At a Glance
Monkey Beach. A small, rock-sheltered cove on Koh Lan, where visitors hope to feed macaques but often encounter mixed experiences.
Place Description
This spot is a gamble. Some find it nearly deserted, with clear water and curious primates descending from the cliffs. Others arrive during peak hours, when speedboats unload crowds every five minutes, turning the water into a debris soup. This Monkey Beach on Koh Lan contrasts sharply with the postcard-perfect Samae Beach nearby. Its wild, untamed vibe is what deters some and attracts others.
The main draw is the macaques, though sightings aren’t guaranteed. To improve your chances, visit in the morning and bring treats. Otherwise, the beach is hit-or-miss: the seabed is rocky in places, sea urchins are present, and jet skis zip dangerously close to swimmers. Beyond the sunbed area, you’ll often see mounds of trash left by visitors. The infrastructure here is minimal: basic changing rooms and overpriced food.
Basic Information
- Address: Southern part of Koh Lan, between Nual and Samae beaches. Plus Code: F4MV+5M, Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi.
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7, like any public beach. Sunbed rentals and vendors operate roughly from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning (before 10:00 AM) to catch the monkeys and avoid the tourist boat rush.
- Budget: Sunbed rental ≈ 100 ฿, bananas for monkeys ≈ 60 ฿. Food and drinks are pricier than at other island beaches.
Why Go
- Try your luck at spotting wild macaques in their (almost) natural habitat.
- Relax in a relatively uncrowded cove, if you arrive outside peak hours.
- Capture vibrant photos against the cliffs framing the beach.
- Experience the contrast with Koh Lan’s more manicured beaches.
Insider Tips
- No monkeys? Don’t rush off. They hide on the cliffs. Show them a banana or water bottle from afar—it might work.
- Entering the water is tricky. The seabed is rocky, and sea urchins abound. Enter cautiously, or better yet, wear water shoes.
- Don’t rely on local food. Reviews consistently say it’s tasteless and overpriced. Stock up at the 7-Eleven at Naban Pier upon arrival.
- Guard your belongings. If monkeys do appear, they may snatch phones, glasses, or bags. Keep everything supervised.
Logistics
- Tuk-Tuk (Songthaew): No traditional songthaews on Koh Lan. Take a motorbike taxi from the pier to the beach (≈ 40-50 ฿) or rent a bike for the day (≈ 200-300 ฿).
- Taxi (Bolt/Grab): Services are unavailable on the island. Use local motorbike taxis.
- Own Transport: Renting a bike is the best way to get around Koh Lan. There’s a small makeshift parking area at the beach, usually with spaces available.
The Unique Factor
The irony is that the most significant trash on this
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