Key Highlights
- What it is: A short jungle boardwalk hike from Ao Nang Beach to the secluded Pai Plong Beach
- Trail basics: 450–800m one way, 15–20 minutes, easy difficulty, free to enter
- Start point: Southern end of Ao Nang Beach, near Soi 17
- Wildlife: Long-tailed macaques and occasional Dusky Leaf monkeys
- Best time to hike: Early morning or late afternoon; avoid midday heat and rain
- Who it’s for: Couples, solo travelers, and active families with kids aged 6 and up
- What to pack: Closed-toe shoes, water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and swimwear
- At Pai Plong Beach: Sign in with the ranger, swim in calm waters, rent kayaks
- Where to stay: Deevana Krabi Resort — an easy walk from Ao Nang Beach
- Save more: Join DHR Preferred Guest for up to 25% off room rates and added perks
Tucked at the southern end of Ao Nang Beach is one of Krabi’s most rewarding short walks. The Monkey Trail is a jungle boardwalk that takes you from the busy main beach to the peaceful Pai Plong Beach – with panoramic sea views and a few cheeky macaques along the way. It’s free, beginner-friendly, and easy to fit into half a day. If you’re planning your visit from an Ao Nang resort Krabi, this is one of the easiest and most memorable mini-adventures you can do on foot.
Quick Facts About the Monkey Trail, Ao Nang
- Length: Approximately 450–800m one way
- Elevation gain: About 16m (52 ft)
- Duration: 15–20 minutes one way; 30–45 minutes round-trip
- Difficulty: Easy, with a few steep wooden staircases
- Entry fee: Free
- Start point: Southern end of Ao Nang Beach
- End point: Pai Plong Beach
- Part of: Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park
- Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and active families
What Is the Krabi Monkey Trail?
The Krabi Monkey Trail is a short wooden boardwalk and staircase path that cuts through a forested headland between Ao Nang Beach and the secluded Pai Plong Beach. It’s named after the long-tailed macaques that live along the route. You might also spot the gentler Dusky Leaf Monkey near Pai Plong Beach if you’re lucky.
The path hugs the coastline, climbs a small hill, and then drops down into a quiet cove protected by limestone cliffs – one of the prettiest pockets in Krabi.
Who Is the Monkey Trail Suitable For?
The Monkey Trail in Ao Nang, Krabi, is suitable for the general public, as long as you’re up for a bit of a climb and have decent footwear. It’s the ideal activity to enjoy the panoramic coastal views and explore Krabi’s natural terrain without needing a guide.
This will particularly appeal to couples who want a short romantic trip. Families who love the outdoors will also find this short trek fun, as the children will love seeing the macaques up close. However, younger children may find some sections a bit steep or uneven, so supervision is needed. Active solo travelers will find the hike manageable and worth adding to their itinerary.
The trail might not be suitable for those with mobility issues, those who should avoid strenuous activities, and those with very young children in strollers.
Monkey Trail Ao Nang Hiking Guide and Difficulty Level
If you’re new to hiking or just want a gentle walk, this is a great pick. The Monkey Trail Ao Nang hiking guide and difficulty level work out to an easy-to-moderate rating by most standards. The distance is short, the views are constant, and the hardest parts are the two sets of steep wooden stairs – one at the start and one at the end near Pai Plong Beach.
Expect:
- Wooden boardwalks and bamboo handrails
- Steep staircases with some uneven planks
- A narrow path in places (one person at a time)
- Slippery patches in wet weather
A good pair of sneakers or hiking sandals is much safer than flip-flops, especially after rain.
How Long Is the Monkey Trail Ao Nang?
A common question is how long is the Monkey Trail Ao Nang, and the short answer is about 450–800 meters one way, taking 15 to 20 minutes at a relaxed pace. A full round-trip hike, with time to enjoy Pai Plong Beach, usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours total.
How to Find the Trailhead
Finding the start is straightforward, even without a Monkey Trail Ao Nang map:
- Walk to the southern end of Ao Nang Beach, towards the limestone cliffs
- Look for a small shrine and a stone bridge near Ao Nang Soi 17
- Cross the wooden footbridge – you’ll see a sign for the national park
- Follow the boardwalk and stairs up the hillside
If you’re driving or coming by tuk-tuk, ask for “end of Ao Nang Beach, near Centara Grand.” Google Maps can misdirect you, so walking along the beach is more reliable.
Best Time to Visit Monkey Trail Ao Nang
The best time to visit Monkey Trail Ao Nang is early morning (around 7:00–9:00 am) or late afternoon (3:00–5:00 pm). You’ll dodge the midday heat, get better light for photos, and have the best chance of spotting monkeys along the middle section of the trail.
Avoid:
- Midday sun (the heat can be intense even on a short hike)
- During or right after heavy rain – the wooden steps get slippery
- After dark (Pai Plong Beach closes by 6:00 pm)
The trail is open year-round, but the dry season (November to March) is the most comfortable.
Families, Children, and Safety on the Trail
The Monkey Trail for families, children, age requirements, and safety questions come up often. There’s no official minimum age, but here’s how to decide:
- Ages 6 and up: Usually manageable with supervision
- Toddlers and strollers: Not recommended – steep stairs make this difficult
- Teens: Typically love it
Safety basics with kids:
- Keep children within arm’s reach near the monkeys
- Carry food and drinks inside a zipped bag, out of sight
- Teach kids not to make eye contact or reach out to the macaques
- Go slowly on the descending staircase near Pai Plong Beach
Packing List for the Monkey Trail Hike
A simple packing list for the Monkey Trail hike keeps things easy and safe:
- Closed-toe shoes or hiking sandals with grip
- Water bottle (at least 500ml per person)
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Insect repellent
- Swimwear and a beach towel
- A small, zipped daypack
- Phone or camera in a secure pocket
- Cash (for kayak rentals or drinks at Pai Plong Beach)
Skip loose snacks, dangling jewelry, and open bags – macaques are clever and fast.
Ao Nang Reviews: What Visitors Say
Looking at Ao Nang reviews of the trail, visitors consistently highlight the same things: the coastal views, how short and fun the walk is, and the thrill of seeing wild monkeys in their natural setting. Many travelers say Pai Plong Beach feels like a reward at the end – quieter, cleaner, and more relaxed than the main Ao Nang Beach.
Some reviewers mention that the boardwalk can get busy in late afternoon, especially around closing time. The advice: start early or plan to stay until the last wave of walkers heads back.
What to Do at Pai Plong Beach
Pai Plong Beach is managed by Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi but is open to the public during the day. When you arrive, a ranger will ask you to sign in and out of a visitor book – there’s no fee. The public section sits at the end of the trail, where you can:
- Swim in calm, protected waters
- Rent a kayak from the resort (around 350 THB per hour for a double)
- Sunbathe on the soft sand with limestone cliff views
- Purchase a day pass (around 499 THB per person) for pool and drink access
Bring your own water and snacks – facilities outside the resort are limited.
More Nearby Things to Do
After the hike, extend your day with other Ao Nang Krabi attractions like island hopping to the Four Islands, kayaking the Ao Thalane mangroves, or watching the sunset at Ao Nang Beach.
Where to Stay Near the Monkey Trail
Deevana Krabi Resort is a comfortable, nature-inspired hideaway just a short walk from Ao Nang Beach, making it easy to reach the Monkey Trail. Surrounded by lush hillside greenery, the resort features 66 rooms, two freeform pools, Orientala Spa, and a complimentary shuttle to Ao Nang Beach four times a day – ideal for couples and solo travelers.
For families, our sister property Deevana Plaza Krabi-Aonang offers a kids’ club, multiple pools, and larger family-friendly spaces.
Save More with DHR Preferred Guest
Before you book, sign up for DHR Preferred Guest – the free loyalty program from Deevana Hotels & Resorts. You can unlock benefits from your very first stay, including:
- Up to 25% extra discount on room rates
- Priority access to available rooms
- Late check-out until 4:00 pm (subject to availability)
- No penalty charge for cancellation one day in advance
- 20% discount on food, beverage, and laundry services
- 30% discount at Orientala Spa Phuket
- Enhanced room upgrades (subject to availability)
Joining is free and takes a minute – a small step that adds real value to every Krabi holiday.
Book Your Krabi Getaway
Ready to hike the monkey trail and explore Ao Nang? Sign up for DHR Preferred Guest first, then book your stay at Deevana Krabi Resort for an unforgettable Krabi escape. Contact us today to start planning your trip.
Reference:
- Hiking the Monkey Trail in Ao Nang to Pai Plong Beach, Krabi. Retrieved on 11 June 2025 from https://www.weseektravel.com/monkey-trail-ao-nang/
- The Monkey Trail in Ao Nang: Read This Before You Go. Retrieved on 11 June 2025 from https://www.kiladera.com/blog/asia/thailand/ao-nang-monkey-trail-guide/
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Monkey Trail Ao Nang?
The Monkey Trail Ao Nang is around 450–800 meters one way, and takes about 15 to 20 minutes at a relaxed pace. A full round-trip, including time at Pai Plong Beach, usually takes 1.5 to 3 hours.
Is the Krabi Monkey Trail safe for children?
Yes, the Krabi Monkey Trail is considered safe for kids aged 6 and above with adult supervision. The path includes steep wooden stairs, so it’s not suitable for toddlers or strollers. Keep children close to the macaques and avoid carrying visible food.
Where does the Monkey Trail Krabi Thailand start?
The Monkey Trail Krabi Thailand starts at the southern end of Ao Nang Beach, near a small shrine and wooden footbridge by Ao Nang Soi 17. You don’t really need a Monkey Trail Ao Nang map — just walk to the far south end of the beach.
What’s the best time to hike the Monkey Trail Ao Nang?
The best time to hike the Monkey Trail Ao Nang is early morning (7:00–9:00 am) or late afternoon (3:00–5:00 pm) when temperatures are cooler and monkey activity is higher. Avoid midday heat and rainy conditions, and plan to return before Pai Plong Beach closes at 6:00 pm.
Is there an entrance fee for the Monkey Trail?
No, there’s no entrance fee for the monkey trail. It’s part of Hat Noppharat Thara–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park and is free to hike. However, visitors must sign in and out of the ranger’s register at Pai Plong Beach.
