Nha Trang Monkey Island, also known as Hon Lao, is one of the most attractive destinations in the coastal city of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province. With its pristine natural landscape, clear blue beaches, and over 1,500 adorable monkeys living in their natural habitat, Monkey Island has become an ideal destination for tourists who love exploring nature and experiencing unique activities.
Introduction To Monkey Island
Monkey Island in Nha Trang is located on Hon Lao Island, in Nha Phu Bay, about 18-20 km north of Nha Trang city center. The island is situated in Ninh Phu commune, Ninh Hoa town, Khanh Hoa province.
Covering an area of approximately 25 hectares, Monkey Island is not only notable for its diverse ecosystem but also for being home to over 1,500 monkeys of various species, including red-faced monkeys, long-tailed gray monkeys, and Alaskan macaques. The island is surrounded by lush green forests, fine white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, creating a stunning natural landscape.
Monkey Island in Nha Trang gained popularity in 1975 when Soviet experts brought monkeys here for scientific research. Subsequently, the monkey population increased rapidly, and they were conserved and developed into a unique ecotourism destination. Today, Monkey Island is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the wild nature and interact with playful monkeys.
8 Unforgettable Experiences on Monkey Island
Monkey Island in Nha Trang is not only famous for its playful monkeys but also offers many exciting activities and stunning scenery. Here are some experiences you shouldn’t miss:
Discovering the Life of Monkeys
As a visitor to Monkey Island, it is easy to see the monkeys throughout the property: either on trails, on rocky ledges, or hiding in trees. The property isn’t fenced, which allows the monkeys to roam as they would naturally. Watching the monkeys climb, find food, and play with their friends creates a truly natural environment that is unlike most captive habitats.
While the monkeys at Monkey Island have adapted to humans, they are still very wild creatures. The “close but not too close” experience gives visitors the perfect opportunity to appreciate and respect these beautiful animals’ homes.
Taking Photos to Capture Memories
Monkey Island is a very photogenic destination, especially for those who are passionate about capturing photographs of nature and animals. From taking pictures of monkeys in their natural habitat to the blue sea, forests, and sky, every corner of the island can become a fascinating frame.
The best time for taking photos is in the morning or early afternoon. With only a camera or a mobile phone, anyone can capture precious moments throughout the entire stay.
Watching Monkey Circus Show
For visitors to Nha Trang Monkey Island, especially families with young children, the monkey circus spectacle ought to be at the top of their list of must-do activities. The monkeys used in the show were hand-picked and expertly taught to develop exceptional abilities. Depending on what the teachers ask, they can ride swing poles, bicycles, and other vehicles. The audience will be astounded by the monkeys’ intelligence each time they perform.
This show can nevertheless satisfy your curiosity about animals other than monkeys. Additionally, visitors can witness a circus act featuring an elephant, dog, and bear. For visitors to Monkey Island in Nha Trang, there are three scheduled performances each day that begin at 9:30, 10:30, and 15:15.
Playing Games at the Floating Park
While the monkey circus show on Nha Trang’s Monkey Island is appropriate for younger audiences, the floating park is designed for both adults and children. The park’s 2,000 square meters can accommodate up to 48 distinct dynamic games. Cliff climbing, bridge balancing, rope swinging, etc., are a few must-try activities.
Due to its excellent design and construction, the floating park on Monkey Island in Nha Trang is appealing to many visitors, including those who are not interested in stimulating activities.
Experience Dynamic Sports Activities
Besides the exciting activities mentioned above, Monkey Island also offers many other attractive games that you shouldn’t miss, such as:
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F1 Racing: Challenge your skillful driving abilities on winding roads. This is an opportunity for visitors to master speed and satisfy their passion for speed.
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Paintball: Transform into professional shooters and showcase your skills on a shooting range of over 2000m2. To participate, visitors will be divided into teams and can practice shooting with targets beforehand.
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Ostrich Riding: In addition to the adorable monkeys, Monkey Island also has ostriches that you can visit and try riding on their backs to control them.
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Scuba Diving: On Monkey Island, you can also explore the ocean and admire the dazzling, colorful coral reefs. You may not know this, but Monkey Island is also one of the most beautiful scuba diving spots in Nha Trang that you shouldn’t miss.
Visiting Lan Hoa Stream Tourist Area
The Orchid Stream Tourist Area is located on Hon Heo Island in Nha Phu Bay. Hon Heo Island is next to Hon Lao Island (Monkey Island) in Nha Trang, so when visiting Monkey Island, you can also visit Lan Hoa Stream.
Here, you can admire the blooming orchids. The garden, filled with many orchids, is traversed by a small stream, creating a picturesque and romantic setting. Besides admiring the orchids, you can also visit the zoo, swim in the sea, or enjoy delicious seafood.
Taking a Cruise around Nha Phu Bay
Sitting on a boat gliding gently across Nha Phu Bay, you’ll find it completely different from the hustle and bustle of central Nha Trang beach. The water here is crystal clear, the waves gently lap against the boat’s sides, and a cool sea breeze blows through your hair. Surrounding you are small, scattered islands, lush green mountains, and forests casting their shadows on the water’s surface, and occasionally, a few seabirds fly by, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Monkey Island
Nha Trang is renowned for its mild climate year-round, but selecting the optimal time to visit Monkey Island is crucial for the best experience.
Generally, summer (April to September) is the peak tourist season in Nha Trang. During this time, the sun shines brightly, the sea is turquoise, and the weather is ideal for outdoor activities. This is when Monkey Island is at its most vibrant, attracting many tourists who come to play, swim, and participate in water sports. However, if you don’t like crowds, you can consider other seasons.
Visiting in autumn (October to December) is also not a bad option. During this season, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to comfortably explore every corner of the island without fear of crowds. The fresh, cool air of autumn will help you fully enjoy the peaceful beauty of Monkey Island. Additionally, spring (from January to March) is also a wonderful time, when the weather is pleasant, and the natural landscape begins to bloom, creating stunning photographs.
How to Get to Monkey Island from Nha Trang
From Nha Trang city center, visitors can travel by car or motorbike to Long Phu pier at a distance of about 15 to 20 km. From there, you will take a boat to the island (about 15 minutes to travel).
For those who want a more relaxed and convenient trip, joining a package tour from reputable agencies like Vietnamtour.in is a suitable option. Tours often combine Monkey Island with other attractions in Nha Phu Bay, saving time and effort.
Entrance Ticket Prices & Extra Services Fee
Before planning your visit, it is helpful to understand the entrance ticket details, as the price already includes boat transfers and several on-island services.
Enhance Fee
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Ticket Type
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Price per person
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Adult (Height ≥ 1.4 m)
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180,000 VND ~ 616 INR
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Child (Height 1.0 – 1.39 m)
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100,000 VND ~ 342 INR
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Child (Under 1.0 m)
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Free
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Note:
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The ticket price for Monkey Island Nha Trang includes round-trip boat transportation, beach chairs and tents, entrance fee, freshwater shower fee, animal circus show, monkey swimming and racing (motorcycles and dogs), and inflatable water games.
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Monkey Island Nha Trang tourist area is open from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily.
Additional Services (Charged Separately)
When visitors buy an entrance ticket, it will include access to all the general activities of the island, the boat transfers, and all the shows, but some other experiences will require an extra fee:
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Services
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Price
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Go-kart racing
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90,000 VND ~ 308 INR /3 laps
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On-site guesthouse
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300,000 VND ~ 1027 INR /night/person
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Scuba diving (air tank)
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400,000 VND ~ 1370 INR /20 minutes/person
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Paintball field
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50,000 VND ~ 171 INR / person
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Electric cart ride
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200,000 VND ~ 685 INR /5 rounds/person
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Ostrich Riding
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60,000 VND ~ 205 INR /ride
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Things To Know Before Travelling To Monkey Island
To ensure a complete and comfortable trip to Nha Trang Monkey Island, you should prepare thoroughly beforehand:
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Pack lightweight, portable clothing. If you want to swim, be sure to pack a bathing suit and a towel. You’ll be better able to move around with a pair of sneakers or sandals.
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Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from the summer sun. Take along a waterproof pouch for your phone or camera so you can enjoy water rides without worrying about damaging your device.
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You can bring some snacks, fruit, and bottled water to use between activities. However, remember that the island has strict rules about littering and feeding monkeys; so do not throw away trash or give monkeys food.
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Some services, such as buying food for the monkeys, renting beach games, or eating at restaurants on the island, only accept cash payments.
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The monkeys on this island are playful and often come up to tourists or take their belongings. If you are around these monkeys, stay calm and do not chase them or scare them; this will help ensure that everyone remains safe, including you and the monkeys.
FAQs About Monkey Island
Before planning your visit, travellers may have a few practical questions about Monkey Island. Here are some popular questions and their answers to help you prepare for a smooth and enjoyable trip
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Q1. How much time ought I to spend on Monkey Island?
The average time that tourists spend on the island is 2 to 3 hours. However, if you are to add it to Suoi Hoa Lan, then it may only take half a day.
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Q2. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Although booking in advance is not required, it is advisable during peak hours or on weekends to avoid waiting for boat transfers
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Q3. Is Monkey Island suitable for families with children?
Yes. Monkey Island is a suitable destination for families as it has wide areas for walking, light activities, and animal shows that can be enjoyed by everyone.
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Q4. Are monkeys dangerous?
They are familiar with the presence of humans, but they still exist in a natural way. Visitors are not supposed to feed the monkeys or leave their belongings unattended to ensure safety.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, these shared experiences of traveling to Monkey Island will help you and your family have a wonderful and enjoyable trip.
Start planning now to create new memories in your travel diary. Get ready to go to beautiful Nha Trang!
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