Monkey Beach is so-named for the furry and mischievous primates that can be seen clambering around the rocky bluffs and jungle terrain which surround it. The 492 foot (150 meter) strip of sand is fairly remote, making for a serene and picturesque escape on the island of Koh Phi Phi Don. Walk out into the shallow waters of this idyllic slice of paradise and take in the views of the beach.
On the sand, you’ll meet the cheeky monkeys that call this beach home. They’ve become accustomed to being fed by sunbathers so may approach you with confidence. Take care not to get too close to the monkeys, though, as they have been known to bite and scratch. The long-tailed macaques mostly live in the mountains and come down to the beach to try to get food from humans. Note that much of their diet consists of fruit.
Bring snorkeling gear and dive into the sea to see a plethora of colorful and exotic fish at your feet. Dry off on the soft sand and lay down a blanket for a picnic with views of the wooden long-tail boats docked in the water.
The beach is known among locals by its official Thai name, Yong Gasem Bay. It is also sometimes called Ao Ling, a direct translation of Monkey Beach. You can expect its namesake monkeys to be a little tamer in the late afternoon when they’re well fed.
Monkey Beach lies at the southern tip of the Koh Phi Phi Don, which is located within the Andaman Sea off the coast of southern Thailand. To reach the island, take a 2-hour ferry from Phuket. From the Tonsai Bay jetty at the heart of the islet, ride in a long-tail boat or rent a kayak for the 40-minute trip south to this beach. While in the region, check out surrounding scenic areas like Wang Long Bay and Tonsai Beach.
