Who will love it
Price from: EUR 0 Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours Best time: 16:00 - 18:00 Booking required: No District: Ratsada
Monkey Hill
Why visit
Who should skip it
Prioritize Monkey Hill if you want to observe wild macaques up close without paying an entry fee, and you enjoy a moderately challenging, steep hike. It is a rewarding stop for active travelers exploring Phuket Town who want to combine wildlife viewing with panoramic views of the city and coast from the summit.
What to know beforehand
Summary: This viewpoint on Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town is famous for the hundreds of wild macaques living here. The walk up the asphalt road, about two kilometers long, requires physical effort but rewards you with panoramic views of the town and coast.
The main trade-off is the unpredictable behavior of the animals, which can grab belongings or show aggression, so it is crucial to hide valuables and avoid hand-feeding them. Entry to the hill is free, and vehicle access to the top is restricted during morning and evening hours for pedestrian safety.
Body: The climb features several viewpoints, a small shrine, and outdoor gym equipment used by locals. The monkeys are concentrated at various points along the road, particularly near the top.
Best time: Late afternoon, specifically between 16:00 and 18:00, when the heat subsides and the road is closed to motorized traffic.
Ticket block: Entry is free of charge (EUR 0).
Prime timing block: The road is closed to cars and motorbikes daily from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00 to ensure a safe walking environment.
Editorial Note: Monkey Hill is best approached as a steep fitness workout with wildlife on the side, rather than a relaxed sightseeing stop.
The two-kilometer climb is a serious incline that will leave you drenched in sweat, making it ideal for active travelers but frustrating for families with strollers or those expecting a casual stroll.
While the summit offers views over Phuket Town, the scenery is partially obstructed by telecommunication towers, meaning the primary draw remains the macaques rather than pristine vistas.
The monkeys here are highly habituated to humans and will aggressively target anything resembling food, plastic bags, or loose items like sunglasses and phones. To keep the interaction safe, keep your belongings zipped away, avoid direct eye contact, and do not corner the animals for photos.
Visitors looking for a quiet, natural viewpoint will likely find the experience chaotic, while those prepared for a sweaty hike and cautious animal encounters will find it rewarding.
Local Tip: Do not carry plastic bags, loose water bottles, or food in your hands. The monkeys associate these items with food and will snatch them directly from you.
🎫 Tickets, tours & discounts
Phuket Half-Day City Tour (Small Group Phuket Sightseeing and City Tour)
- Shared air-conditioned vehicle transfer
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Stops at Monkey Hill and Big Buddha
- Phuket Old Town walking tour
- Hotel pickup and drop-off included
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Private Phuket City Tour (Private Phuket City Tour)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Dedicated local tour guide
- Customizable itinerary including Monkey Hill
- Stops at Wat Chalong and Windmill Viewpoint
- Round-trip hotel transfers
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Phuket Full-Day Tour with Tiger Park & Monkey Hill (Big Buddha, Tiger Park & Monkey Hill Tour)
- Full-day private guided tour
- Entry to Tiger Park included
- Stops at Monkey Hill and Big Buddha
- Traditional local Thai lunch
- Phuket Old Town Shino-Portuguese architecture tour
Which ticket to choose
Monkey Hill is a fully public, open-air nature site with no admission fees. You do not need to purchase any ticket, pass, or permit to walk up the hill. The most common mistake first-time visitors make is paying dishonest local drivers or online sellers claiming there is an entry fee.
To help you decide how to plan your visit, consider these options:
- Independent Walk (Free): Best for budget travelers and active walkers. You simply arrive at the base and hike up the paved road.
- Private Transfer (15 EUR to 25 EUR): Best if you want to avoid the steep climb or are traveling with family. A driver takes you up to the viewpoints, though vehicle access is restricted during peak pedestrian hours.
- Guided Day Tour: Best for combining the hill with other Phuket highlights in a single air-conditioned trip.
Best time to visit
Timing your visit is crucial due to the steep incline and tropical heat. The best windows to visit are early morning from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM or late afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. During these hours, motorized vehicles are banned from the road, creating a safe, quiet path for walking.
Photographers should aim for the late afternoon to capture the golden hour over Phuket Town and the Andaman Sea. Families and casual walkers will find the morning cooler and more comfortable, while solo hikers can enjoy a peaceful workout. Avoid the midday heat entirely, as the climb is physically demanding and offers little shade.
Combos and discounts
Because Monkey Hill is free, there are no official combo tickets, city passes, or local resident discounts. However, you can save on overall transportation costs by pairing this visit with a trip to Phuket Old Town, which sits just a few minutes away.
Booking a comprehensive island tour through Captain Phuket is the most cost-effective way to bundle transport. This option combines Monkey Hill with other major attractions like the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, saving you from paying individual taxi fares for each stop.
When a guided tour makes sense
A self-guided visit is perfectly fine if you are comfortable walking uphill and interacting with wild animals. You can easily manage the trip on your own by taking a taxi to the starting point.
A guided tour is highly recommended for families with young children or anyone nervous around wild macaques. The monkeys here are accustomed to humans but remain unpredictable wild animals.
A guide provides safety by managing the monkeys, showing you how to interact with them without triggering aggression, and keeping your belongings safe. A tour also solves the logistics of getting back down and finding onward transport, which can be difficult to hail from the hillside.
Crowd indicator
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
When to go?
Mini-calculator based on crowd levels by day and time.
Best time at Mon — 12:00
This day is usually calmer than average. This slot has a higher chance of a comfortable visit: fewer people and calmer pace. Weather is currently not ideal: overcast ☁️.
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How to find the entrance
1
Arrive at the trailheadPark at the bottom of Toh Sae Road near the colorful shrine.2
Secure all loose itemsPack away sunglasses, food, and plastic bottles into a zipped bag before walking.3
Walk up the paved roadFollow the steep road uphill, noting that vehicles are restricted during morning and evening hours.4
Reach the viewpoint platformsContinue past the monkey troops to the viewing decks near the summit for panoramic coastal views.Address: Toh Sae Road, Ratsada, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, Thailand Nearest metro: None (accessible by taxi, songthaew, or scooter) District: Ratsada Summary: This viewpoint on Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town is famous for the hundreds of wild macaques that live here.
The walk up the paved road, stretching about two kilometers, requires physical effort but rewards you with panoramic views of the town and coastline.
The main compromise is the unpredictable behavior of the animals, which can snatch belongings or show aggression, making it crucial to hide valuables and avoid hand-feeding. Entry to the hill is free, and vehicle access to the top is restricted during morning and evening hours to ensure pedestrian safety.
Entrance Instructions:
To reach the starting point of the climb, head to Toh Sae Road in Phuket Town, located past the old Phuket prison and opposite the provincial hall. If you arrive by scooter or car, you must park at the designated parking area at the base of the hill near the main gate.
The main friction point is the vehicle restriction schedule. Motorized vehicles are prohibited from driving up the hill between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, and again between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, to keep the road safe for walkers and joggers.
Outside of these hours, you can drive to the top, though the road is very steep and parking at the summit is extremely limited.
Before you begin your ascent, ensure you have no loose items, food, or plastic bags exposed. There is no ticket booth or entrance fee, but local officers are often stationed at the gate to monitor the entrance and ensure safety.
- Park your scooter or car at the base of the hill near the main gate.
- Secure all loose items, cameras, and bags inside a zipped backpack before you start.
- Prepare for a steep, warm hike of about 2 kilometers if visiting during vehicle restriction hours.
ImportantDo not carry visible plastic bags, food, or drinks, as the macaques associate them with food and will aggressively snatch them from your hands.
Practical limits & what to bring
What to Consider Before Your Visit
The climb up Toh Sae Hill, commonly known as Monkey Hill, in Phuket Town is free to access (0 EUR) and follows a steep, 1.7-kilometer paved road. Because motor vehicles are restricted on the upper road, you must complete the ascent on foot under intense tropical heat and humidity.
The primary concern during the walk is the large population of wild macaque monkeys. While they are used to humans, they remain wild, unpredictable, and potentially aggressive. Avoid making direct eye contact, showing your teeth, or cornering them.
Strollers are highly impractical due to the steep incline, and they present a safety hazard as monkeys will actively search them for hidden food.
Allowed and Prohibited Items
- Food, snacks, and open drinks (carrying these will immediately attract monkeys and may trigger aggressive behavior)
- Plastic bags or loose shopping bags (monkeys associate the rustling sound with food and will snatch them)
- Loose valuables, dangling keychains, and sunglasses worn on the head
- Drones (flying them can agitate the wildlife)
- Water bottles (allowed, but they must be kept completely hidden inside a zipped bag)
- Small, securely zipped backpacks (allowed, but best worn on your front to prevent monkeys from unzipping them)
- Walking sticks (allowed and useful for support on the steep incline and for keeping monkeys at a safe distance)
Storage and Belongings
There are no lockers, cloakrooms, or storage facilities of any kind at Monkey Hill. You must carry all your belongings with you, so it is best to leave large luggage and travel bags at your hotel.
Strollers are technically permitted on the road, but bringing them is strongly discouraged due to the physical strain of the climb and the risk of monkeys raiding the under-seat storage.
Tip: Keep your phone and camera secured with a wrist strap at all times. Monkeys are incredibly quick and will snatch loose devices directly from your hands if they think it might be food or a toy.
Location and what's nearby
What the Area is Like
- A green, hilly enclave on the edge of Phuket Town where dense jungle meets administrative and residential streets.
- Popular with local joggers and fitness enthusiasts who use the steep paved road for daily workouts.
- Offers a quiet, nature-focused contrast to the busy shopping and beach districts of the island.
Nearby on Foot (Up to 15 Minutes)
- Poh Tae Toh Sae Shrine — a colorful Chinese shrine dedicated to three holy spirits · 2 minutes walk
- Wat Charoen Samanakit — a beautiful local Buddhist temple situated near the base of the hill · 5 minutes walk
- Phuket City Hall — a grand colonial-style government building with manicured gardens · 8 minutes walk
- Khao To Sae Viewpoint — a scenic platform halfway up offering views of Phuket Town · 15 minutes walk
15–30 Minutes by Transport
- Phuket Old Town — a historic district famous for Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art · 10 minutes by taxi
- Khao Rang Viewpoint — a popular hilltop park offering panoramic city views and a terrace cafe · 15 minutes by taxi
- Limelight Avenue Phuket — a modern lifestyle mall featuring local boutiques and a lively night market · 10 minutes by taxi
- Chillva Market — a trendy night bazaar with container-style stalls, street food, and live music · 15 minutes by taxi
Where to Eat Nearby
- Chomchan by One Chun — authentic Southern Thai dishes in a garden house · above average · booking recommended · 10 min taxi
- Green Forest Restaurant — local Thai cuisine with panoramic east coast views · mid-range · walk-ins welcome · 5 min walk
- Boonrat Dim Sum — traditional Chinese-style breakfast bite-sized parcels · budget · walk-ins welcome · 10 min taxi
Ready-Made Day Itinerary
Start your morning with a fresh dim sum breakfast at Boonrat Dim Sum before heading to the base of Monkey Hill to visit the colorful Poh Tae Toh Sae Shrine.
Begin your hike up the hill to spot the macaques and enjoy the views from the Khao To Sae Viewpoint, then head back down for a relaxed lunch at Green Forest Restaurant.
Spend your afternoon exploring the historic streets and Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket Old Town, ending the day with dinner at Chomchan by One Chun.
TipAvoid carrying plastic bags, food, or visible water bottles during the climb, as the macaques are highly active and will aggressively snatch loose items.
ReferenceFacts
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Numbers and scale
- Elevation: 280 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest peak in Phuket Town and provides a clear view of the eastern coastline.
- Trail length: 3.5 kilometers of paved road from the base checkpoint to the summit, requiring a steep 30-minute walk for hikers.
- Primate population: 400 long-tailed macaques living on the hill, meaning visitors are guaranteed to encounter multiple troops during the ascent.
- Daily vehicle ban: 3 hours, specifically from 17:00 to 20:00, to keep the road safe for joggers.
- Spiritual icons: 3 distinct holy spirits represented at the base shrine, drawing locals who pray for luck and lottery numbers.
Myths and misconceptions
- Myth: The best panoramic view is at the very summit. Reality: The summit views are blocked by telecommunication towers; the best viewpoints are actually located midway up.
- Myth: The monkeys are friendly and safe to touch. Reality: They are wild macaques that will bite or scratch if they feel threatened or see food.
- Myth: The shrine at the bottom is a Buddhist temple. Reality: It is a Chinese shrine dedicated to three local guardian spirits, not a traditional Buddhist wat.
- Myth: Monkey Hill and Rang Hill are the same viewpoint. Reality: They are two separate hills in Phuket Town, located about three kilometers apart from each other.
Rare and unusual
- Tiger statue shrine: The Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine at the base features dozens of tiger statues of various sizes guarding the courtyard.
- Lottery rituals: Locals visit the base shrine to pray for winning lottery numbers, returning with offerings of red chilies and chicken if they win.
- Wild boar sightings: In addition to macaques, a small population of wild boars inhabits the shaded jungle patches along the lower slopes.
- Outdoor concrete gym: A rustic fitness park is situated halfway up the climb, featuring homemade weights made from concrete-filled tins.
- Historic broadcasting hub: The summit is crowded with massive television and radio antennas, which led older locals to call the area Telegraph Hill.
BackgroundHistory
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From Sacred Spirits to Scenic Trails
Historically known as Khao Toh Sae, this peak is the highest hill in Phuket Town. Long before it became a popular tourist attraction, the area held deep spiritual significance for the local community.
At the base of the hill sits a colorful shrine dedicated to three holy spirits—Toh Sae Dang, Toh Sae Dam, and Toh Sae Kaow—where residents still gather to pray for good fortune.
Over the decades, the hill transitioned into a vital recreational hub. While the summit was eventually utilized for telecommunication towers, the surrounding jungle remained a sanctuary for hundreds of wild long-tailed macaques. The monkeys have lived here for generations, adapting to the presence of humans and earning the hill its popular English nickname.
Today, the steep paved path serves as both a challenging exercise trail for locals and a scenic route for travelers. Visitors climb the hill to observe the resident macaque troops and access viewing platforms looking out over the Old Town and the Andaman Sea.
Access to the hill is free of charge, making it an accessible nature escape right on the edge of the city.
♿ Accessibility & families
Accessibility and Mobility
The climb to the viewpoints at Monkey Hill follows a fully paved road, but the incline is exceptionally steep, rising 280 meters over a distance of roughly 1.7 to 3.5 kilometers depending on where you park. There are no elevators, specialized ramps, or dedicated facilities for reduced-mobility visitors.
While the paved surface is technically smooth, manual wheelchair users and those with limited mobility will find the severe gradient highly challenging, especially since private cars and motorbikes are restricted from driving up the hill during peak pedestrian hours (7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM).
Family and Child Policies
Entry to Monkey Hill is free of charge (0 EUR) for all visitors, including adults and children of all ages. There are no official age limits or required accompaniment rules, but children must be closely supervised at all times due to the presence of hundreds of free-roaming macaque monkeys.
Strollers are permitted on the paved road, but pushing them up the steep incline requires significant physical effort.
Safety and Comfort Notes
Parents using strollers should exercise extreme caution. The local macaques are highly territorial and are known to aggressively target strollers, bags, and under-seat storage compartments in search of food or plastic bottles.
To prevent encounters, keep all food, drinks, and loose items completely out of sight, and avoid bringing infants or toddlers in open strollers close to the larger monkey groups.
🏢 On-site amenities
Food and Drinks
Near the base of the hill, Green Forest Restaurant offers a casual setting for local Thai dishes. Further up the slope, Monkey Hill Cafe provides a rustic, jungle-like atmosphere where you can get simple meals like Pad Thai, curries, and cold drinks.
Small roadside stalls near the entrance and along the lower path sell bottled water, fresh juices, and fruit.
Restrooms and Facilities
Basic public restrooms are located along the paved route, primarily near the outdoor exercise park and the parking areas. There are no baby-changing tables, nursing areas, or dedicated prayer rooms on the hill.
Shops and Wi-Fi
You will not find any dedicated gift or souvenir shops on the hill, only the local vendors selling snacks and monkey food near the entrance. Free public Wi-Fi is unavailable, so you must rely on your own mobile data connection.
Water and Safety
Although you can buy bottled water at the bottom of the trail, you must keep all bottles, food, and loose items securely zipped inside a backpack. The resident macaques are highly active and will quickly snatch exposed plastic bottles or bags directly from your hands.
Reliability & freshness
AuthorLucy Whitmore
UpdatedJune 22, 2026