IslandsĐảo Khỉ (Hòn Lao)
Monkey Island (Hon Lao)
Quick answer
An island in Nha Phu bay north of the city, about 15 km from Nha Trang, home to a population of roughly 1,200 macaques - long-tailed and pig-tailed - descended from animals kept here for research. Visitors reach it by boat from Long Phu port, then a short crossing to the island, where there are monkey shows, a circus arena and feeding areas. It is usually sold as a combo with Orchid Island (Hon Thi) in the same bay.
Practical
| From the beachfront | 15 km · 26 min |
|---|---|
| Entrance | 180,000 VND adult (over 130 cm), 90,000-100,000 VND child (2026). Orchid Island is quoted separately at 220,000 / 135,000 VND. |
| Hours | 07:30-16:30 |
| Best time | Morning, before the heat and while the monkeys are active |
| Allow | half day to full day |
| Foreign visitors | Allowed |
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Why go
- Free-ranging macaques at close quarters - there is nothing comparable near Nha Trang
- A short boat ride through Nha Phu bay, which is calmer than the open sea to the south
- Usually combined with Orchid Island, which makes a full day out of one ticket
- Cheap by Nha Trang standards at 180,000 VND
How to get there
Road north about 15-18 km to Long Phu port on Nha Phu bay (20-30 minutes' drive), then a ferry or speedboat 10-15 minutes to the island. Nearly always sold as a packaged day trip with hotel pickup.
Tips
- Do not walk around with food visible - the macaques snatch from hands and bags, and this is the standard warning given to families
- Keep glasses, phones, hats and anything shiny zipped away
- Feed only where and what the staff permit; bananas and peanuts are sold on site
- Small children should be kept close - the monkeys are habituated to people and not timid
- Some visitors find the performing-animal shows uncomfortable; you can skip them and walk the island
Map
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to visit Monkey Island (Hon Lao)?
Monkey Island (Hon Lao): 180,000 VND adult (over 130 cm), 90,000-100,000 VND child (2026). Orchid Island is quoted separately at 220,000 / 135,000 VND.. Fees change, so treat this as the last published figure rather than a guarantee.
How far is Monkey Island (Hon Lao) from the beachfront?
Monkey Island (Hon Lao) is about 15 km from the Tran Phu beachfront by road, roughly 26 minutes by taxi.
When is the best time to visit Monkey Island (Hon Lao)?
Best time for Monkey Island (Hon Lao): Morning, before the heat and while the monkeys are active.
How long do I need at Monkey Island (Hon Lao)?
Allow half day to full day for Monkey Island (Hon Lao), not counting the journey each way.
Can foreign visitors go to Monkey Island (Hon Lao)?
Yes, foreign visitors are permitted at Monkey Island (Hon Lao) under the current rules. Carry your passport.
How do I get to Monkey Island (Hon Lao)?
Road north about 15-18 km to Long Phu port on Nha Phu bay (20-30 minutes' drive), then a ferry or speedboat 10-15 minutes to the island. Nearly always sold as a packaged day trip with hotel pickup.
Nearby
Sources
3Every figure on this page comes from one of these pages, fetched on the date shown, or is computed from coordinates.