Monkey Island, Nha Trang: A wild and wonderful ecotourism experience 

Nestled in the tranquil Nha Phu Bay, this lush island filled with mischievous monkeys and scenic nature offers a fun and family-friendly escape just a short ride from the city. Let's explore what makes Monkey Island an unforgettable stop on your Nha Trang itinerary.

About Monkey Island, Nha Trang

Where is Monkey Island?

Monkey Island, also known as Hon Lao, is located near Hoa Lan Island (part of Hon Heo Peninsula), about 18 km north of Nha Trang city center. The island spans about 25 hectares, covered in tropical greenery, wildlife, and, most notably, over a thousand monkeys, hence he nickname "Kingdom of Monkeys". It’s part of Nha Phu Lagoon, a lesser-known but stunning marine region in Khanh Hoa Province.

A brief history of Monkey Island

Originally named Hon Lao, the island earned its new name in the 1970s. In 1975, Soviet scientists brought monkeys here for research purposes. Over time, the population grew naturally, and the island became known for its lively monkey residents.

Today, Hon Lao Monkey Island is home to over 1,500 monkeys, including red-faced macaques and gray-haired monkeys, which are free-roaming in a preserved natural forest. The island now functions as both a wildlife sanctuary and an interactive tourism site for nature lovers.

How to get to Monkey Island, Nha Trang

To reach Monkey Island, visitors must first travel to Long Phu Port, then take a boat trip to the island. 

From Nha Trang ward center, you can take a taxi, motorbike, or rental car to Long Phu Port (about 18 km away).

• Taxi: ~200,000 VND/one way (4-seater)
• Motorbike rental: ~130,000–150,000 VND/day

Boat fare to Monkey Island (round trip + entrance):

• Adults: 180,000 VND/person
• Children under 1.4m: 100,000 VND
• Children under 1m: Free

Best time to visit Monkey Island

Monkey Island is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer (April – July) and autumn (September – October) seasons.

Summer offers sunshine, clear skies, and perfect conditions for beach activities and photography. Meanwhile, autumn brings cooler breezes and softer light, making it ideal for long walks and relaxed exploration without the intense heat.

What to do on Monkey Island

Interact with playful monkeys

The highlight of Monkey Island is, of course, its friendly and cheeky monkey population. With over 1,500 monkeys roaming the island’s forests, you can freely observe their behavior, feed them (with caution), or simply enjoy their playful antics. This is a great activity for families with kids, animal lovers, or anyone who enjoys wildlife encounters.

Tip: Keep your valuables hidden – monkeys are curious and mischievous and may snatch food, bags, or jewelry!

Watch the monkey circus show

Don’t miss the daily monkey circus shows, which are especially popular with children. Performances are held at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, and 3:15 PM every day. 

The lineup includes dog shows, bear tricks, elephant stunts, and of course, clever monkey performances. These well-trained monkeys impress audiences with their agility, cycling, and acrobatics.

Play at the Floating Water Park

For those seeking excitement, the floating water park on the beach is a must-visit. Spanning 2,000 square meters, the park features 48 inflatable obstacle games, including rock climbing, balance bridges, monkey bars, and slides – all playfully designed to reflect the island’s cheeky monkey theme.

The floating water park is a high-energy spot perfect for adventurous teens and young adults who love physical challenges and water fun.

Experience exciting sports activities

Monkey Island offers a wide range of recreational activities beyond monkey-watching:

• Paintball
• Prokat car racing
• Ostrich riding
• Snorkeling and scuba diving

These activities are perfect for visitors who love adrenaline and outdoor sports. Diving in particular offers a look into the vibrant underwater world of Nha Phu Bay.

Visit Nha Phu Lagoon & neighboring islands

Monkey Island is part of the expansive Nha Phu Lagoon, which includes other stunning islands such as:

• Hon Da Bac
• Hon Leo
• Hon Sam
• Hoa Lan Stream

Each offers something unique—from peaceful beaches and lush jungle trails to boat tours and diving experiences.

Stop by Hoa Lan Stream

Located on nearby Hon Heo Island, Hoa Lan Stream is a charming spot filled with orchids, a small stream, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Visitors can stroll among hundreds of orchid species, visit the mini zoo, or relax at the beach. It’s also a great place to unwind and enjoy fresh seafood after exploring Monkey Island.

Savor Nha Trang’s fresh seafood

No trip to Nha Trang is complete without indulging in local seafood. Try grilled squid, steamed clams, spotted scat, sea urchin, and more. You can either buy fresh seafood directly from local fishermen and grill it on-site, or enjoy ready-to-eat dishes at one of the island’s seaside restaurants

Ticket prices (Updated July 2025)

Adults: 180,000 VND/person

Children (1m–1.39m): 100,000 VND/person

Children (<1m): Free

Includes:

• Round-trip boat transfer.
• Beach tents.
• Monkey circus, animal shows.
• Access to the floating water park.
• Freshwater shower facilities.

Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM daily

Travel tips for visiting Monkey Island

• Avoid bringing food, jewelry, or flashy accessories – monkeys might snatch them.
• Never tease or threaten the monkeys – they can chase or become aggressive.
• If traveling independently, bring your own food and drinks as on-island prices are slightly higher.
• Remember swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, and of course, your smartphone or camera for capturing memories.
• Book a comfortable hotel in Nha Trang so you can relax after a full day of fun.

With its wild monkeys, beautiful beaches, and a wide range of fun activities, Monkey Island Nha Trang is a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers of all ages. Whether you're looking to play with animals, dive into the sea, or just relax in nature, this eco-island offers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. 

Add Hon Lao Monkey Island to your travel bucket list and enjoy an unforgettable experience on the vibrant coast of Nha Trang!