Monkey Trail in Ao Nang: A Short Jungle Hike to See Monkeys in Krabi
If you are looking for a quick adventure while staying in Ao Nang, the Monkey Trail is an easy and fun hike that takes you through a small section of jungle along the limestone cliffs of the Andaman coast.
The trail connects Ao Nang Beach with Pai Plong Beach and is only about 1 kilometer long, which makes it a great short activity if you want a break from the beach.
The entrance is located at the far end of Ao Nang Beach, where the wooden staircase begins climbing into the vegetation covering the cliffs.
Staircase near the entrance of Monkey Trail at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi, Thailand.
Starting the Hike
Right from the start you will notice the steep wooden stairs. It is not a long climb but you will definitely feel it in the heat.
Going early in the morning makes a big difference. The temperatures are more comfortable and there are far fewer people on the trail. In Ao Nang things tend to start moving around 10 AM, which we mentioned in our previous blog about the town's daily rhythm. If you start the hike earlier you will likely have a quieter experience.
After the initial climb the trail flattens out as it winds through the trees before eventually descending again toward the bay.
What the Trail Feels Like
The trail itself is very straightforward and well maintained. It feels more like a short jungle walk than a real hike.
Along the way you will pass through dense tropical vegetation with occasional openings where you can see the limestone cliffs that make this coastline so distinctive.
View from Monkey Trail overlooking limestone cliffs and the Andaman Sea near Ao Nang, Krabi.
The entire walk usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes one way, depending on how often you stop along the way.
At the end of the trail you arrive at Pai Plong Beach, a small bay that is usually quieter than Ao Nang Beach.
During our visit there was construction for a new resort, so it did not feel like the ideal place to spend the entire day. Still, the setting is beautiful and it is a nice reward after the short climb.
The Monkeys
One of the main reasons people walk this trail is simple. There are often monkeys here.
Wild macaque monkeys along the Monkey Trail hiking path in Ao Nang, Thailand.
It is quite common to see them along the staircase sections or near the entrance of the trail.
During our walk we saw several of them moving around the trees and sitting along the path.
One thing we noticed quickly is that they are very curious and very aware of what people are carrying. Some of them will try to open your bag or backpack if they think there might be food inside, so it is important to keep your belongings secure.
A few simple things to keep in mind:
Do not feed the monkeys
Keep your bag zipped and close to you
Avoid holding food in your hands
Give them space and let them move freely
They are used to people but they are still wild animals, so a little awareness goes a long way.
Is the Monkey Trail Worth It?
We enjoyed this short hike. It does not take much time, it is easy to access from town, and it gives you a quick glimpse of the jungle landscape surrounding Ao Nang.
If you want a short nature walk and a good chance of seeing monkeys, this trail is definitely worth adding to your time in Ao Nang.
Just try to go early. It makes the whole experience feel calmer and a lot more enjoyable.
