Information
Landmark: Monkey HillCity: Phuket
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Monkey Hill, Phuket, Thailand, Asia
Overview
Perched above Phuket Town, Monkey Hill-locals call it Khao To Sae-draws crowds for its sweeping views of the rooftops below, the lush hills beyond, and the glittering stretch of the Andaman Sea.From here, you can take in a sweeping view of the island-Phuket Town’s rooftops, the shimmering coastline, and the green rise of its mountains.Beyond its stunning views, the hill draws visitors with its lively troop of monkeys, making it a top spot for locals and travelers who come to hike the trails, take in the panorama, and watch the animals chatter in the trees.Here’s what stands out in Monkey Hill 1-its winding trails, shady trees, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.From Monkey Hill, you can see Phuket Town spread out below, rooftops catching the late afternoon sun-that breathtaking view is what pulls most people up here.From the summit, visitors can look out over Phuket Town, spotting its colorful rooftops, winding streets, and the glint of sunlight on the nearby coastline.On a clear day, you can spot the Andaman Sea glinting in the sun, stretching far toward the horizon.From the top, you can snap stunning photos-waves glittering below-and take in the island’s wild beauty and sweeping coastline.Number two.True to its name, Monkey Hill teems with macaques-sleek, quick-eyed monkeys that chatter from the trees above.You’ll often spot these monkeys scattered along the hillside, with a few lounging near the rocky summit.mediumStill, the monkeys are a highlight of the trip, chattering in the trees, and visitors can’t help smiling as they watch the animals leap and tumble through the branches.Three.At Monkey Hill’s peak stands Wat Khao To Sae, a small temple where visitors pause to gaze at a serene Buddha statue and the graceful arches of nearby shrines.The temple feels like a quiet refuge, a place where you can breathe deeply and let the rustle of leaves and distant birdsong settle your thoughts.The temple and its grounds are usually calm, with only the soft rustle of palm leaves, making it a peaceful spot to reflect and take in Phuket’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.Number four stood alone, small and sharp like a single chalk mark on a dark board.Monkey Hill sits right in Phuket Town, and you can get there easily by car, motorbike, or a songthaew-the open-air trucks locals use as public transport.The road winds smoothly up the hill, but the grade turns sharp in a few spots, so you’ll want to drive if you’re aiming to reach the top fast.If you’re up for a challenge, lace up your boots and hike all the way to the summit, where the air feels crisp and thin.The trail climbs steeply, making the hike a bit of a workout, but it pulls you deeper into the hill’s quiet air and the rustle of leaves around you.Number five stood alone, small and quiet like a pebble on a blank sheet of paper.The best time to visit Monkey Hill is early in the morning, when the air’s still cool, or late in the afternoon as the light turns golden.The air feels crisp, and the horizon stands sharp against the sky, perfect for snapping photos and soaking in the view.Early mornings bring a calm hush, with just a handful of people and the soft rustle of leaves in the air.If you head up the hill in the late afternoon or early evening, you can catch the sun melting into the horizon in a blaze of gold.As the sun slips behind Phuket’s coastline, the sky melts into streaks of gold and rose-an unforgettable scene for anyone eager to snap the perfect shot.Number six.Just minutes from Phuket Town, Monkey Hill feels a world away, with quiet paths and the soft rustle of leaves replacing the city’s constant hum.This peaceful spot, wrapped in thick, green foliage, invites visitors to slow down, breathe in the scent of fresh leaves, and soak up the island’s beauty.Seven.Monkey Hill holds a special place in the island’s history-locals still recall when soldiers once stood watch from its grassy slope.Long ago, soldiers used it as a key position during military operations, and for generations, locals have treated it as a familiar landmark-like the old stone arch at the village edge.The hill got its name from the monkeys that have lived among its trees for generations, their chatter echoing through the air and weaving into its cultural and historical story.The number eight.At the top of the hill, a handful of cozy cafés and small restaurants invite visitors to sip a cool drink or enjoy a warm sandwich while gazing out over the valley.Plenty of these spots have a laid-back vibe, where you can watch the sun sink into the horizon or just breathe in the quiet.Nine.After climbing Monkey Hill, you can wander over to Old Phuket Town, where pastel-painted colonial buildings stand beside weathered shophouses and bright splashes of street art.It gives you a peek into the island’s rich heritage, from the scent of fresh spices at the market to the echoes of old folk songs.Phuket Thaihua Museum sits inside a graceful Sino-Portuguese mansion, where displays trace the lives and stories of the island’s Chinese settlers, from faded photographs to worn wooden tools.Chalong Temple, or Wat Chalong, is Phuket’s most treasured Buddhist site, just a quick drive from the town center, where incense drifts through the warm air.In short, Monkey Hill gives you one of the finest panoramic views of Phuket Town and the landscape beyond-on a clear day, you can even spot the glitter of the coastline-making it a spot you won’t want to miss while exploring the island.Whether you come for the sweeping ocean views, to watch monkeys dart between the trees, or to soak in the quiet, the hill offers a perfect way to experience Phuket’s nature and culture.Hike the trail or wind your way up by car-either way, you’ll carry away the island’s charm, like the scent of salt on the breeze at the summit.
