Should You Do the Monkey Island Tour in Phuket?

The Monkey Island tour is basically a full-day speedboat trip that takes you to Phi Phi for sightseeing, stops at Monkey Beach (part of Phi Phi Don) where wild macaques come right up to the boat or beach, and usually includes one or two snorkel spots plus a quieter island like Khai or Bamboo for swimming. Expect a long day (8–9 hours), loud engines, crowded beaches, and the classic Thai day-trip mix of beautiful water and quite a lot of people. The monkeys are genuinely entertaining but also opportunistic thieves – keep your stuff zipped and don’t feed them.

Best time is December to March when the sea is calmest and visibility is good. From May to October the Andaman Sea gets rough and many tours get cancelled or become very bumpy. Expect to pay around $55–85 per person depending on whether you go by speedboat, how many islands are included, and whether lunch is provided. Private tours or smaller groups push toward the higher end.

Pick the version that includes both Monkey Beach and a decent snorkel spot away from the main crowds. Skip the cheapest rock-bottom tours – they tend to be packed, rushed, and spend too much time at the monkey beach with everyone screaming and taking selfies. Bring your own snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, and a dry bag. If you hate crowds or seasickness, this might not be the day for you.