Should You Do the Monkey Beach Tour in Phuket?

Monkey Beach is a small white-sand cove on the Phi Phi islands packed with wild macaques that will happily steal your snacks or sunglasses. Most tours from Phuket combine it with snorkeling stops, Maya Bay (when allowed), and other islands. Expect a full-day trip of 8–9 hours or a shorter 4-hour private longtail option. The beach itself is pretty but gets crowded fast; the monkeys are the main event and can be entertaining or a bit aggressive if you’re not careful with your belongings. Snorkeling nearby is usually decent, though the reefs have taken a beating over the years.

Best time is December to April when the sea is calmer and visibility is better. May–October can be rough, especially on the longtail boats. Expect to pay around $60–$90 per person for a standard group tour from Phuket; private options start roughly at $250–$400 for a boat. Speedboat tours are faster but more expensive and can feel rushed.

Tip: Choose a smaller group tour or private longtail if you want decent time on the beach instead of the cattle-boat experience. Skip trying to feed the monkeys—no matter how cute they look. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag, and keep valuables zipped away. If you just want a relaxed beach day, some of the closer islands around Phuket are less hectic.