Monkey Hill or Khao Toe Sae Observation Deck got its name from the many wild monkeys that constantly live here.
The largest number of monkeys can be guaranteed to meet in the morning and in the late afternoon, more than 50 individuals. In the daytime there are no more than 15-20 of them.
When feeding, be careful, as the monkeys are very arrogant and can easily take away the package and harm you. Such a case is described in the comments below.
From the observation deck you can see the highest hill of the island with a radar on top, as well as Chalong Pier, Phuket Town, the Kata area and the statue of the Golden Buddha, which is located on the territory of the Khao Rang temple. By the way, at the foot of the monkey hill there is also a small temple.
The locals living in this part of the island go jogging in the morning and ride their bikes here. The 3.7 km long road gently rises and serves as a good help for maintaining physical fitness. The asphalt is fresh, in very good condition, so walking and driving on it is a pleasure. During the day, the road is closed with a barrier, so leave your transport in the parking lot, and then go on foot.
reference Information
- At the top of the hill, there are TV antennas hidden in the thick of trees, so the view here is poor. In order to admire the surrounding beauties, it would be better to choose an observation deck, located just below.
- Opening hours: around the clock
- Price: is free
The warm Asian country is not just the sea, the sun and the beach, but also a lot of entertainment, sights and magnificent landscapes. In addition, this is the time for new acquaintances. This article will focus on a place like Monkey Mountain in Phuket, how to get there and tips for tourists.
Monkey Hill (Monkey Hill - Phuket Monkey Hill or Khao To Se - Khao Toe Sae) is a hill located near Phuket Town, which is famous for inhabiting it by a huge number of monkeys who are absolutely not afraid of people and take food from them without fear and even ripping off valuables from tourists.
Three observation platforms are equipped on the mountain, of which one, the highest, deserves real attention. Those located below have a small field of view. 
A visit to this place is free and you can stay there for at least a whole day if you don’t get bored.
So, if you are wondering where to see the monkeys in Phuket, you will inevitably visit this place. Of course, this is not the only place in Thailand where you can meet monkeys, but here their concentration can go off scale. 
The location of the mountain is indicated on the map.
Infrastructure
In addition to the main attraction - monkeys, there are several places that you can visit (since you took the time and forced yourself to drive up the mountain), including:
- Buddhist temple (located at the very base of the hill).
- Chapel (located a little higher than the temple and statues of primates and tigers attract attention here).
- Observation deck overlooking the sea (the very first in the course of the ascent).
- Observation deck with an increased view.
- Panoramic observation deck.
- Cafe.
- Shops where you can buy treats for monkeys.
The cost of a monkey treat - 20–30 baht
It is worth noting that the panoramic platform does not allow you to look around the island 360 degrees, a maximum of 180, and even then with some difficulties (many trees). So if the purpose of the visit is to enjoy the scenery, we recommend paying attention to Rang Hill, where the view is better, and there are not so many monkeys. 
At the very top of the hill, contrary to popular belief, there are no sites, there are cell towers and a radio room. Therefore, getting here to see the towers is a controversial pleasure. 
Communication rules
Despite the fact that the monkeys look quite friendly and look almost tame, these are wild animals that have adapted to new conditions for themselves, which causes danger. 
The best option is simply to watch how the primate walks along the observation deck or basks in the sun in the wild. But everyone understands perfectly well that this is not enough for the average tourist and he will want to feed or even stroke the monkey. In such a situation, we recommend that you observe the following rules:
- you should not look directly into the eyes of a monkey, as they perceive this as an open threat and can attack;
- do not smile at the monkey, it will be regarded as a grin with all the ensuing consequences;
- do not try to pick up a baby monkey, as his mother will, to put it mildly, not be enthusiastic about this idea and may bite;
- it is a bad idea to pet primates, as this is fraught with possible bites;
- if the monkey begins to bare his teeth, this is far from a smile, it is better to move away;
- watch your children and in no case leave them alone with monkeys - these cute creatures can scratch or even bite;
- do not enter into a conflict between two primates, you risk getting hurt.
Songteos don't drive here, so be prepared to rent a tuk tuk or taxi. The cost of such a trip is 300 -400 baht.
If you move on your own, then from the Central Festival we move towards Phuket Town, and at the fork after a kilometer we turn left, and after another three kilometers, after the prison facility, again to the left, where the ascent will begin. 
The road here is narrow, only one lane, you can drive a car, but you will have to constantly pass with vehicles descending from above. In addition, there are many pedestrians on the road from among people who have decided to walk up the hill.
Monkey Mountain opening hours are from 6 am to 8 pm.
So, Monkey Mountain in Phuket is a place that you will remember for a long time, especially if you follow all the precautions and follow the rule - you can look, but not touch! Don't forget to share your holiday experience in the comments. They are needed for those who have not yet decided where to go and what to see.
Monkey Hill is another interesting place in Phuket that you can visit on your own and absolutely free! Monkey Mountain is located in the north of Phuket Town, and the hill on which it is located can be seen from anywhere in the city. On the mountain there are various towers - cellular communications, as well as television, and on the sides of the road that leads to this mountain there are many monkeys.
Monkey Mountain is located in Phuket Town, but it cannot be reached by public transport. You need to take a taxi, tuk-tuk, or go to Monkey Mountain on a rented moped or car. The road to Munky Hill is quite narrow, so I would recommend riding a moped here. That's exactly what we did. Locals, as well as some tourists, like to trek from the base of the mountain - a 4 km long road usually takes about an hour to climb. Therefore, if you go on your own, be careful, on the way you will meet both people and monkeys.
You can also visit Monkey Mountain as part of an organized tour.
You can see where the mountain of monkeys is located on the map at the bottom of this article.
Observation decks on Monkey Mountain
There are 3 observation platforms and they are all at different levels. The first level is the lowest and it offers a small view of the sea, from the second level the view is slightly larger, and from the third, highest level, a stunning view of the sea and Phuket town opens up. There are benches where you can rest and enjoy the beautiful view.
We did not stop at the first two sites, but immediately went to the very top. We really liked the view, only it is quite hot here, and there is nowhere to hide from the sun.
Monkey
Monkeys feel good here 🙂 Tourists come and feed them all the time. With you, in order to feed the monkeys, you can take peanuts, bananas, corn. I recommend that you do not immediately show the monkeys all the food that you brought with you, as they can snatch it from your hands. We fed the monkeys bananas. If you forgot to take food with you, nuts and bananas are sold at the bottom of the mountain.
Personally, I love monkeys very much and am not afraid of them. Of course, it is important to follow a few rules in order for your communication with the monkeys to bring you only joy. Monkeys can be given food, but they should not be stroked, as they may perceive this as a danger and bite you. Monkeys can be carriers of various diseases, and it is unlikely that you will want to spend the rest of your vacation in the hospital. It is also not recommended to smile, as they can take your smile for an enemy grin and become furious. It is better to take off all small things, such as glasses, bracelets, hats and put them in a bag, and also hold phones and a camera very tightly, as you can very easily be left without them 🙂 It is also not recommended to approach baby monkeys, somewhere their mother walks nearby, who can perceive any gesture as dangerous and rush to rescue her baby. And one more piece of advice - do not look the monkeys in the eyes, they can take it as aggression.
Otherwise, the monkeys are quite cute, they will gladly pose for you on camera and eat the offered food. The platform for communication is not very large, but there are simulators here, which the monkeys also really like, they crawl on them, jump from one to another, in general, this is completely their territory.
I strongly advise you to visit this wonderful place, the monkeys here are in their natural habitat, and not like in a zoo, behind bars.
And also visiting the mountain of monkeys is absolutely free.
Monkey Hill got its name because of the large number of wild monkeys living on the slopes of the mountain. Furry jungle dwellers sit down along the path leading to the summit and beg for refreshments. Therefore, going to the Monkey Mountain (Thai name Khao Toe Sae), take bananas or nuts with you.
I will warn you right away: when dealing with monkeys, be extremely careful, do not try to stroke the monkey, otherwise you risk being bitten or scratched.
You can climb the mountain by bike or car, but it is best to go on foot, as there is not much space for parking at the top. In addition, the mountain is quite steep, and you will have to go all the way back “on the brakes”. On the way to the top there is an observation deck with views of Phuket Town. From here you can see a very beautiful Wat Khao Rang temple - it is easy to recognize by the large statue of the Golden Buddha. By the way, at the foot of the monkey mountain there is also a Buddhist temple, but less beautiful than Khao Rang.
From the top of the mountain, the view is slightly worse - trees interfere, as well as large television antennas installed at the top.
Background on Monkey Mountain
Photos from Khao Toe Sae mountain
Monkey Mountain in Phuket has become a popular tourist attraction thanks to the population of macaques living on the hill. Representatives of the monkey family settled along the entire slope, but the main habitat is closer to the top. The Thai toponym Khao Toe Sae is hardly used, and any taxi driver will know where to take you if you say "Monkey Hill".
Upstairs, where television towers, masts and cellular antennas are installed, there is an asphalt road about 3 km long. Along the way, you will meet landscaped viewing platforms and gazebos for relaxation. The pink buildings are the toilets, and the washstands are on the side wall outside the buildings. Viewpoints offer panoramic views of Phuket Town and the coast.
When traveling by car, keep in mind that it will be difficult to pass with oncoming cars, as the roadway is too narrow. In addition, there are no parking lots at the top, and places suitable for parking are very likely to be occupied. The slope is quite sharp and, moving down, you will have to constantly slow down and keep your foot on the brake pedal to control the speed.
From 17:00 to 20:00 traffic is prohibited, since Monkey Hill is the main place for jogging and sports for locals. The lawns are equipped with sports complexes with exercise machines, barbells, horizontal bars and other sports equipment. Once the heat of the day subsides, people go jogging and biking all along the route. If you are in good physical shape, then the hike will take about half an hour. Walking is quite comfortable: new asphalt was laid in 2016, trees growing along the roadsides create abundant shade, and shady canopies were built in open areas.
Rules of behavior
Treats for monkeys are sold in tents at the foot. A bunch of bananas or a bag of unshelled peanuts cost the same: 20 baht. It is better to take the nuts out of the package (out of sight of the animals), put them in your pockets and give them out little by little.
So that contact with funny and seemingly harmless creatures does not end in failure, you need to be careful and be on the alert. Do not forget that these are wild animals with unpredictable reactions. Macaques are accustomed to humans and are peaceful, but tourists themselves sometimes provoke attacks. Friendly by human standards, gestures and facial expressions are perceived by our smaller brothers in a completely different way. For example, do not laugh: showing teeth is regarded as a challenge to a duel. Do not get close to the cubs: the females are able to attack first if they decide that something threatens the offspring. Don't try to pet the monkeys or make sudden movements.
Curious inhabitants of the jungle feel like the owners of the territory, they can jump on their shoulders, occupy a car or bike, pull the key out of the ignition, snatch a purse, camera or phone out of their hands, rip off a cap, glasses and jewelry. It will be possible to return the stolen back only if the monkey itself considers the prey uninteresting and throws it away. Precautions should be taken in advance: do not take valuables with you, remove hair clips, chains and earrings, do not leave backpacks and bags unattended.
When planning a visit to Monkey Mountain, choose dark clothes. On light fabric, stubborn stains are likely to remain. If you follow these simple tips, communication with primates will bring a lot of positive emotions and allow you to replenish your collection of vacation photos with touching pictures.
Most meetings end peacefully, but incidents do occur. If the bite could not be avoided, you will have to seek medical help and give injections for rabies. By the way, there may not be a vaccine in the nearest hospital. Monkeys often become carriers of other dangerous infections. Stock up on bactericidal wipes and antiseptic, treat even minor scratches. There is no need to contact individuals that show grins and other clear signs of aggression. Fights among males are common, beware of approaching fighting members of the pack.
On Monkey Mountain, there are three observation decks located at different levels. Near the bottom there is a cafe of Thai cuisine, there will be no further food outlets.
How to get there
The best way to get around the island is by renting a motorbike (200-300 baht per day). After passing the Central Festival shopping center, you need to move towards Phuket Town for about 1 km and turn left at the fork. After 3 km you will see a prison, after it you have to make another left turn, and Monkey Hill will be straight ahead. Periodically, there will be "Monkey on road" warning signs and golden sculptures depicting a pair of monkeys.
You can also get to Monkey Mountain by public transport. At the old bus station, you need to take the pink songteo bus that goes to the new terminal. The fare is 10 baht. The bus exits Surin Road and turns left at the foot of the hill. There you need to get out by pressing the bell, giving the driver a signal to stop.
To call a taxi online, the GrabTaxi mobile application is useful; the service provides for the possibility of paying both by card and in cash.
Monkey Mountain on Google Panorama
Monkey Mountain: Video
