around 8:00–9:00 AM. At this time, there are no large tour groups yet, and you can observe the monkeys in their natural and peaceful environment. Since the beach has no official website, it's best to check with local boatmen at the pier for current information on sea conditions and bay accessibility.

Exploring the surroundings of Monkey Bay will allow you to fully experience the atmosphere of the archipelago and add variety to your vacation. Both natural beauties and lively island nightlife centers are located nearby.