Monkey Bay is a small, boat-accessed cove on Phi Phi Don, reached from the mapped address PQC9+HV9, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand. Known for troops of wild long-tailed macaques on a narrow strip of sand below jungle-covered limestone, it is a popular stop on Phi Phi Island longtail and speedboat outings for close-up wildlife viewing, swimming and dramatic coastal scenery.
What to Expect at Monkey Bay
The experience is entirely outdoors and shaped by the sea. Boats usually pull up offshore or nose toward the beach when conditions permit, leaving visitors to wade through shallow water or step onto sand. Behind the beach, steep karst cliffs rise into dense tropical vegetation; in front, the bay’s turquoise water can be clear enough for casual snorkeling around the rocky edges. There are no formal exhibits, ticket booth, café, toilets, changing rooms or lifeguards, so arrive prepared with drinking water, reef-safe sun protection and dry storage for valuables.
The macaques are the principal attraction, but they are wild animals rather than performers. Watch from a generous distance, keep bags zipped, and never hand-feed, touch or corner them. Food can provoke grabbing and bites, while monkeys may carry bacteria and disease. Boat crews may allow only a short shore stop, particularly when multiple tour groups arrive, making Monkey Bay better for an observant 30-to-60-minute visit than a full beach day. Snorkeling, swimming and landing conditions depend on tides, wind and boat traffic.
- Wild long-tailed macaques: Observe macaque troops from a distance as they move between beach shade, rocks and forest fringe.
- Limestone setting: Phi Phi Don’s sheer tropical karst forms a striking natural backdrop behind the compact cove.
- Boat-only arrival: Longtail and speedboat excursions offer the practical way to reach the bay; there is no road access.
- Shallow-water stop: Calm conditions can allow a brief swim, wade or snorkel near the shoreline and rockier margins.
- Phi Phi circuit pairing: Many visitors combine the stop with nearby bays, snorkeling points and a departure from Ton Sai Pier.
Monkey Bay at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | PQC9+HV9, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Phi Phi Don island, within the Phi Phi archipelago of Krabi Province |
| Operating Hours | No posted gate hours; visit in daylight via an operating boat service, subject to sea conditions |
| Admission / Price Range | No fixed site admission; longtail charter or island tour costs apply separately ($$) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 60 minutes as part of a boat excursion |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Boat access only; Ton Sai Pier is Phi Phi Don’s principal ferry and longtail-boat hub. No parking at the bay. |
| Official Website & Phone | No dedicated official visitor website or public phone line |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrange a licensed longtail boat or a Phi Phi island-hopping trip from Ton Sai Pier, the main arrival point for ferries from Phuket, Krabi and Ao Nang. Ask the operator before departure whether a beach landing is expected, whether snorkeling equipment is included, and whether weather permits a stop. Go earlier in the morning for cooler temperatures and generally quieter water; mid-day brings stronger sun and can coincide with several tour boats. Never leave snacks visible, and keep a clear route back to your boat rather than standing between monkeys and the forest.
Monkey Bay has no step-free built infrastructure. Boarding a longtail commonly involves stepping across a floating pier or from shallow water, then walking on uneven sand, so it is not reliably suitable for independent wheelchair users or travelers with limited balance. Strollers are impractical. There are no walkable restaurants, shops or landmarks from this isolated shore: pair the stop by boat with Ton Sai Village for meals and supplies, Loh Dalum Beach for a longer sandy break, or another Phi Phi Don snorkeling cove. Return to Ton Sai before dusk, when boat availability narrows and the shoreline has no lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Monkey Bay’s hours, and when is the best time to visit?
Monkey Bay has no formal opening hours or staffed entrance; visits take place during daylight through boat operators. Morning departures are a sensible choice for cooler conditions, before peak excursion traffic and before the strongest afternoon sun.
Is there an entry fee or do I need to book?
There is no fixed admission charge collected at the bay. Access is paid through a private longtail charter or a Phi Phi boat tour, so reserve ahead in busy periods and confirm that Monkey Bay is included in the route.
How much time should I allow for Monkey Bay?
Budget 30 to 60 minutes, including a possible wade ashore, wildlife observation and a short swim. Allow more time within your overall itinerary for transfers from Ton Sai Pier and for weather-related route changes.
Is Monkey Bay suitable for children and visitors with mobility needs?
Families can enjoy the wildlife from a safe distance, but children need close supervision and should never feed or approach macaques. The boat transfer, shallow-water landing and uneven sand create significant mobility barriers, with no accessible restroom or paved pathway on site.
When planning your Koh Phi Phi travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Koh Phi Phi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Chili and Pepper, Loh Ba Kao Bay, Tommy’s Bar and Bistro Phi Phi island, and Wang Long Bay (1.1 km away).
