Monkey Hill Phuket
Home to hundreds of wild macaques, Monkey Hill offers thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking panoramic views of Phuket Town.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Monkey Hill Phuket
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active monkeys
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to hundreds of wild macaques, Monkey Hill offers thrilling wildlife encounters and breathtaking panoramic views of Phuket Town.
"Be cautious, but the views and monkey sightings are unforgettable!"
Keep Valuables Secure
Monkeys can be quick! Secure your belongings to avoid any unwanted attention.
Avoid Feeding Monkeys
While tempting, feeding can lead to aggressive behavior. If you do, be extremely cautious.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Monkey Colony
The slopes of Monkey Hill
Observe and interact with hundreds of wild macaques in their natural habitat. Be cautious and respectful.
Panoramic Phuket Views
Observation platform at the summit
Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Phuket Town and the surrounding coastline.
Planning Your Visit
Monkey Encounters: Be Prepared!
Getting to Monkey Hill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Keep Valuables Secure
Monkeys can be quick! Secure your belongings to avoid any unwanted attention. +1
Avoid Feeding Monkeys
While tempting, feeding can lead to aggressive behavior. If you do, be extremely cautious.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Consider Travel Insurance
Just in case of any unexpected monkey-related incidents.
Tips
from all over the internet
Keep Valuables Secure
Monkeys can be quick! Secure your belongings to avoid any unwanted attention. +1
Avoid Feeding Monkeys
While tempting, feeding can lead to aggressive behavior. If you do, be extremely cautious.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
The climb can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:
Consider Travel Insurance
Just in case of any unexpected monkey-related incidents.
Stay Calm if Approached
If a monkey approaches, remain calm and avoid sudden movements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Monkey Hill offers a unique chance to see wild macaques and enjoy panoramic views of Phuket Town. Visitors often find the monkey encounters thrilling, though some warn of aggressive behavior and the risk of bites. The views from the summit are consistently praised, making it a worthwhile, albeit cautious, excursion. +2
"This is a must see if you’re in the area. Great views and lots of monkeys. Just don’t get too close to the animals and don’t bring food with you. If you bring water, keep it out of site of the monkeys.
You can purchase beverages and at the top and bottom of the hill. All the vendors were very nice and welcoming."
Ryan
"Such a cool experience, especially seeing the monkeys—there were so many, and the baby ones were absolutely adorable! Even though we didn’t climb all the way up since it wasn’t too hot, the monkeys are all over the place, so it was still totally worth the visit.
Only on the way out did we realize you could rent them to take you with a scooter or taxi to the top—I wish that had been made clearer or offered at the entrance. That would have made the visit even better.
Overall, a fun and unique spot, definitely worth checking out!"
Saule Petraityte
"Nice trail with lots of old trees along the way to fill your lung with fresh air. Walk uphill till the view point but it’s really an easy trail. The view point offers just average panoramic view to my liking probably because it was cloudy. It was fun to observe the monkeys’ behavior from afar. Just beware of the monkeys as you walk. They did stop me as I walked by (I had a backpack but no foods) but not in an aggressive way. Walk calmly to the other side if they stop you, not make eyes contact, prepare rocks or a stick just in case work for me. Don’t bring foods or if you do just to have some fun, be prepared to protect yourselves. I saw a group of group of terrified/fun seeking tourists bringing foods not knowing how to get rid of a huge monkey stealing their foods and blocking the way."
S Tran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Monkey Hill is located just outside Phuket Town. You can easily reach it by taxi or songthaew. Some visitors mention hiring a taxi from Patong or other beach areas, but be prepared for a longer ride.
Yes, Monkey Hill is accessible from Phuket Town. The road leads up to a certain point, and then it's a walk to the viewpoint and the main monkey areas.
Taxis and songthaews are the most common options. Negotiate your fare beforehand. Some travelers opt for scooter rental for more flexibility, but be cautious on the roads.
It's a considerable distance to walk from the heart of Phuket Town, and the road can be busy. Taking a taxi or songthaew is generally recommended for convenience and safety.
There are no official entrance fees to Monkey Hill itself. However, you will need to pay for your transportation to get there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to visit Monkey Hill. It's a natural attraction open to the public.
Monkey Hill is generally accessible throughout the day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and better visibility.
Early mornings or late afternoons are often recommended. Mornings offer active monkeys and fewer crowds, while afternoons provide beautiful sunset views.
While tempting, it's strongly advised against feeding the monkeys. Signs at the entrance often prohibit it, and it can lead to aggressive behavior.
Stay calm, avoid direct eye contact, and do not make sudden movements. If you have food, do not show it. Back away slowly.
🎫 🐒 Monkey Encounters
The monkeys can be unpredictable and have been known to bite or scratch if they feel threatened or are seeking food. Visitors have shared experiences of being bitten. +2
If you are bitten, seek medical attention immediately. Clean the wound thoroughly and consult a doctor about rabies precautions. Travel insurance is recommended.
It's best to maintain a safe distance. While some videos show close interactions, it's risky. Observe them from a respectful distance to ensure your safety and theirs.
Monkey Hill is primarily home to long-tailed macaques, a common species found throughout Southeast Asia.
You can take photos from a distance, but avoid trying to pose with them or get too close, as this can provoke them.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The observation platform at the summit offers stunning panoramic views of Phuket Town, perfect for landscape shots. Capturing the monkeys in their natural behavior is also a popular photographic pursuit.
Absolutely! The viewpoint provides a fantastic perspective of the island, especially during sunrise or sunset. It's a great spot for photography enthusiasts.
Early morning or late afternoon light is ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset offers beautiful warm tones for both the landscape and wildlife shots.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture interesting shots of the monkeys. Remember to prioritize safety and avoid disturbing them.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of your surroundings and the monkeys' behavior. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the steepness of the climb and whether younger children can manage it. If not, you might opt for a shorter visit to the lower areas where monkeys are present but the ascent is less demanding. Prioritize safety above all else; if you feel uncomfortable at any point, it's best to turn back. Many parents opt for less risky animal encounters in Phuket for a more relaxed family experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for dynamic conditions. The monkeys' movements can be fast, and the light can change quickly. Patience is key to capturing compelling shots. Always be aware of your surroundings, as the monkeys can be unpredictable. Some photographers find success by visiting during off-peak hours to have more space and fewer distractions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Monkeys of Monkey Hill
Social media content often showcases the monkeys' playful antics, but it's important to balance this with the reality of potential risks. Videos depict monkeys snatching items and even instances of bites. This underscores the advice from locals and experienced travelers: maintain a safe distance and avoid direct provocation. The monkeys are accustomed to human presence, but this familiarity doesn't equate to domestication. Their natural instincts can take over, particularly when they perceive a threat or an opportunity for a meal.
For those interested in observing the monkeys, the best approach is to be a respectful spectator. Bring binoculars if you want a closer look without getting too near. If you choose to offer food, do so with extreme caution and be prepared for the consequences. Many travelers recommend against feeding altogether to ensure a safer experience for both humans and monkeys.
Navigating the Ascent and Views
This viewpoint is particularly popular during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the landscape, creating stunning photographic opportunities. Visitors often share their awe at the expansive vistas, describing it as a rewarding experience after the climb. However, the presence of monkeys can add an element of unpredictability to the ascent. Some travelers have noted that monkeys can sometimes become territorial or chase visitors, making the climb more adventurous than anticipated.
To make the most of your visit, wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water, especially if visiting during the hotter parts of the day. While there are no official facilities for food and drink at the summit, the views themselves are the main attraction. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and the monkeys' behavior throughout your climb and at the viewpoint.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit