Monkey Beach is a small, boat-access cove on the west side of Phi Phi Don, mapped at PQV6+7JX, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81000, Thailand, in the Phi Phi Islands area of Mueang Krabi District. Part of the wider Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park landscape, it draws travelers for pale sand, clear shallows, limestone headlands and the resident long-tailed macaques that give the beach its name.
What to Expect at Monkey Beach
Monkey Beach is not a built-up resort beach: there is no road, promenade or row of beach clubs. Longtail boats pull into the bay from Tonsai or Loh Dalum, usually dropping visitors in shallow water near a short strip of sand backed by dense tropical vegetation and steep karst. The water is generally calmest in the dry-season morning, when swimming, floating and photographing the cliffs are the principal activities. Bring drinking water, sun protection and a waterproof bag; facilities on the beach are extremely limited.
The macaques are wild animals, not a photo prop. They often approach bags, food and unattended belongings, and may bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Keep a generous distance, secure everything edible, never feed them and do not hold out phones for close selfies. The best experience is to watch quietly from the edge of the beach or from your boat. Many half-day Phi Phi longtail itineraries combine Monkey Beach with snorkeling stops around the island, but the cove itself rewards a short, careful visit rather than a full day.
- Long-tailed macaques: Observe the beach’s resident monkeys from a distance without feeding, touching or crowding them.
- Karst setting: Sheer, jungle-covered limestone forms a dramatic natural enclosure around the sandy cove.
- Shallow-water swimming: Clear, warm water near shore suits a cooling dip when sea conditions are calm.
- Longtail arrival: Reaching the beach by traditional longtail is part of the Phi Phi Don experience.
- Snorkeling add-on: Ask boat operators to pair the stop with suitable offshore coral and fish-viewing locations.
Monkey Beach at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | PQV6+7JX, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81000, Thailand |
| Neighborhood / Area | Phi Phi Don, west of Loh Dalum Bay, Phi Phi Islands |
| Operating Hours | Open-access shoreline; visit in daylight and follow weather, boat-operator and national-park directions. |
| Admission / Price Range | Beach access is free; longtail transfer, tour costs and any applicable national-park fees are separate. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes, or longer as part of a private longtail outing |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Tonsai Pier is the nearest ferry arrival point; no road access or parking at the beach. |
| Official Website & Phone | No dedicated official website or public telephone; arrange licensed longtail transport at Tonsai Pier. |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Leave from Tonsai Pier or Loh Dalum Bay by longtail boat, agreeing on waiting time and return pickup before you land. Early morning is the sensible window: temperatures are lower, the bay is often quieter and you have more flexibility before tour traffic builds. Check wind, rain and tide conditions with your operator, particularly in the monsoon months. There is no public transit on this side of Phi Phi Don and no parking; all practical access is by water after arriving on Phi Phi by ferry or speedboat.
This is not an accessible beach landing. Visitors typically step from a rocking boat into ankle- to knee-deep water, then cross loose sand; there are no ramps, paved paths, toilets, changing rooms or lifeguard station. It is unsuitable for wheelchairs and difficult for strollers or anyone unsteady on wet surfaces. Families should keep children within arm’s reach and away from monkeys. Monkey Beach has no walkable dining street, so plan nearby stops by boat: Loh Dalum Beach is useful for a swim and cafés, while Tonsai Bay and Tonsai Village offer ferry connections, restaurants, convenience stores and dive operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hours to visit Monkey Beach?
Visit during daylight, preferably early in the morning when heat and boat traffic are usually lower. Departure timing depends on sea conditions, so confirm the pickup plan with your longtail captain and avoid treating the beach as an all-day, unsupervised stop.
Is there an entry fee or do I need to book a tour?
The shore itself is free to enter, but it is reached by hired longtail boat or an organized island trip. Boat fares vary by route, group size and waiting time; national-park charges can also apply on Phi Phi itineraries, so ask what is included before departing Tonsai.
How long should I spend at Monkey Beach?
Allow 45 to 90 minutes for the landing, swimming, scenery and responsible monkey watching. A shorter stop is often wiser if monkeys are actively approaching visitors or if weather and swell make boat transfers uncomfortable.
Is Monkey Beach suitable for children or visitors with mobility needs?
Confident older children can enjoy the beach with close adult supervision, but they should not run toward or feed macaques. The wet boat transfer, loose sand and lack of facilities make the site challenging for strollers, wheelchairs and travelers requiring step-free access.
When planning your Koh Phi Phi travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Koh Phi Phi, pair this stop with standout local spots including SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort, Efe Mediterranean Cuisine Restaurant, Ko Phi Phi Don, and Phi Phi CoCo Beach Resort (0.7 km away).
