Viking Cave and Monkey Beach Phi Phi Islands
Explore ancient Viking Cave paintings and observe playful monkeys at Monkey Beach, surrounded by stunning turquoise waters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Viking Cave and Monkey Beach Phi Phi Islands
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient Viking Cave paintings and observe playful monkeys at Monkey Beach, surrounded by stunning turquoise waters.
"A must-see for history and nature lovers with a stunning view of the caves around Phi Phi Island."
🚫 Don't Feed the Monkeys
Admire them from afar! Feeding can lead to aggression and disrupt their natural behavior.
🛥️ Boat Tour Essentials
Most tours include Viking Cave & Monkey Beach. Consider private boats for a better experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Viking Cave's Ancient Art
Phi Phi Leh
Marvel at ancient paintings resembling Viking ships adorning the cave walls. A glimpse into history from the boat.
Monkey Beach Encounters
Koh Phi Phi Don
Observe playful macaques in their natural habitat along a beautiful sandy cove. Keep a safe distance!
Crystal-Clear Waters
Surrounding Viking Cave and Monkey Beach
Swim and snorkel in the stunning turquoise waters, teeming with marine life. Perfect for a refreshing dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Wildlife and Environment
Tour Logistics and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚫 Don't Feed the Monkeys
Admire them from afar! Feeding can lead to aggression and disrupt their natural behavior.
🛥️ Boat Tour Essentials
Most tours include Viking Cave & Monkey Beach. Consider private boats for a better experience.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The limestone cliffs and clear waters offer incredible photo opportunities. Capture the magic!
🤿 Snorkeling Nearby
Some tours offer snorkeling near Viking Cave. Expect vibrant marine life and clear waters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚫 Don't Feed the Monkeys
Admire them from afar! Feeding can lead to aggression and disrupt their natural behavior.
🛥️ Boat Tour Essentials
Most tours include Viking Cave & Monkey Beach. Consider private boats for a better experience.
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The limestone cliffs and clear waters offer incredible photo opportunities. Capture the magic!
🤿 Snorkeling Nearby
Some tours offer snorkeling near Viking Cave. Expect vibrant marine life and clear waters.
💧 Stay Hydrated
The Thai sun is strong! Bring plenty of water, especially on boat tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Viking Cave and Monkey Beach are highlights of Phi Phi island tours, praised for their stunning natural beauty and historical intrigue. Visitors appreciate the unique cave paintings and the chance to see playful monkeys, though access to the cave itself is restricted. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, making these stops memorable parts of any island-hopping adventure.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fascinating Cave with Stunning Views!
Viking Cave is a unique and historical spot in the Phi Phi Islands, located at the base of towering limestone cliffs. While you can’t enter the cave itself, the view from the boat is absolutely stunning! The cave is famous for its ancient wall paintings and for being a nesting site for swiftlets, whose nests are harvested for bird’s nest soup—a local delicacy.
The turquoise water surrounding the cave is incredibly clear, making it a great stop for sightseeing and photography. Some tours also include snorkeling nearby, where you can see vibrant marine life.
Things to Know Before Visiting:
✔ You can’t go inside – The cave is protected, so tours only allow you to view it from the boat.
✔ Rich history – The cave got its name from paintings that resemble Viking ships, though its main use today is for bird’s nest harvesting.
✔ Stunning scenery – The limestone cliffs and emerald waters make it a great photo stop.
✔ Part of island tours – Most Phi Phi island-hopping tours include a stop here along with Maya Bay and Pi Leh Lagoon.
While you can't explore the cave itself, it’s still a cool and fascinating place to see. If you're visiting the Phi Phi Islands, it’s definitely worth a stop!
🚤🌊 A must-see for history and nature lovers!"
Anushka Shehan
"It has a stunning view of the caves around Phi Phi Island. It has also the facility for snorkeling. You can go to touching distance of the caves in small long tail boats with extra fee on top the package price. It feel marvelous when boat rushes beside the caves. A mus see place in Phi Phi Island tour."
Md. Rashidul Hasan Rana
"This cave is a brief but interesting stop on the Maya Bay tour, where visitors can admire its beauty from the outside. Entry is not allowed, so it’s more of a quick photo opportunity rather than an exploration spot. The stop usually lasts around 5 minutes, enough to appreciate its natural charm. A nice addition to the tour itinerary!"
Abhijeet Sawant (अभिजीत सावंत)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
These attractions are best accessed via boat tours from Phi Phi Don, Krabi, or Phuket. Many island-hopping tours include stops at both locations, often alongside Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. You can book group tours or opt for a private long-tail boat for a more personalized experience.
Ferries are the primary mode of transport between the mainland and Phi Phi Don. Once on Phi Phi Don, long-tail boats are ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Viking Cave and Monkey Beach.
Yes, many day trip tours from Phuket include Viking Cave and Monkey Beach as part of their itinerary, often covering multiple Phi Phi Islands.
While you can't walk to them, you can hire a private long-tail boat from Phi Phi Don to visit these spots at your own pace. This offers more flexibility than group tours.
Ferry rides from Krabi to Phi Phi Islands typically take around 1.5 to 2 hours. Boat tours to Viking Cave and Monkey Beach will then depart from Phi Phi Don.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You cannot enter Viking Cave itself. Tours view it from the boat, so there's no separate entry ticket. The cost is part of your overall boat tour package.
Typically, there isn't a separate entrance fee for Monkey Beach itself, but the cost is usually included in your island-hopping tour package. Be mindful of the monkeys and do not feed them.
Group tours can range from 1200 to 1400 Thai Baht per person, often including lunch and soft drinks. Private long-tail boat rentals will vary based on duration and negotiation.
Yes, visitors are not allowed to enter Viking Cave to protect the ancient paintings and the swiftlet bird nests. You can only view it from the boat.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred tour. You can also book through your hotel or local tour operators upon arrival.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Viking Cave, you can admire ancient wall paintings resembling Viking ships and observe the swiftlet bird nests from your boat. It's a brief but historically significant stop.
Observe the playful monkeys from a safe distance on your boat or the shore. Avoid feeding them. You can also swim and snorkel in the clear waters nearby.
Yes, many tours offer snorkeling opportunities in the clear waters surrounding these areas, allowing you to see vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
Stops at Viking Cave are typically brief, around 5-10 minutes for photos. Monkey Beach might allow for a short stop to observe the monkeys and swim.
Wear light, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, and a hat. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a waterproof bag for your electronics.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photos of Viking Cave are taken from the boat, capturing the dramatic limestone cliffs, the cave entrance, and the ancient paintings. The surrounding turquoise water adds to the scenic beauty.
Maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens if possible. Be patient, as the monkeys are active and playful. Avoid direct eye contact and sudden movements.
A waterproof camera or action camera like a GoPro is ideal for capturing underwater shots and boat activities. A good zoom lens is helpful for wildlife photography.
Since you can only view Viking Cave from the boat, there are no specific restrictions on photography from that vantage point. However, be mindful of other passengers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer, more flattering light. The midday sun can be harsh, but the vibrant colors of the water are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water for everyone. The boat rides can be bumpy, so keep that in mind for very young children. Many tours offer lunch, which can be a convenient option for families. The clear waters around these areas are great for a refreshing swim, but always supervise children closely.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider a waterproof camera or action camera for capturing the vibrant turquoise waters and potential snorkeling moments. Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing the colors. A private long-tail boat allows for more time at each location, giving you the freedom to wait for the perfect shot without being rushed by a group tour.
💰 Budget Travelers
While you can't enter Viking Cave, the view from the boat is still impressive. For Monkey Beach, remember that the main attraction is observing the monkeys from a distance, which is free. Be wary of extra fees for activities not included in the initial tour price. Bringing your own snacks and water can also help save money.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Viking Cave: History and Significance
Visitors can only admire Viking Cave from the deck of their boat. Access into the cave itself is restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem and the ancient artwork. Boat tours typically slow down as they pass the cave, allowing passengers ample time to take photos and appreciate its unique features. The dramatic limestone cliffs surrounding the cave, coupled with the vibrant turquoise waters, create a breathtaking backdrop for this historical site.
While you can't step inside, the visual spectacle of Viking Cave is undeniable. It's a brief but memorable stop on most Phi Phi island-hopping itineraries, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural intrigue. The experience is enhanced by the knowledge of its historical significance and its role in local traditions.
Monkey Beach: A Primate Paradise
It's crucial for visitors to remember that these are wild animals. While the monkeys are accustomed to human presence, feeding them is strongly discouraged. Feeding disrupts their natural foraging behaviors, can lead to aggression, and poses health risks to both the monkeys and humans. Tourists are advised to keep a safe distance, avoid direct eye contact, and secure any food items they may have. The monkeys are often seen interacting with each other, grooming, and playing, providing entertaining viewing.
Beyond observing the monkeys, Monkey Beach also offers opportunities for swimming and snorkeling in its clear, shallow waters. The surrounding coral reefs can be explored, though the primary attraction remains the primate inhabitants. Many boat tours include a stop here, allowing visitors a chance to disembark briefly or view the beach and its inhabitants from the boat.
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