Monkey Island (Hon Lao) - Image 1
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Monkey Island Hon Lao

4.2
·3k reviews·Nha Trang, Vietnam

Hon Lao Island, Vietnam's Monkey Island, offers wild monkey encounters, entertaining shows, and scenic beaches near Nha Trang.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
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Monkey Island (Hon Lao) - Image 1

Monkey Island Hon Lao

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, better prices

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hon Lao Island, Vietnam's Monkey Island, offers wild monkey encounters, entertaining shows, and scenic beaches near Nha Trang.

4.2
(3k reviews)

"A unique wildlife experience with playful monkeys and quirky shows, but be prepared for the crowds and prices."

Vertical photo
TIP

🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand

Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry .

🔒 Secure Your Belongings

Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mischievous Monkey Encounters

Mischievous Monkey Encounters

Throughout the island

Interact with hundreds of wild monkeys, feed them bananas, and witness their playful antics. A truly unique wildlife experience!

Monkey Circus Shows

Monkey Circus Shows

Designated show area

Be entertained by surprisingly skilled monkeys performing tricks and races. A quirky and memorable spectacle.

Scenic Beaches and Swings

Scenic Beaches and Swings

Island coastline

Relax on picturesque beaches with clear waters, perfect for a dip or enjoying the island vibes.

Colorful Island Houses

Colorful Island Houses

Specific side of the island

Discover charming, brightly colored houses that offer great photo opportunities and add to the island's character.

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Planning Your Visit

Monkey Encounters: Be Prepared!

Monkeys on Hon Lao Island can be bold and curious. Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying food openly. While generally not aggressive towards humans, they might snatch items if they sense snacks. Consider buying bananas for feeding before boarding to save money.Reddit

Timing Your Visit for Fun & Value

To avoid the biggest crowds and potentially higher prices, aim for weekdays. The ferry schedule can be a bit unpredictable, so be patient. Arriving earlier in the day might offer a more relaxed experience before peak tourist times.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better prices
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon shows
Why
Catch the entertaining performances
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This is the day you will always remember as the day you almost caught Captain Jack Sreejesh. #thailand #phiphiisland #monkeyisland #jacksparrow #thailand🇹🇭
@nam_choi_
33.2K likes • 1.9M views

🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand

Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry.Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Belongings

Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched.Reddit

Oh dear…😂😂😂 (he was fine in the end!)#monkeyisland #phiphiisland #thailand #traveltiktok #travellife #thailandtiktok #thailandtravel #monkeys
@meme_litravels
25.3K likes • 997.8K views
Остров обезьян Hon Lao (Monkey Island)🐒 #vietnamtravel #monkeyisland #nhatrang
lenkaa_elena
61 likes • 308 views

⏰ Be Patient with Ferries

Ferry times can be a bit random. Relax and enjoy the wait, or check with your tour operator for schedules.Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

The island offers many picturesque spots, especially the colorful houses, for great photos.Reddit

Monkey Island or Hon Lao Island Nha Trang 🇻🇳 Рассказываю в своём блоге про Вьетнам, не забудь подписаться 👉🏻 В 20 километрах к северу от Нячанга и примерно в 2 километрах от берега залива расположен остров обезьян (Monkey Island или Hon Lao Island), густо заселенный живущими в дикой природе обезьянами. Во времена советско-вьетнамской дружбы на этом острове разводили обезьян для поставки в СССР. В...
anastasia_snezhok
65 likes • 1.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🍌 Buy Bananas Beforehand

Save money by purchasing bananas for the monkeys at the ticket booth before boarding the ferry.Reddit

🔒 Secure Your Belongings

Monkeys are curious! Keep your bags zipped and valuables out of sight to prevent them from being snatched.Reddit

⏰ Be Patient with Ferries

Ferry times can be a bit random. Relax and enjoy the wait, or check with your tour operator for schedules.Reddit

📸 Capture the Moments

The island offers many picturesque spots, especially the colorful houses, for great photos.Reddit

🐒 Respect Monkey Territory

While friendly, monkeys are wild. Give them space and be assertive if they approach too closely with food.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Monkey Island offers a unique, albeit touristy, experience with its playful monkeys and entertaining shows. Visitors enjoy the close encounters with wildlife and the island's scenic beaches. However, some find the animal shows ethically questionable and the island's development overly commercialized. Prices for food, especially bananas, can be high if not purchased beforehand.

"Monkeys ain't dangerous, they won't bite or scratch at all. They friendly and sweet.
And the money's show are just fun
We were visiting together with Tour company, so as i know it would be cheaper"

Azima Isagalieva

"They literally force the monkeys to envolve by making them have races on little motorbikes - this and the circus show are probably not the best animal husbandry but besides that they can run around the whole island freely and can get feeded by visitors mostly by bananas - buy the bananas BEFORE getting on the island if you want to save money as they have crazy prices on the island - nice beaches around the island with swings and stuff to enjoy clear water - entry is 180k which u pay by purchasing a ferry ticket - ferry times are as everything in vietnam a bit random on times"

_ Poel

"Had a lot of fun here walking around feeding the monkeys. The circus show was unlike anything I’ve seen before although it did make me feel sorry for the animals."

Dylan Maltais

What People Like

Close monkey encounters
Entertaining shows
Scenic beaches

What People Dislike

High food prices
Ethical concerns
Overly touristy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Monkey Island (Hon Lao) is located about 20 km north of Nha Trang. You can reach it by boat, usually as part of a tour package or by hiring a private boat. Many tours depart from Nha Trang's piers.Instagram+1

Ferry times can be somewhat random, but return boats typically leave approximately every half hour. It's best to confirm the schedule with your tour operator or at the departure point.Reddit

Yes, tours to Monkey Island are widely available from Nha Trang. Many tour companies offer packages that include transportation, island entry, and sometimes lunch.Reddit

The boat ride to Monkey Island from Nha Trang typically takes around 12-15 minutes.Reddit

No, Monkey Island is only accessible by boat. You cannot drive directly to the island.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entry fee for Monkey Island is approximately 180,000 VND. This is often paid when purchasing your ferry ticket.Reddit

Typically, the main ticket covers ferry access and island entry. Some tours might bundle additional activities or food.

Tickets are usually purchased at the mainland departure point before boarding the ferry. It's advisable to confirm this when booking your trip.

The standard ticket usually includes the boat ride to and from the island and access to the island's attractions, including the monkey areas and shows.Reddit

Information on child discounts is not widely available, but it's worth inquiring with tour operators or at the ticket booth.

🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience

While the monkeys are generally friendly and sweet, they can be bold and may try to snatch food or items. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and keep belongings secure.TikTokReddit

Activities include interacting with and feeding monkeys, watching entertaining monkey circus shows, relaxing on the beaches, and exploring the island's scenic spots.InstagramReddit

The island is not very large, and it takes about 40 minutes to walk around. However, you can spend longer enjoying the beaches and shows.Reddit

Monkey shows are typically held at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3:15 p.m..Reddit

Yes, there are nice beaches around the island with clear water where you can swim.

🍽️ 🍌 Food & Dining

Food, particularly bananas for feeding the monkeys, is available for purchase on the island, but prices can be high.Reddit

Bananas for feeding the monkeys typically cost around 35,000 VND on the island, but can be bought for 20,000 VND at the ticket booth before boarding.Reddit

While there might be some basic food stalls, it's not known for extensive dining options. Many visitors opt for tours that include meals.

Bringing your own snacks and water is generally a good idea, especially to save on costs. However, be mindful of how you store them to avoid attracting the monkeys.

Bananas are the most common and recommended food for feeding the monkeys.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Great photo opportunities include the playful monkeys, the colorful houses on one side of the island, and the scenic beaches.Reddit

It's best to maintain a safe distance and avoid direct interaction while taking photos. Be aware of your surroundings, as monkeys can be quick to grab items.TikTok

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing monkeys from a safe distance. Consider a waterproof case if you plan on swimming.

Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors and the animals. Avoid flash photography directly at the monkeys.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Monkey Island can be a fun and exciting destination for families. Children are often fascinated by the monkeys and enjoy feeding them.Instagram The interactive nature of the island, with opportunities to feed the animals and watch the shows, keeps kids engaged. However, parents should be vigilant about keeping a close eye on their children and their belongings, as the monkeys can be quite bold.TikTokReddit Bringing plenty of snacks and water is recommended, and consider purchasing bananas for a guaranteed interaction. The beaches offer a chance for kids to play in the water.

💰 Budget Travelers

To make Monkey Island more budget-friendly, the key is to buy bananas for feeding the monkeys at the ticket booth on the mainland rather than on the island, where prices are inflated.Reddit Opting for group tours can also be more economical than private boat hire. While the entry fee is fixed, being savvy about food purchases can significantly reduce overall spending. Pack your own snacks and drinks to avoid on-island markups.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Monkey Island offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. Capture candid moments of the monkeys interacting, playing, and being fed.TikTokInstagram The colorful houses on the island provide a vibrant and unique subject matter.Reddit Don't forget to photograph the scenic beaches and the overall island landscape. A zoom lens can be beneficial for capturing wildlife from a safe distance, and a waterproof camera or phone case is advisable if you plan to swim.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Monkeys of Hon Lao

Hon Lao Island, famously known as Monkey Island, is home to a large population of macaques. These primates are accustomed to human presence, making for close encounters. While often perceived as friendly and sweet, it's crucial to remember they are wild animals.Reddit Visitors often enjoy feeding them bananas, which can be purchased on the island or, more affordably, at the mainland ticket booth.Reddit However, their curiosity can lead them to snatch bags or items that appear to contain food, so keeping valuables secure is paramount.TikTokReddit

Some visitors have noted that the monkeys can be aggressive amongst themselves, and while direct aggression towards humans is rare, respecting their space and territory is advised. The island also features 'monkey shows' where the animals perform various tricks, including riding motorbikes and racing. While entertaining, some find these performances ethically questionable due to animal husbandry concerns.Reddit Despite this, the island offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with these lively creatures in a semi-wild environment.

Navigating Tours and Transportation

Getting to Monkey Island from Nha Trang is typically done via organized tours or private boat hire. Many tour operators in Nha Trang offer day trips that include transportation to the island, entry fees, and sometimes lunch or other activities. These tours can be a convenient way to manage logistics, especially for first-time visitors.Instagram+1

The ferry ride itself is relatively short, usually around 12-15 minutes.Reddit While the ferry schedule is generally consistent with boats departing every half hour, it's wise to be prepared for potential minor delays, as is common in Vietnam.Reddit When booking a tour, it's a good idea to clarify what is included, such as the cost of bananas for feeding the monkeys, as prices can vary significantly between the mainland and the island itself.Reddit For those seeking more flexibility, hiring a private boat is an option, though it may be more expensive.

Beyond the Monkeys: Island Attractions

While the monkeys are the main draw, Hon Lao Island offers more than just primate encounters. The island boasts several attractive beaches with clear waters, providing a pleasant spot to relax, swim, or simply soak up the sun.Reddit For photographers, the island presents numerous picturesque scenes, including the vibrant, colorful houses scattered across one side, which offer a charming backdrop for photos.Reddit

Beyond the natural beauty, the island also features amenities like swings on the beaches, adding to the leisurely atmosphere. The 'monkey circus' shows, though debated ethically, are a unique form of entertainment that many visitors find amusing.Reddit Exploring the island can take around 40 minutes, allowing ample time to enjoy the various sights and activities before catching a return ferry.

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