In this article, I will write about locations where are monkeys in Thailand. Of course, there are zoos, but there are plenty of popular tourist destinations in Thailand where to see wild monkeys as well.
Besides finding out where to see monkeys in Thailand use this article as a reminder and warning that monkey attacks and bites in Thailand are not that common, but they do happen.
Here is the list of 7 best places where to see monkeys in Thailand:
- Khao Yai National Park
- Monkey Hill in Phuket Town
- Khao Sam Muk in Chonburi
- The Prang Sam Yod Temple (Monkey Temple) in Lopburi
- Phra Nakhon Khiri in Phetchaburi
- Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi
- Monkey Beach in Phi Phi
Keep reading to find out how each of these places differs from one to another, where are they, what are the entrance costs etc.
I will also share tips on how to avoid being scratched or bitten by aggressive monkeys.
1. Monkeys In Khao Yai National Park
Lately, there have been several reports of monkeys in Khao Yai National Park becoming more and more aggressive. With tourist numbers continuing to rise monkeys have learned many ways how to steal from them.
One of the most commonly used tactics by monkeys to steal the food from tourists is to show their teeth and hiss. That way people and especially kids get scared and drop their food on the ground which is an easy win for the monkeys.
Don’t be surprised if you see monkeys who prefer steamed rise instead of fruits or vegetables because interaction with tourists has changed their taste for food.
By the way, Khao Yai National Park is one of the few places in Thailand where to see elephants in the wild, and it is an excellent place for hiking.
What is the Khao Yai National Park entrance fee?
Entrance fee at Khao Yai National Park is 400 Baht (12.57 USD, 11.19 EUR, 9.68 GBP) and there are guided tours possible as well with prices starting at 500 Baht (15.72 USD, 13.99 EUR, 12.09 GBP) for a half day tour.
How to get to Kao Yai National Park from Bangkok?
The best way how to get to Kao Yai National Park from Bangkok is by bus that leaves from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes about 3 hours, and it ends at Pak Ching – a city that is nearest to the national park. The bus ticket costs around 200 Baht (6.29 USD, 5.60 EUR, 4.83 GBP).
2. Monkey Hill In Phuket Town
Monkey Hill in Phuket Town has to be one of the less touristy locations where to see wild monkeys in Thailand.
As the locals feed these monkeys, they are not that aggressive as in Khao Yai National Park. Also, there are signs for tourists that inform that feeding monkeys can be dangerous. Nevertheless, on your way up the hill, you will be able to buy corn, nuts, and bananas to feed them.
Besides seeing the playful monkies, this is the right place where to see the sunset.
What is the Monkey Hill entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee.
Street vendors selling food for monkeys will charge you about 10 Baht for a bunch of bananas.
How to get to Monkey Hill?
Assuming that you have already gotten to the Phuket Town the best way how to get to Monkey Hill is either by a scooter or a songtaew.
You could also hike for 3 kilometers up the hill. This hill is a popular spot for locals to work out. If you choose to walk, make sure you have enough water with you to stay hydrated.
3. Monkeys In Khao Sam Muk In Chonburi (Pattaya)
Khao Sam Muk is also known as a Monkey Hill, but it is not the one in Phuket Town. It is in Chonburi.
Khao Sam Muk is the most popular tourist destination in Chonburi and mainly because of the legend about a tragic love story that ended at the cliff overlooking the sea. Nowadays many tourists choose to visit Khao Sam Muk either because of the panoramic view or the monkeys.
Note that Khao Sam Muk is such a popular tourist destination that you could end up waiting in a traffic jam to get there. Especially on weekends. Therefore I recommend renting a scooter when planning a trip to this place.
If you will drive there with a scooter be aware of monkeys sat all over the road.
What is the Monkey Hill entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee.
4. The Prang Sam Yod Temple (Monkey Temple) In Lopburi
Would you like to visit a city with about 3000 monkeys in it? Then look no further and head to Lopburi. By the way, Lopburi is one of the oldest cities in Thailand.
Monkeys in Lopburi are spoiled. I mean there is such a thing as a Monkey Festival in Lopburi once a year.
Be aware that monkeys in Lopburi will jump on you and sometimes they might get aggressive.
What is the Prang Sam Yod Temple entrance fee?
Admission fee for the Prang Sam Yod temple is 50 Baht (1.57 USD, 1.40 EUR, 1.21 GBP).
As there are other ancient temples around it is possible to buy a combined ticket for 150 Baht (4.17 USD, 4.19 EUR, 3.63 GBP).
How to get to Lopburi from Bangkok?
The best way to get to Lopburi from Bangkok is by train from Bangkok’s Hua Lampong station (main train station in Bangkok). The train ride from Bangkok to Lopburi will take approximately 2.5 hours and cost 350 Baht (11 USD, 9.78 EUR, 8.47 GBP).
5. Monkeys In Phra Nakhon Khiri (Phetchaburi)
Note that local refer to Phra Nakhon Khiri as Khao Wang. So you might want to remember that if planning a trip to this place.
What differs it from other places that I have already mentioned is the cable car. Or a tram should I say. Anyway once you are up, you can enjoy the beautiful view as well as monkeys of course.
What is the Phra Nakhon Khiri entrance fee?
First, you will have to pay 40 Baht (1.26 USD, 1.12 EUR, 0.97 GBP) for the cable car to get up the hill.
Then the entrance fee will cost you 150 Baht (4.71 USD, 4.20 EUR, 3.63 GBP).
How to get to Phra Nakhon Khiri from Bangkok?
As Phetchaburi is only about 120 km away from Bangkok there are several options on how to get there – minivan, train, and even a taxi is a reasonable option in this case.
6. Monkeys At Tiger Cave Temple In Krabi
Sunrise at the Tiger Cave temple is one of the most memorable experiences that I have ever had in Thailand, and you can read about it in my article about the Tiger Cave Temple HERE.
Now back to monkeys! Compared to other places the monkeys in Tiger Cave Temple aren’t aggressive at all. Could it be because of this sacred place?
What is the Tiger Cave Temple entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee at the Tiger Cave Temple, and it is opened 24/7.
How to get to Tiger Cave Temple?
First, you have to get to Krabi Town. Once in Krabi Town, the most convenient way of getting to Tiger Cave Temple is either by a songtaew or a bus. For me, the first choice if possible is always the scooter.
7. Monkey Beach In Phi Phi (Koh Phi Phi Don)
Most likely your visit to the Monkey Beach in Phi Phi will be a shortstop during your island hopping tour in Phuket. It has to be the most popular beach in Thailand with monkies.
Monkey Beach is small, and therefore it often feels crowded. I recommend visiting it early in the morning.
A girl I know says that this beach should be closed because of how aggressive the monkeys are, but I don’t agree to her. I suggest searching for videos on YouTube about monkeys in Phi Phi and specifically in Monkey Beach.
What is the Monkey Beach entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee, but most likely it will cost you something to get there.
How to get to Monkey Beach?
Depending on where are you located there are several options on how to get there. If you are in Phuket, then the best way how to get to Monkey Beach is by speedboat. The same if you are in Krabi.
If you are already in Phuket, then you could rent a kayak which would be another exciting experience besides seeing the monkeys.
Monkey Festival Thailand – Lopburi Monkey Temple
Some refer to it as Lopburi monkey banquet or Lopburi monkey buffet.
To your surprise, it is the festival for the monkies not for the people as you might expect. What happens in monkey festival is that monkeys are fed with fruits and vegetables that are gathered by locals throughout the day.
Locals and tourists gather to watch the food that was prepared for the monkeys to disappear fast. A vast amount of selfies with monkies is taken on the Monkey Festival! Of course, many activities are going on for the locals and city guests as well.
What are the Lopburi monkey festival dates?
Lopburi monkey festival is usually held on the last Sunday of November. As it is Lopburi’s main tourist attraction, it gets crowded.
I have already mentioned that there are around 3000 monkeys that live in Lopburi and if you’re not a fan of big crowds, it is a good idea to visit Lopburi at any other time as well.
What time does the monkey festival start?
Monkey festival or the Lopburi monkey banquet usually starts at 10 AM. As it is kind of split into four parts, it reopens then at 12 PM, 2 PM and 4 PM.
Can You Hold Monkies In Thailand?
I guess you can, but I wouldn’t recommend trying because they can scratch and bite you quickly, and it is one of the things you want to avoid in Thailand.
Be extra cautious when approaching and touching baby monkeys because their moms could feel threatened and attack you.
A clear sign of an angry monkey is hissing.
Are Monkeys In Thailand Dangerous?
I remember reading online that about ten people are bitten by monkies in Thailand every day.
Note that you should not smile at monkies because for them it is a sign of threat. Yes, they are cute and funny, but it is a way how to provoke them attacking you without even realizing it.
Here is a list of actions you should not do when in near of wild monkeys in Thailand:
- Do not look into the eyes
- Do not bring food (unless you are okay with monkeys jumping on you)
- Hide all valuables (wallet, sunglasses, earrings, etc.)
- Do not show fear (monkeys feel it)
- Do not take away food from them
Note that if the monkey has jumped on you, it is recommended to keep calm and do not shake him off because the monkey will try to hold on and that way it is easy to get scratched. I have heard about the method of spinning around to get the monkey off.
Can You Get Rabies From Monkeys In Thailand?
Yes, one of the most common diseases from monkies in Thailand is rabies. The smallest cut scrape from a monkey could get you infected with rabies. It is the reason why you should be extra cautious when meeting a wild monkey in Thailand.
By the way, you could get rabies in Thailand by other animals as well. So be careful and avoid them either scratching or biting you.
I recommend asking your doctor about the necessity to get a rabies vaccination before your trip to Thailand.
My doctor recommended me to vaccinate against rabies, and I did it. As rules and assumptions are different in each of the countries, I suggest talking to your doctor.
What to do if bitten by a monkey in Thailand?
If you are bitten by a monkey in Thailand look for medical treatment immediately. It is recommended to wash the wound with soap and water if possible.
How To Avoid Monkies In Thailand?
If you don’t like monkeys use this article as a list of destinations that should be excluded from your trip throughout Thailand.
Also staying in such big cities as Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, and others most likely will exclude a possibility to meet monkeys. I am not aware of wild monkeys in Bangkok.
To avoid monkies in Thailand, you will have to avoid visiting National Parks and rural areas.
Related Questions
Where is the beach in Thailand with monkies?
Although there are several beaches in Thailand with monkies as their inhabitants the most popular is the Monkey Beach in Phi Phi (Koh Phi Phi Don).
Do they eat monkeys in Thailand?
No, Thais nor the tourists in Thailand don’t eat monkeys. Historically monkey brains were cooked for Chinese imperial cuisine, but nowadays serving monkey brains is illegal. Jail sentence of up to 10 years can be applied for breaking the law. So, no monkeys or monkey brains in the menus of Thai restaurants.
){kind=link}