Ultimate Guide to Hiking the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang, Krabi
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE MONKEY TRAIL — AO NANG
Staying close to the Monkey Trail lets you hike early or late, avoid crowds, and enjoy easy access to both Ao Nang Beach and Pai Plong Beach.
Best Area: South Ao Nang Beach
Walking Distance: 2–10 minutes to the trail entrance
Ideal For: Beach lovers, short stays, first-time visitors
View Location on Google Maps:
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Monkey Trail Entrance (Exact Location)
Top Hotel Options Nearby:
• Luxury: Cliffside resorts with private beach access
• Mid-range: Comfortable hotels near Ao Nang Beach
• Budget: Guesthouses slightly inland with easy access
Check Availability & Prices:
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View hotels near the Monkey Trail (Booking.com)
Why Stay Here:
• Walk to the Monkey Trail & Pai Plong Beach
• Easy access to restaurants & shops
• Great base for island tours & sunset walks
Hiking the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang
If you are looking for an easy hike in Ao Nang, Krabi with sea views and wildlife, the Monkey Trail is a great choice. This short trail connects Ao Nang Beach with the quiet Pai Plong Beach and offers a simple jungle walk with beautiful views.
During our stay in Ao Nang, hiking the Monkey Trail became part of our daily routine. Each morning, we walked along Ao Nang Beach until reaching the southern end where the trail begins. From there, we followed the wooden path through the jungle, enjoying the fresh air and views along the way.
After finishing the hike, we usually ended our walk with a swim at Pai Plong Beach, also known as Monkey Beach. It was a calm and refreshing way to start the day and one of our favorite experiences in Ao Nang.
Where Is the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang
The Monkey Trail is located at the southern end of Ao Nang Beach. After passing the main street with shops and restaurants, the trailhead is just beyond the last fisherman’s bar.
Monkeys are often seen near the entrance and may try to grab food or shiny items, so keep your belongings secure.
Refreshing Mornings on Ao Nang Beach: The Perfect Smoothie Strategy
Mornings in Ao Nang can be hot, so we liked cooling down with a fresh fruit smoothie during our beach walk. We always finished our drinks before reaching the Monkey Trail, since monkeys often snatch smoothies and other items from hikers, something we saw happen several times.
Meet the Macaques: A Fun Start to the Monkey Trail
As soon as you enter the Monkey Trail, you will see wild macaque monkeys that live in this area. They are playful and fun to watch, often interacting with each other and nearby hikers. Taking a moment to observe them is a great and memorable way to begin the hike.
Short on time?
More Monkey Experiences on Phi Phi Island
If you enjoy monkeys, Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Island is another great place to visit. From Krabi, you can reach Phi Phi by ferry, speedboat, or tour in about 1 to 1.5 hours each way, which makes it an easy day trip with time to relax on the beach.
If you want to stay longer, Phi Phi The Beach Resort is a peaceful option. We share more details in our post about why we chose this resort and how it adds to the Phi Phi experience.
Discover & Book Things to Do in Krabi Thailand
Is the Monkey Trail Suitable for Kids
The Monkey Trail can be enjoyable for kids, though it may be challenging for very young children. With parental support, it is still a good option for families. We even saw parents carrying babies along the trail, but it ultimately depends on your family’s comfort level and safety preferences.
Check Out Our Monkey Trail Vlog
How Difficult is the Trail?
The Monkey Trail is short and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to walk from Ao Nang to Pai Plong Beach, depending on how often you stop for views or photos. The trail is about 0.4 miles one way. While it has been updated with bamboo rails and wooden steps, some sections can still feel challenging, though the newer path is less steep and easier to walk than before.
Hiking Back to Ao Nang Beach at Dusk
If you leave Pai Plong Beach later in the day, the walk back to Ao Nang can feel more challenging as it gets dark. The trail is well lit, which helps you see your steps and makes the return manageable. It is still best to hike earlier when possible, and if you go back at night, take your time and stay cautious along the path.
Are the Monkeys Aggressive
The monkeys on the Ao Nang Monkey Trail are mostly macaques and are usually not aggressive. They are wild animals, though, and may approach if they sense food. While they are often calm, it is important to treat them with respect and keep your distance.
Best Time to Hike the Monkey Trail
For us, the best time to hike the Monkey Trail was in the morning. It became part of our daily routine, and the trail was quieter and more peaceful. The beach was also calm at that time. We usually saw monkeys in the afternoon, but some mornings they were active too. Early morning or early afternoon gives you the best chance to spot them.
Embrace the Beauty of the Monkey Trail
As you hike the Monkey Trail, you are surrounded by the natural beauty of Ao Nang. The path offers great views of limestone cliffs, lush tropical greenery, and colorful plants. Along the way, you can hear birds and crickets, which adds to the calm and peaceful feel of the hike.
Safety Tips for the Trail
Avoid wearing flip-flops or slippery shoes, especially after rain, as the trail can be slick. Rails are available along the path to help with balance. If you bring water, keep it inside your backpack since monkeys may grab bottles from your hands. Sunglasses are also a common target, so it is best to store them in your bag.
Observing Macaque Families on the Monkey Trail
As you hike the Monkey Trail, you may see several macaque families living in the area. It is common to watch mother monkeys caring for their babies through grooming and play. Seeing these close family bonds adds a special and memorable moment to the hike.
At the End of the Trail: Pai Plong Beach Entry
At the end of the Monkey Trail, you will reach Pai Plong Beach, where there is a small table with a security guard and a visitor book to sign. This is required by the nearby resort for security. We noticed some fun and playful names in the book, which gave us a good laugh. The best part is that there is no entrance fee, so you can enjoy the beach without any extra cost.
Pai Plong Beach: A Year-Round Favorite
Pai Plong Beach is one of our favorite places in Krabi. During our stay, we saw it change between the dry and wet seasons, from calm and lake-like to wild with strong waves. Each season showed a different side of the beach, and we enjoyed its beauty every time.
Relaxing at Pai Plong Beach After the Hike
Once you arrive at Pai Plong Beach, it is hard to resist jumping into the clear water right away. Each time we visited, we took a swim and relaxed with a coconut drink, which felt like the perfect reward after the hike. The calm setting made it easy to slow down and enjoy the moment.
The beauty of Pai Plong Beach reminded us of the beaches on Koh Lanta. If you want more beach ideas, you can read our guide to 12 Must-Visit Beaches on Koh Lanta for Your Ultimate Adventure and plan your next tropical escape.
What to Do on Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach offers several ways to enjoy the scenery. You can rent a kayak and explore the clear water at your own pace. Kayaks cost 600 THB for a full day or 250 THB per hour, and you can paddle toward Railay Beach or Tonsai if you are up for a challenge. The distance from Ao Nang to Railay is about 8 km and takes a few hours of strong paddling, so it is best suited for experienced kayakers.
Long Tail Boat Option
If kayaking is not for you, you can hire a long tail boat instead. These traditional boats can take you to Railay Beach or Tonsai Beach, letting you relax and enjoy the scenery without the effort of paddling.
Centara Grand Beach Resort at Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach is home to the luxury Centara Grand Beach Resort, a secluded and beautiful place to relax. If you want to enjoy the resort for the day, you can buy a day pass for 1,499 THB. The pass includes access to the pool, spa facilities, drinks, a 30 minute massage, boat service, and other amenities, making it a great way to enjoy a day of comfort at Pai Plong Beach.
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