Tiếng ViệtNha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao, Monkey Island) – one of Nha Trang’s prominent eco-tourism destinations, just about 15 km from the city center, nestled in the emerald Nha Phu Bay. Over 1,500 semi-wild monkeys living here are accustomed to tourists, always creating fun and friendly moments.
Visiting Nha Trang Monkey Island with Sea You Travel, you will not only explore an exciting wild world but also enjoy a fresh green space, relax on pristine beaches, and participate in many attractive entertainment activities.
Overview of Nha Trang Monkey Island
Nha Trang Monkey Island (Monkey Island, Hon Lao, Monkey Island) is located only about 2 km from the mainland. The small island, approximately 25 hectares wide, is shaped like a spearhead – hence the name “Hon Lao” comes from the Vietnamese word “lao” (spear/javelin).
Scale & Landscape
More than half of the island’s area is covered with coconut trees, rocky rapids, and pristine beaches. The remaining part is planned as an entertainment park – still retaining many green spaces but with added infrastructure for visitors. The park area is about 11 hectares, with a system of walkways and signposts connecting the subdivisions; the walking paths are decorated with flower arches, lanterns, and many miniature landscapes, including works made from recycled materials forming a unique “trash park.”
Entertainment Areas & Facilities on the Island
- Monkey Park with over 1,500 semi-wild monkeys
- Circus stage – animal performances
- Go-kart racing track
- Children’s play area
- Local seafood market
- Beach and inflatable water park
- Art-park made from recycled materials
- Guest house/accommodation area
- Vietnamese seafood restaurant
- Work area/reception, office & medical support for guests
- Suitable experiences
Nha Trang Monkey Island harmoniously combines nature and entertainment activities, ideal for families with young children, groups of friends, and travelers who love an energetic and memorable day out.
Monkey Park on Nha Trang Monkey Island
Overview & Location
Monkey Park is the largest and most attractive area for tourists on Nha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao, Monkey Island). This area is located in the center of the island’s developed service section. Getting there is very simple: from the entrance to the breeding area, turn left and go straight; along the way, you will almost always encounter groups of macaque monkeys.
Note: Only feed monkeys outside the park area.
Habitat & Facilities
The management installs automatic drinking machines and feeds monkeys 3 times a day. Inside, there is a small lake and an artificial waterfall – where monkeys often bathe; observing them playing in the water is an interesting experience.
Number & Species of Monkeys on the Island
There are about 1,500 individuals on the entire island, but only a portion usually interacts with guests; the rest live in semi-wild areas. There are two main species:
- Rhesus macaques
- Crab-eating macaques (long-tailed macaques)
Both are adaptable to human presence but still retain many wild behaviors, making the visit both lively and exploratory.
Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) – Characteristics & Behavior
- Identification: small–medium size, weighing about ~8 kg; gray or light brown fur; pink, hairless faces are very distinctive.
- Habits: agile, confident, and sometimes aggressive; live in large troops of several dozen individuals with strict hierarchies. Do not feed young monkeys before the alpha/adult monkeys have eaten.
- Diet: mainly fruits, seeds, grass, sometimes insects.
- Distribution: widest range among primate species (after humans), found in Central, South, and Southeast Asia; well adapted to environments near residential areas.
- Scientific value: due to biological similarities with humans, rhesus macaques are often used in medical-biological research (involved in rabies, polio, smallpox vaccine research, and HIV/AIDS projects). Rhesus macaques were also among the first primates sent into space in historical experiments.
Crab-eating Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) on Nha Trang Monkey Island
Quick Identification
Crab-eating macaques (Macaca fascicularis), also known as long-tailed macaques/Java monkeys, have darker fur, brown faces, a small tuft of hair on the top of their heads, and very long tails (often significantly longer than their bodies) – characteristics that distinguish them from rhesus macaques.
Habits & Behavior
- Temperament: generally gentler and friendlier than rhesus macaques, but still wild animals – caution is needed when approaching.
- Beach “thieves”: often snatch items from tourists (hats, glasses, phones…); any small, easily held item can be lost if you are careless.
- Activity rhythm: quite bold during the day, especially when they detect the smell of food; usually calm down in the late afternoon.
Diet
The name “crab-eating” has a reason: they know how to dive and catch crabs, and can hold their breath underwater for quite some time. However, they are omnivores: fruits, young leaves, insects, wild berries… and sometimes destroy crops in farms near their habitats.
Habitat on Nha Trang Monkey Island
On Monkey Island (Hon Lao), crab-eating macaques live almost semi-wild, moving freely throughout the park. This allows visitors to observe their natural behaviors quite authentically – an experience that is both lively and educational.
Safety Tips for Visiting
- Do not openly hold/open food, carefully put away personal belongings (phone, glasses, hat).
- Maintain distance, do not tease, do not try to take photos too close, especially with mother monkeys – baby monkeys.
- Do not feed in prohibited areas; follow park staff instructions.
Circus & Shows at Eco-Park – Nha Trang Monkey Island
Circus Tent Space
The circus tent is located right in the center of Monkey Island; its roof is shaped like a giant straw hat. Inside, there is a stage and several rows of seats. Seating is limited, so some spectators will stand during peak hours.
Performance Schedule & Duration
- Daily shows: 10:00, 14:00, 15:15
- Duration: approximately 30 minutes/show
Note: schedules may change depending on weather conditions and visitor numbers.
Animal Shows
Main characters: macaque monkeys – riding mini-bikes, acrobatics, performing in coordination with dogs. The dog acts include balancing, funny tricks, and audience interaction.
Fun “Dog Racing”
Right next to the tent is a ~100m race track with 8 dogs participating in each round. Guests can place symbolic bets of only 30,000 VND/round; if they guess correctly, they will receive souvenirs (shells, wooden statues, handicrafts…).
“Monkey Swimming” Competition
Opposite the tent is a swimming pool for competitions: usually 5 monkeys participate, 50m distance. Guests can join in fun predictions and receive gifts if they win.
Monkey Mini-Bike Racing
Another unique experience is monkey mini-bike racing on a circular track around the pool, about 160m long. Each round has 3 monkeys competing. This activity does not take place daily, only when there is a sufficient audience.
Tips for Effective Show Viewing
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to get a seat.
- Prepare a hat/water if standing to watch at noon.
- Do not tease or bring food close to the performance area.
Seafood Market on Monkey Island
Nha Phu Bay has been associated with fishing since ancient times; the coral reefs around Hon Lao are rich in mollusks and crabs. On the way to the island, you will encounter many fishing gear; some of the seafood that lands is brought directly to the Monkey Island seafood market.
Location & space: a small market, located opposite the entrance, next to the children’s play area. The space is decorated in a traditional fishing village style: stalls under straw roofs, basins/tubs containing fresh seafood. The goods come directly from the sea and local farms.
Eat on-site: in addition to buying fresh fish, crabs, and mollusks, you can choose grilled dishes and the chef will prepare them on the spot. Food is served at the small restaurant next door. Prices are reasonable, and the taste is fresh – naturally sweet.
Beach & Inflatable Water Park
North Beach (beach for tourists)
- Location: adjacent to the pier, about 200m long.
- Facilities: clean restrooms, sunshades, plastic sun loungers, showers, and toilets.
- Water surface: shallow – calm, few waves; clearest in the early morning and evening (during the day, arriving boats may stir up sand and algae).
- Inflatable water park: located directly opposite the beach; consists of a cluster of inflatable slides – climbing structures. Guests are provided with life jackets to ensure safety.
West Beach (less suitable for swimming)
Characteristics: shoreline with many large pebbles, scattered marine debris; bottom mixed with rocks and mud, no supporting infrastructure.
South Area (scenic check-in spot)
- Terrain: rocky cliffs – boulders falling directly into the sea, not suitable for swimming.
- Beautiful photos: there are stone steps carved directly into the cliff; from here, you can see a panoramic view of Nha Phu Bay and Hon Lao – an ideal photo spot in the early morning/late afternoon.
Small Tips for Visiting
- Bring sunscreen/hat; carefully put away phones, glasses, and hats when entering the monkey area.
- Rinse off immediately after swimming to avoid salt.
- For the inflatable park, do light warm-ups and follow the instructions of guides/lifeguards.
“Waste Park” in the West of the Island
In the west of Nha Trang Monkey Island, there is a small Waste Park – a unique recycled art exhibition area where all sculptures are created from recycled materials. You will find:
- Flower beds assembled from plastic bottles
- Coconut wood pine trees
- Sunflower fields with petals made from palm fronds
The center of the park is a house built from glass shards; the interior is decorated with car tires, next to it is a toilet lined with seashells.
The highlight is the statue “Nature’s Fury”: the Earth being swallowed by a giant wave made of old discs, plastic, and glass – a direct message about the harmful effects of waste on the planet.
Recycled art also appears scattered throughout the island, making the visit not only entertaining but also educational about eco-tourism and environmental awareness.
Restaurants & Food on the Island
On Monkey Island, there are drink stalls – light snacks and a restaurant serving main meals, connected directly from the entrance by a central avenue.
- Menu: fresh vegetables, seafood, grilled dishes; you can try “exotic specialties” such as ostrich, deer, or crocodile (depending on the day).
- Actual reviews: Many tourists consider this a convenient spot for light meals; if you want a richer lunch, you can return to Nha Trang.
Note about monkeys: The smell of food easily attracts monkeys; they may snatch food if you are careless. Staff/vendors often carry slingshots to scare them away if necessary – please keep your distance, carefully put away food, and follow instructions.
Games & Activities on Nha Trang Monkey Island
In addition to observing monkeys and swimming, Nha Trang Monkey Island also offers many other entertainment activities such as go-karting, diving, snorkeling, paintball, and even ostrich riding.
Karting (go-kart racing)
The island has a short but winding track for you to experience driving. Many tourists comment that the cars are not too fast, suitable for families and children, prioritizing safety and fun.
Diving & Snorkeling
- Location: diving center located west of South Beach; water is clearer than the pier area.
- Form: choose scuba diving or snorkeling.
- Duration: one dive session is about 20 minutes, with an accompanying guide.
- Ecosystem: coral reefs around the island with marine fish and benthic organisms. Newcomers will find it very suitable; experienced divers may see this as a gentle spot to “warm up.”
Paintball
Inside the park, there is a dedicated paintball field, extremely suitable for groups of young friends or teams who enjoy sports, tactics, and teamwork.
Ostrich Riding
Right next to the circus tent, there is an ostrich farm for tourists to experience ostrich riding for a small fee. The area has staff to assist and guide before mounting.
- Weight limit: maximum ~80 kg
- Nature of activity: a short – fun – unique experience, often considered a highlight in the journey to explore Nha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao).
History of Nha Trang Monkey Island
Currently, Hon Lao has a fairly large population of long-tailed monkeys. However, monkeys were not indigenous residents from ancient times; the origin of “Monkey Island” still has many different theories.
Theory 1: Breeding farm for Soviet – Vietnamese research
In 1984, the Soviet Union and Vietnam agreed to establish a monkey breeding farm. Phu Khanh Monkey Farm was born (later renamed Company 18/4). At one point, up to 80% of the monkeys were supplied to Soviet laboratories.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union (1993), the farm lost its main customer; outside the facility, there were estimated to be about 5,000 individuals at that time. To maintain operations, the company once sold monkey bones for folk medicine. Later, a portion of the monkey population was moved to Hon Lao, gradually forming the Monkey Island tourist area attracting visitors with its dense population.
Theory 2: Experimental monkey island from the 1980s
Around the 1980s, ~200 individuals were brought from other parts of Asia to the island. Hon Lao operated as a monkey breeding farm for experiments, with no pre-existing natural population. Monkeys bred were then sold to the Soviet Union and many other countries for scientific research.
Theory 3: Large-scale Soviet experimental facility
Some sources claim that Hon Lao was once a large laboratory for Soviet scientists. Monkeys were brought to the island to test vaccines and pharmaceuticals. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the project stopped, and the monkey population was left on the island; thanks to available food and water sources, the population increased rapidly over time.
Note: Historical data has not been confirmed by a single source, so timelines and population sizes may vary depending on the material. This article synthesizes popular versions to give you a comprehensive view before visiting.
How to Get to Nha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao) – Detailed Guide
Quick Summary
- Transit destination: Long Phu Pier (North Port) – about 18 km from Nha Trang city center.
- Means of transport to the pier: Bus, taxi, or rented motorbike.
- Boat/canoe to the island: every 30 minutes from 09:00, travel time 12–15 minutes.
- Last trip to the island: 15:00; return trip: approximately 16:30 (park closing time).
Note: Schedule may change seasonally/due to weather. It is recommended to check again before going.
Getting to North Port
Address: Cat Loi, Khanh Hoa.
From Nha Trang city center, go north along QL1 (about 18 km) to Long Phu Pier – where there is a “Ticket Office” with a white sign/Long Phu Tourist logo, easily recognizable.
By Bus
Route: #1 or #3 (inter-provincial/out-of-town).
- Travel time: 30–40 minutes.
- Fare: about 20,000 VND.
- Tip: tell the conductor “Monkey Island” or “Cang Bac/North Port” to get off at the right stop.
Taxi / Motorbike
- Taxi: fast, convenient if traveling in a group/with children.
- Rented motorbike: flexible time; parking at the pier is about 5,000 VND/bike.
How to Buy Tickets for Nha Trang Monkey Island
You can buy tickets directly at the Long Phu ticket counter, or book online with a reputable Monkey Island ticket agent (Sea You Travel).
- Monkey Island (Hon Lao) Ticket
- Orchid Island Ticket or 2-island combo (usually combined in a day trip).
Alternative (recommended):
Book an all-inclusive tour to Monkey Island (Hon Lao) + Orchid Island through Sea You Travel for transfers, ticket purchase support – schedule arrangements, professional tour guide, and optimized itinerary (suitable for families, small groups).
Canoe Schedule to Monkey Island (reference)
- Frequency: 30 minutes/trip, from 09:00
- Travel time: 12–15 minutes
- Last trip to the island: 15:00
- Return trip: approximately 16:30 (coincides with park closing time)
Note: It is advisable to arrive 10–15 minutes before departure to exchange tickets, queue; peak times on weekends/holidays can be crowded.
What to Visit Near Nha Trang Monkey Island?
When visiting Nha Trang Monkey Island (Monkey Island, Hon Lao), you can combine exploring other prominent spots in Nha Phu Bay. Nearby are several interesting places to stroll and visit.
Orchid Island (Hon Lan, Orchid Island)
Orchid Island is located about 6 km from Monkey Island. The most special feature is the collection of 100 orchid varieties blooming alternately throughout the year. Inside the campus, there are two lakes, a small waterfall, and a stream. Although named “island,” Orchid Island is actually on the mainland.
In addition to orchids, there are also animal performances here. Bears and elephants participate in the performances. Deeper in the park, there are spotted deer and ostriches, which visitors are allowed to feed. There is also a butterfly garden and a clean sandy beach with convenient infrastructure.
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 17:00
- Ticket price: adults – 220,000 VND, children 1.0 – 1.39m: 135,000 VND (children under 1.0m: free).
Ostrich & Spotted Deer Island (Hon Thi Island)
Hon Thi, also known as “Animal Island,” is less famous than Hon Lao and Orchid Island. There is almost no tourist infrastructure here: no cafes, no souvenir shops, no equipped beaches. This is precisely why the island retains its poetic and peaceful beauty.
At Hon Thi, you can stroll through mango and pomelo orchards. The most special features of the island are ostriches and spotted deer. They are raised on two farms, accustomed to humans and ready to eat from visitors’ hands.
Ba Ho Waterfalls
About 7 km from North Port and 25 km from Nha Trang is Ba Ho Waterfalls. This is a cluster of three-tiered waterfalls flowing over huge rocks. At the foot of the waterfalls, natural pools are formed where you can swim.
The surrounding area is dense forest, but there are trails for tourists, so it’s quite difficult to get lost. Currently, Ba Ho is developed as an outdoor recreational area: there are camping services and kayak rentals.
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 16:30
- Ticket price: 100,000 VND
Answers to Questions Related to Nha Trang Monkey Island
Where is Nha Trang Monkey Island located?
Nha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao) is located in Nha Phu Bay, about 18 km north of Nha Trang city center and about 2 km from the mainland. You take a canoe from North Port/Long Phu Tourist (Cat Loi, Khanh Hoa) to the island, travel time is about 12–15 minutes.
How much is the ticket price for Nha Trang Monkey Island?
Below is the latest reference ticket price for Nha Trang Monkey Island (Hon Lao), Monkey Island Ticket (only 1 island):
Adults ~180,000 VND/person, Children 1.0 – 1.39m: 100,000 VND/person, under 1.0m free. This price includes round-trip boat + entrance ticket (according to updated tourism guide 2026).
Can I feed the monkeys, is it dangerous?
Only feed outside the park area as instructed. Always carefully put away phones, glasses, hats, and food; do not tease/stare at alpha monkeys; keep your distance from mother monkeys – baby monkeys. Follow signs and tour guides.
Where can I buy tickets for Nha Trang Monkey Island?
To buy tickets for Nha Trang Monkey Island quickly and conveniently, you should book through Sea You Travel to get good prices, receive advice on suitable boat times, and enjoy full journey care. If traveling independently, you can buy directly at the Da Chong Pier (Long Phu) ticket counter before the boat departure time. Additionally, you can also book online through reputable platforms/units such as Long Phu Tourist, Traveloka, Klook…
