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Monkey Island (Hon Lao)

Rating: 4.0

An island in Nha Phu lagoon with some 1,200 semi-wild monkeys

North of the city13.6 km from the centre

calflier001 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Address
Nha Phu lagoon, Ninh Ich commune, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa
Opening hours
Performances at roughly 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Price range
190,000 – 250,000₫/person
Best time to go
Aim for the 10:00 show — leave the city before 8:30
Open in Google Maps

On the map

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors · 12.3598, 109.2136

Overview

Hon Lao sits in Nha Phu lagoon north of the city, known for a troop of around 1,200 semi-wild monkeys living on it. They are habituated enough to approach people, which makes this the one place near Nha Trang where you meet wildlife at arm's length — the reason to go, and the reason to be careful.

Beyond the monkeys there are animal circus performances through the day and a floating water park off the shore. If performing-animal shows are not for you, know in advance that they are a central part of what the island offers, not a side activity you can simply skip.

Getting there means 15–20 km north of Nha Trang on Highway 1 to the pier, then a boat across the lagoon. Because of the crossing, budget half a day or more, and note that the boats may not run when the water is rough.

Tickets run roughly 190,000–250,000₫ a head depending on the seller and whether the boat is included. Performances are usually at 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00 — so leave the city before 8:30 to make the morning one.

Don't miss

  • Around 1,200 semi-wild monkeys living on the island
  • Reached by boat across Nha Phu lagoon
  • A floating water park just off the shore
  • Pairs with Doc Let for a day spent north of the city

Practical tips

  • Do not carry visible food or plastic bags — these monkeys are habituated and will snatch
  • Put phones, glasses and hats away when they come close; do not reach out or hold eye contact
  • Allow half a day or more because of the boat — do not stack anything else into the same session
  • If you would rather not watch performing animals, weigh that up before buying a ticket

Frequently asked

How long does Monkey Island take?

Half a day at least: 15–20 km north to the pier, the boat across the lagoon, one performance, then back. The boat schedule sets the pace.

Is it safe with young children?

Yes, but hold their hand and let them carry no food. The monkeys approach and grab, which small children can find frightening.

What does a ticket cost, and is the boat included?

Roughly 190,000–250,000₫ per person. The spread is mostly about whether the boat is included — ask before paying, especially through an agent.

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