The 4 Best Places to See Monkeys in Phuket (Safely & Respectfully in 2025)
Seeing monkeys in the wild is one of those experiences many travelers hope for — and in Phuket, it’s not hard to make it happen. But not all monkey encounters are equal.
Some spots are overrun, aggressive, or straight-up dangerous. Others offer a peaceful, natural experience where you can observe wild macaques behaving like… well, macaques — not street performers.
In this guide, we’ll show you where to see monkeys in Phuket, how to do it safely, and how to avoid the scams and bites that turn an exciting moment into a trip to the hospital.
🙈 Quick Facts About Monkeys in Phuket
- Phuket’s monkeys are mostly long-tailed macaques
- They are wild animals, not pets — they can bite, scratch, and carry diseases
- Feeding them makes them aggressive and dependent on humans
- The best monkey experiences are about observation, not interaction
🐵 1. Monkey Hill (Toh Sae Hill) – Popular but Caution Required
Location: Phuket Town
Vibe: High density of monkeys, lots of locals and tourists feeding them
Good for: Close-up viewing from a scooter or car
Not ideal for: Walking up with food or bags
What to expect:
- Hundreds of monkeys roam the hill freely
- Many are used to tourists and will approach or grab items
- Some locals sell fruit to feed the monkeys — this encourages aggressive behavior
Local tip:
Go early morning or before sunset. Don’t bring snacks, drinks, plastic bags, or sunglasses hanging off your shirt — monkeys know what to target.
Safety rating: ⚠️ Medium risk
Best for: People who want to see monkeys easily from a vehicle or viewing point
🏞️ 2. Khao Rang Viewpoint – Scenic Spot with Chill Monkeys
Location: Phuket Town, not far from Monkey Hill
Vibe: Less crowded, more peaceful
Good for: Watching monkeys at a distance while enjoying a view
What to expect:
- A few families of monkeys roam the trees and sometimes hang near the viewpoint railings
- They’re more relaxed than on Monkey Hill
- Popular with Thai families and couples at sunset
Local tip:
Sit at Tunk Ka Café or walk the nearby paths — you’ll often see monkeys without even trying.
Safety rating: 🟢 Low risk
Best for: Casual travelers and photographers
🌿 3. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park – Wild, Ethical, and Underrated
Location: Near Bang Pae Waterfall, east Phuket
Vibe: Natural jungle — monkeys live here, but aren’t fed or conditioned to humans
Good for: Seeing monkeys as part of a real rainforest experience
What to expect:
- Hike the Gibbon Trail and you might see macaques, langurs, or gibbons in the canopy
- No vendors, no feeding, no circus
- The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is nearby — a great stop to learn more
Local tip:
You may not always see monkeys — but if you do, it’s 100x more rewarding because it’s natural.
Safety rating: 🟢 Very low risk
Best for: Nature lovers and ethical wildlife travelers
🛕 4. Temples with Monkeys – Proceed with Caution
Some temples like Wat Suwan Khuha (technically in Phang Nga) and Wat Tham Ta Pan are known for roaming monkeys, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Why be cautious:
- Monkeys in these areas are often fed by tourists and locals
- They associate humans with food and can get aggressive
- You may be asked to buy overpriced bananas to feed them — skip it
Safety tip:
Don’t bring plastic bags, food, or shiny jewelry. Keep a respectful distance and stay calm if a monkey approaches.
Best for: Quick visits if you’re already heading to the temple or on a day trip north of Phuket
🚫 What NOT to Do Around Monkeys
| ❌ Don’t | ✅ Do |
|---|---|
| Feed them (even bananas) | Observe from a distance |
| Stare directly into their eyes | Stay calm and neutral |
| Bring plastic bags | Carry everything zipped and hidden |
| Try to touch or take selfies | Let them be — it’s their home |
| Panic if approached | Back away slowly and without shouting |
🧭 Best Time to See Monkeys in Phuket
- Early morning (7:00–9:00 AM): Cool temperatures, monkeys are active
- Late afternoon (4:00–6:00 PM): Sunset views + monkey activity
- Avoid midday: Hot, and monkeys are less active
✅ Final Thoughts: Monkeys Are Wild — Treat Them That Way
Watching monkeys in Phuket is exciting — but it’s not a zoo, and it’s not Instagram content. It’s real wildlife. The best experiences come when you’re respectful, quiet, and aware of your surroundings.
You don’t need to feed them or pose for photos. Just being there — and seeing them move through the trees or sit together as a troop — is more than enough.
Skip the banana bag. Keep your distance. And enjoy the moment.
