Monkey Island Nha Trang: Go on your own or take a tour?

The boat ride from Long Phu Tourist Pier to Monkey Island takes about 20 minutes. On the island, monkeys roam freely along walking paths, under trees, and around the visitor areas. In 2026, an adult ticket costs 220,000 VND at the pier or 185,000 VND when booked online through Long Phu Tourist, including the round-trip boat transfer. It is a worthwhile trip if you enjoy watching animals, provided you keep your distance from the monkeys and plan your return boat carefully.

Is Monkey Island in Nha Trang worth visiting?

Monkey Island is worth setting aside a morning for, particularly if you are traveling with children who can follow instructions and enjoy watching animals.

Unlike a traditional zoo where animals live in separate enclosures, many of the monkeys on Hon Lao move freely around the island. You may see them sitting on stone walls, crossing walking paths, gathering beneath trees, or following other monkeys through the grounds.

Watching their everyday behavior is the main attraction. Young monkeys stay close to their mothers, larger ones compete for space, and groups sometimes cross the paths just a few feet from visitors.

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

Standing farther away and using your phone's zoom still gets a good photograph, and it is both safer and less intrusive.

Beyond the monkeys, the island has a beach, shaded resting areas, animal shows, and several activities that cost extra. It is not primarily a snorkeling destination, though, and it does not offer the same variety of water activities as the southern islands near Nha Trang.

Here is who the trip suits best.

The island also has trained-animal shows and animal racing activities. Skipping the performances still leaves plenty to do: watching the free-roaming monkeys, walking around the island, and relaxing near the beach.

Where is Monkey Island in Nha Trang?

Monkey Island, also known as Hon Lao Island, is located in Nha Phu Bay, north of central Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa Province. The island is operated as a tourist destination by Long Phu Tourist.

To reach it, you first travel by road to Long Phu Tourist Pier, also known as Da Chong Pier, in the Vinh Luong area. From there, passenger boats take approximately 20 minutes to reach Hon Lao.

Photo: Sea You Travel

Monkey Island is not on the same boat route as southern Nha Trang attractions such as Hon Tam Island or Hon Mun Island. Do not go to Cau Da Port or the Vinh Truong port area expecting to find a boat to Hon Lao. You need to travel north to Long Phu Tourist Pier.

How to reach Long Phu Tourist Pier from Nha Trang

There are two main road routes.

Route 1: 2/4 Street and National Highway 1A

From central Nha Trang, head north along 2/4 Street toward Ru Ri Pass, then continue toward National Highway 1A and Long Phu Tourist Pier. The total distance is approximately 18 km.

Route 2: Tran Phu Street and the coastal road

Start along Tran Phu Street, cross Tran Phu Bridge, and follow Pham Van Dong Street north past Bai Tien and the Amiana area. Continue toward National Highway 1A and follow the road to the pier. This route is roughly 20 km and provides more coastal scenery.

It is a pleasant option if you are not in a hurry, although sections around Luong Son have bends and slopes. Motorbike riders should take particular care.

For families with young children, a taxi or ride-hailing car is usually easier than renting a motorbike. Enter Long Phu Tourist Pier as the destination and check the map before confirming your ride.

Self-drivers should aim to arrive 20-30 minutes before their intended departure to allow time for parking, ticket collection, and checking the return boat schedule.

Monkey Island Nha Trang ticket prices in 2026

Long Phu Tourist uses height rather than age to determine ticket categories. Its 2026 prices distinguish between tickets purchased at the pier and those booked online.

Monkey Island ticket price table for 2026

Long Phu Tourist's online promotion applies from January 1 through December 31, 2026. Check the price and booking conditions again before paying for your chosen travel date.

The standard admission ticket includes the round-trip boat transfer from Long Phu Pier, entry to Monkey Island, access to the monkey habitat viewing areas, designated chairs and resting shelters, freshwater showers, and animal shows included in the program. Lunch, buggy rides, Prokart racing, and optional beach activities are not included in the basic ticket.

For example, a family with two adults and one child measuring 1.2 m would pay:

• 570,000 VND when purchasing tickets at the pier, based on Long Phu Tourist's 2026 rates.
• 480,000 VND when booking all three tickets online with Long Phu Tourist.

That is a difference of 90,000 VND, before transportation to the pier, meals, or optional activities.

Should you book Monkey Island tickets online?

Booking online makes sense when your travel date is fixed and the weather forecast looks reasonably favorable. For a family or larger group, the discount can be worth arranging in advance.

Long Phu Tourist's online booking process involves selecting the ticket, entering visitor information, completing the booking, receiving confirmation by email, and presenting the booking code at the ticket counter. Keep your booking confirmation somewhere accessible, preferably saved on your phone.

Read the cancellation and date-change conditions before paying. During Nha Trang's rainy season, it is better not to commit to a nonrefundable ticket while your island plans are still uncertain.

Buying directly at the pier is straightforward and lets you decide on the morning of your visit. You will simply pay the higher walk-in rate.

Monkey Island lunch buffet packages

Long Phu Tourist also sells an online package combining Monkey Island admission with a lunch buffet.

Its 2026 prices are:

The package requires at least two guests and includes the round-trip boat transfer, island admission, lunch, and the other benefits specified by the operator.

Do not confuse the combined package price with the cost of purchasing a meal separately. Huong Su Restaurant on Monkey Island serves a rice buffet of more than 20 dishes, priced in 2026 at 220,000 VND per adult and 180,000 VND per child when bought on its own.

A visit of around three hours fits neatly between breakfast in Nha Trang and lunch back in the city. That also gives you more time to explore rather than planning your visit around a buffet.

Monkey Island boat schedules: Which departure should you choose?

Boat times matter more than you might expect. Arriving at the pier does not mean a boat will necessarily leave immediately, and there are fewer return departures than outbound departures.

Long Phu Tourist runs the following schedule for Monkey Island.

Boat schedules may also change because of passenger numbers, operating requirements, and sea conditions. The approximately 30-minute frequency should not be treated as a guaranteed departure at every half-hour.

Morning or afternoon: Which is better?

Morning is the better choice for most self-guided visitors. You have time to observe the monkeys, walk around the island, take a break under the trees, and return without rushing.

A practical plan is to arrive at Long Phu Pier around 8:00-8:30 AM, cross to the island during the morning, and return on a confirmed afternoon boat.

Staying longer makes sense for the 2:00 PM animal show; otherwise, there is little reason to extend the trip just to fill the day.

An afternoon-only visit works better for travelers staying near the pier or those who already have plans in the morning. However, arriving after 1:00 PM leaves relatively little time on the island, especially when you account for waiting and the return schedule.

How to visit Monkey Island Nha Trang independently

A self-guided trip is fairly simple: there is no private speedboat to charter. Long Phu Tourist operates passenger boats from its mainland pier, and the standard admission ticket includes the return crossing.

You only need to organize transportation to the pier, buy the ticket, plan your meals, and keep track of the return boat.

1. Step 1

   Choose a date and check boats

   Look at the weather forecast before departure.

   If the sea forecast looks uncertain, contact Long Phu Tourist to confirm whether boats are operating.

   Long Phu Tourist's booking hotline is 0941 267 267.

   Ask three specific questions: are boats operating normally on your travel date, which return departures are available, and are the animal show times unchanged?

   During the rainy season, do not rely only on a weather app's rain symbol.

   Wind, waves, and the operator's assessment of sea conditions matter more for a short island crossing.

2. Step 2

   Travel to Long Phu Tourist Pier

   Leave central Nha Trang roughly an hour before you want to board.

   This allows time for the drive, parking or taxi drop-off, and ticket procedures.

   At the counter, show your booking confirmation or purchase admission tickets.

   Keep any tickets or travel documents that staff instruct you to retain for the return journey.

   Families with children should use the restroom before boarding and pack a spare change of clothes.

3. Step 3

   Arrive and get oriented

   After the boat docks, follow the designated entrance into the tourist area.

   There is no rush to reach the first group of monkeys you see.

   Start by identifying where the monkeys are gathering, checking warning signs, and finding a suitable place to rest.

   Then explore gradually.

   Keep food inside closed bags. Secure phones, sunglasses, and loose belongings before entering areas where monkeys are active.

4. Step 4

   Confirm your return boat

   Check the return arrangements early in your visit.

   Plan lunch or a show around your departure time.

   Aim to reach the boarding area 15-20 minutes early.

   Do not leave a distant activity area at the exact time your boat is scheduled to depart.

Suggested half-day Monkey Island itinerary

Treat this as a suggested itinerary; boat and activity times can differ on the day. You may finish sightseeing earlier, but you will still need to wait for an available return departure.

For younger children, 45-60 minutes of watching monkeys may already be enough. A tired or frightened child is a good reason to skip the rest of the island.

What is there to do on Monkey Island?

01

Watch free-roaming monkeys

More than 1,200 monkeys live on the island

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

This is the main reason to visit Hon Lao. The island is home to more than 1,200 monkeys living, breeding, and moving around the natural habitat areas.

You may encounter groups near walking paths, trees, stone structures, or other places where the monkeys regularly gather.

Some may approach visitors when food is visible. That does not mean the monkeys are inviting you to touch them.

The safest approach is to observe from a distance, leave their travel routes clear, and avoid disturbing resting animals.

Take extra care around mothers carrying young monkeys. They may react defensively if they feel their babies are threatened.

02

Watch the animal shows

Main shows at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

The island stages several animal performances, including monkey and dog shows, swimming contests, and motorcycle racing. The main show times are 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:15 PM.

These performances are organized and trained activities, rather than examples of natural monkey behavior. Schedules can change, so confirm what is running on the day of your visit.

Missing a show or two takes nothing away from a Monkey Island visit. If animal welfare is important to you, skipping the shows and spending your time observing the free-roaming monkeys is a reasonable choice.

When visiting with children, it is also useful to explain that monkeys riding motorcycles or performing tricks are doing trained routines; wild monkeys do not behave this way.

03

Relax by the beach

Seating and shelters, swim only where permitted

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

Monkey Island has a beach area with designated seating and shelters. It is a useful place to cool down after walking in the sun.

Bring swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes if you plan to swim. Only enter the water in permitted areas and follow local signs and staff instructions.

Young children who cannot swim should have an adult within immediate reach at all times.

Monkey Island is not the best choice if your main goal is snorkeling or seeing coral reefs. The main attraction here is the island environment and the monkeys, rather than underwater scenery.

04

Try Prokart racing

Optional paid activity

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

Monkey Island has a Prokart racing area for visitors who want something more active than sightseeing. This is an optional paid activity.

Before purchasing a session, ask about the current price, ride duration, height restrictions, age requirements, and safety rules.

Do not assume that a young child can ride with an adult. Participation depends on the operator's rules for the particular activity.

05

Take a buggy ride

Not included with standard admission

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

Buggy rides are also available within the island. They can be convenient for older visitors, people who tire easily, or families carrying bags and children's supplies.

Buggy rides are not automatically included with standard admission. Ask about the route and price before booking.

Slow walkers who like stopping to watch the monkeys may not need a buggy at all.

How to stay safe around the monkeys

Read this part closely before a Monkey Island visit, especially with family.

The monkeys on Hon Lao may be accustomed to seeing visitors, but they remain wild animals. They can grab belongings, scratch, or bite when startled, challenged, or attracted to something you are carrying.

Do not feed the monkeys

Avoid handing monkeys fruit, candy, bread, snacks, or other food.

Once one monkey receives food, others may approach. They may begin competing, grabbing bags, or moving close to the person holding the food.

Feeding also encourages monkeys to approach future visitors in search of food.

Some tourists feed them anyway. Don't copy them. Watching the monkeys from a safe distance is enough.

Do not take close-up selfies or hold monkeys

A photograph is not worth putting your face or hands next to a monkey's mouth. Do not pick up, hug, kiss, pet, or attempt to hold young monkeys.

Avoid staring directly into a monkey's eyes at close range, baring your teeth, or deliberately provoking it to get a reaction.

For photos, use your phone's zoom and remain on an open walking path. Let the monkey move naturally rather than trying to position it for a picture.

If a monkey turns toward you, approaches, or shows signs of agitation, stop taking photographs and move away slowly.

Keep phones, sunglasses, and food secure

Before walking through areas with monkeys, put away items that are easy to grab. These include:

• Food, open snack bags, and fruit containers.
• Sunglasses that you are not wearing.
• Phones held loosely or left on tables.
• Hats, scarves, and hanging accessories.
• Open handbags with visible contents.

A zipped backpack is more practical than an open tote bag. Do not hang food on the outside of your bag or let children carry snacks while walking near groups of monkeys.

If a monkey takes something, do not chase it or try to wrestle the item back. Move away and ask the island staff for assistance.

Do not run when a monkey approaches

A monkey walking toward you does not automatically mean an attack is coming. However, sudden running, shouting, or waving your arms can make the situation harder to control.

Stay calm, avoid presenting food, and slowly create distance without threatening the animal.

Do not block a group of monkeys or stand between a mother and her young.

If several monkeys are competing over food, take another route instead of walking through the group.

What should you do if a monkey bites or scratches you?

Monkey bites and scratches can cause wounds and transmit infectious agents. Even a small scratch that does not visibly bleed deserves proper attention.

Follow these steps:

1. Move away from the monkeys. Do not attempt to catch or identify the individual monkey yourself.
2. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. A quick wipe with a wet tissue is not enough.
3. Apply an appropriate antiseptic, such as povidone-iodine, if available.
4. Inform the island staff so they can help you arrange medical assistance and transportation.
5. Seek medical care as soon as possible, ideally immediately. Do not wait for redness, swelling, or pain to develop.

Tell the healthcare professional exactly what happened. Explain whether the monkey bit or scratched you, which part of your body was affected, when the incident occurred, and whether saliva may have contacted broken skin.

A clinician can assess the need for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, tetanus protection, wound infection treatment, and evaluation for other pathogens associated with monkey exposure.

Do not assume that monkeys living at a tourist attraction are automatically free of infection risks. Antibiotics taken without medical advice are not a substitute for a proper examination.

If monkey saliva gets into your eyes or mouth, or onto an existing wound, rinse the affected area promptly and seek medical assessment.

Parents should check their children's hands, arms, and legs after any close encounter. A frightened child may not immediately admit to being scratched.

Is Monkey Island suitable for young children?

Children can visit Monkey Island. Beyond age, consider whether your child can follow simple instructions, keep a safe distance, and resist the urge to touch animals.

Children under 3

At this age, children may not understand why they should not offer food to monkeys or run toward an animal that looks friendly. Adults need to supervise them continuously while also managing bags, food, and other belongings.

A family with a toddler can easily leave Monkey Island out of its Nha Trang itinerary. If your child is easily frightened by animals or uncomfortable on boats, a gentler mainland activity may be more enjoyable.

Children around 3-6

Many children in this age group enjoy watching mothers and baby monkeys, but they can also get excited and move too close.

Before visiting, explain a few clear rules: do not touch the monkeys, do not feed them, do not chase them, and stay beside an adult.

When you arrive, let your child watch from a distance first.

If your child becomes scared, move to a quieter resting area. There is no reason to force a child to stand close to a monkey for a photograph.

Older children

Children who can follow safety instructions usually get more out of the experience.

You can turn the visit into a simple observation activity. Ask them to notice how monkeys move in groups, how the young stay near their mothers, and which areas the animals prefer.

It is also a useful opportunity to explain the difference between wildlife and domestic pets. An animal looking cute does not mean it wants to be touched or held.

What should families bring?

Pack a small backpack with drinking water, sun protection, hats, spare clothes, and basic hygiene supplies. Keep children's food properly sealed and only take it out in a suitable area away from monkeys.

Before boarding the boat, make sure your child is wearing an appropriately fitted life jacket as instructed by the crew.

For families with younger children, a half-day visit to just Monkey Island is usually the easier choice. Adding Orchid Island makes more sense if your child is comfortable with boat travel and can manage a full day without becoming overtired.

Self-guided Monkey Island trip or organized tour?

Both options use Long Phu's island tourism services. The difference lies mainly in transportation, meals, guidance, and how much of the day is organized for you.

Self-guided: Best for visiting one island

Going independently lets you choose when to leave your hotel, how to reach the pier, and how to spend your time on the island. There is no group to follow, and you join only the activities you want.

An hour with the monkeys and the rest of the visit by the beach is a perfectly good plan.

Your main expenses are the admission ticket, transportation to the pier, food, and any optional activities.

The limitation is that you still need to follow the operator's boat schedule. Traveling independently does not mean a return boat will be available whenever you want one.

Guided tour: Better for visiting two islands

Monkey Island tours are commonly combined with Orchid Island in the Hon Heo area. Long Phu Tourist offers Nha Phu Bay programs that include boat transportation, a guide, admission to both attractions, and lunch.

Its 2026 package prices:

Children under 1 m go free on all three packages. Confirm the inclusions and conditions before booking.

For the tour with pickup in Nha Trang, the itinerary includes hotel or meeting-point collection around 7:45-8:30 AM. The group boards a boat around 9:15-9:30 AM and visits Orchid Island first. After exploring the gardens and having lunch at Huong Lan Restaurant, visitors continue to Monkey Island before returning to the mainland at approximately 3:15 PM.

This sample itinerary is not a guaranteed timetable for every departure.

Self-guided vs. guided tour

For a family of two adults and one child measuring 1.2 m, self-guided Monkey Island tickets booked online cost 480,000 VND under Long Phu's 2026 rates. The same family would pay 1,820,000 VND for the two-island guided tour with pickup in Nha Trang.

The tour price also covers additional transportation, a guide, lunch, and a second attraction. Compare the services you actually want rather than the total price alone.

Should you combine Monkey Island with Orchid Island?

Orchid Island is the most practical destination to combine with Monkey Island if you want to explore Nha Phu Bay in a single day.

Despite its tourist name, Orchid Island is associated with the Hon Heo Peninsula area. Both destinations are served by Long Phu's tourist boat network.

The experiences are different. Monkey Island is mainly about observing free-roaming monkeys. Orchid Island offers orchid gardens, butterfly displays, other animal attractions, scenic walking areas, and a beach.

Photo: Long Phú Tourist

When should you visit only Monkey Island?

Choose one island when you have limited time or want to keep your afternoon free for attractions in central Nha Trang. It is also the better option for young children, older visitors, and anyone who gets tired after several hours of sightseeing.

A simple wildlife visit works best without rushing between activities.

When is it worth adding Orchid Island?

Combining the two makes sense when you have a full day available, enjoy varied scenery, and do not mind multiple boat journeys.

The main issue is timing. Outbound boats to Orchid Island run from about 7:30 AM until 10:30 AM.

For a self-arranged two-island trip, prioritize Orchid Island in the morning and Monkey Island afterward.

You must also confirm how transfers between the two attractions work. Do not assume that buying two individual tickets automatically allows you to board any boat directly from Orchid Island to Monkey Island.

The dedicated two-island package or a guided Long Phu tour is generally easier for this itinerary.

Orchid Island ticket prices in 2026

Long Phu Tourist's prices:

Buying separate online admission tickets for both islands costs 420,000 VND per adult, the same as Long Phu's 2026 two-island combo price. However, check the boat routing, included services, and transfer conditions carefully before assuming the tickets are interchangeable.

For families with young children, a two-island tour is better reserved for kids who travel comfortably by boat, cope well with busy days, and do not need a long midday nap.

What is the best time of year to visit Monkey Island?

Nha Trang has relatively distinct dry and rainy seasons. For island trips, wind, waves, and boat operations matter more than air temperature alone.

The period from roughly February through August generally offers more favorable opportunities for island sightseeing. There are many sunny days, although the weather can become quite hot from May onward, particularly around midday.

October and November are usually among the wetter months in Nha Trang. During periods of heavy rain, tropical storms, or rough seas, tourist boats may be delayed or suspended.

If you are visiting Nha Trang for three days and two nights, consider scheduling Monkey Island for the middle day. Leaving some flexibility in your itinerary gives you a chance to rearrange plans if boat operations are affected by the weather.

What time of day is most comfortable?

The period from approximately 8:30-10:30 AM is a good choice for walking around and observing animals before the strongest midday heat.

Around noon, spend time in shaded areas, drink water, and avoid keeping young children active in direct sunlight for too long.

Good photographs do not require waiting until late afternoon, and the return boat schedule makes an excessively long visit inconvenient anyway.

Can you visit Monkey Island when it rains?

Light rain does not necessarily mean that boats will stop operating. However, rough seas or weather conditions considered unsafe can lead to departure cancellations.

If you have already booked, contact the ticket seller about changes or refunds under the applicable booking conditions. It is better to resolve this before leaving your hotel than after arriving at the pier.

Where should you eat when visiting Monkey Island?

For a simple one-island trip, the easiest plan is to eat breakfast in Nha Trang, bring drinking water, and return to the city for lunch. Try to have a moderate breakfast around 30-60 minutes before the crossing, particularly if you are prone to motion sickness.

For younger children, a light meal before leaving the hotel may be more practical than waiting until you reach the island.

The tourist area has dining facilities for visitors staying into the afternoon. Huong Su Restaurant is Long Phu Tourist's buffet venue on Monkey Island. Long Phu also offers the advance-booked buffet-and-admission package described earlier.

Ask about the day's menu before buying, especially when traveling with picky eaters or anyone with dietary restrictions.

Families who only need a light meal do not necessarily need the buffet package. Buying admission separately keeps your options open.

Travelers joining the full Nha Phu Bay guided tour with pickup in Nha Trang generally have their buffet lunch at Huong Lan Restaurant on Orchid Island. Long Phu's sample menu includes familiar Vietnamese dishes such as tuna braised with pineapple, shrimp in fish sauce, stir-fried morning glory with garlic, omelet with scallions, and steamed rice.

You can bring certain prepared foods into the attraction, subject to the operator's rules, but do not take food out near the monkeys. Keep it sealed and eat only in an appropriate area away from the animals.

Long Phu has also announced restrictions on bringing single-use plastic items to its island attractions, effective June 1, 2025. Check the current rules and bring reusable alternatives where possible.

What to check before leaving for Monkey Island

A self-guided visit takes little equipment, but a few details are worth sorting out.

• Return boat schedule: Confirm it when you purchase your ticket. It matters most if you have a flight, intercity bus, or another appointment later that day.
• Ticket type: Single-island admission, a two-island combo, and a guided tour have different inclusions. Check whether transportation, lunch, and a guide are provided rather than comparing prices alone.
• Weather: Check the forecast before leaving your hotel. If the operator suspends boats or dangerous weather is expected, choose a mainland activity instead.
• Personal belongings: Bring a zipped backpack and comfortable shoes or sandals with good grip. Avoid carrying loose accessories and do not keep your phone in an open pocket.
• Children: Remind them not to feed, touch, or chase monkeys. Adults must supervise them directly throughout the visit.
• Contact information: Save Long Phu Tourist's hotline, 0941 267 267, and your booking details. Travelers prone to seasickness should prepare before boarding.

One free morning in Nha Trang is enough for a self-guided Monkey Island visit, which is usually the simpler and more affordable choice. If you have a full day and want to add Orchid Island, lunch, and organized transportation, a Nha Phu Bay tour is easier to manage. The same approach works for other island trips in Vietnam: check the last return boat first, then decide how many places you can comfortably visit.