Monkey Viewing Spots

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Open Days: Monday – Sunday (including public holidays)

Opening Hours: Generally community and canal-side areas, accessible throughout the day (recommended 06.00 – 18.00 for safety and clearer monkey activity)

 

Monkey Viewing Spots in Bangkok that “locals know about” are mostly found in the Bang Khun Thian area. This district has canals, long-established communities, and green corridors that still support populations of long-tailed macaques. If you want to see monkey troops without driving out of the city, this zone works well. That said, it’s important to be clear: this kind of trip requires more respect for the area than usual, because it is both people’s living space and the monkeys’ daily routes.

 

People who follow these spots usually mention three main locations: Thian Thale Soi 20, the banks of Khlong Sanam Chai in Bang Kradi Community (Village No. 8), and the banks of Khlong Sanam Chai in Samae Dam Community. All three are within Bang Khun Thian District and are linked by canal-based geography and waterside settlements. These locations are often discussed in the same context as Bangkok’s recent efforts to manage long-tailed macaques in Bang Khun Thian, clearly showing that this is one of the city zones where monkey populations genuinely exist and require careful coexistence management.

 

The first spot, Thian Thale Soi 20, is where many visitors begin. Access is relatively straightforward, and there is a good chance of seeing monkeys along walkways or roadside areas. If your intention is truly to “observe,” it’s best to keep a safe distance. Avoid staring directly at them or moving in close for tight photos, because macaques learn quickly and react fast—especially when they notice food, plastic bags, or open water bottles.

 

The second spot is along Khlong Sanam Chai in Bang Kradi Community (Village No. 8). The atmosphere here feels more like everyday local life. Visiting this area means adopting a “polite visitor” mindset: park or walk without blocking residents, speak softly, do not chase monkeys, and avoid any gestures that might look confrontational. Canal-side communities often make monkeys familiar with humans, but familiarity does not guarantee safety if visitors behave carelessly.

 

The third spot is along Khlong Sanam Chai in Samae Dam Community. The setting is similar—canals bordered by residential areas. Good viewing here means standing far enough away to “read their behavior”: you can see movement and troop dynamics without getting close enough for monkeys to focus on items in your hands. Many negative encounters between people and monkeys start from very small things, like holding food bags or offering snacks with good intentions.

 

An important point to understand is that Bangkok authorities and local media have previously reported on macaque management in Bang Khun Thian, including designated feeding points aimed at keeping monkeys within defined areas, reducing disturbances to homes, and discussions around sterilization and health monitoring. From a visitor’s perspective, “not feeding the monkeys” helps this system function properly—it’s not just a personal safety rule.

 

The recommended times to visit are early morning or late afternoon. The weather is milder, and monkey activity is usually more visible. Midday heat not only makes the walk tiring, but also increases the chance that visitors carry drinks or snacks carelessly, which can unintentionally attract monkeys.

 

For a trip that goes smoothly, dress lightly, wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes, and carry water in secure containers. Do not walk around holding food. Keep valuables and small items such as glasses or hats well secured, and avoid extending your hands toward monkeys just for photos. Even when they appear calm, macaques are wild animals with unpredictable reactions. If traveling with children or elderly family members, keep them on the inside of pathways, do not let them hold snacks, and watch out for potentially slippery canal-side surfaces.

 

Getting There If driving, most people start from Rama 2 Road and then turn into the Bang Khun Thian area toward their chosen spot (Thian Thale, Samae Dam, or Bang Kradi). Allow extra time on weekends or in the afternoon, as traffic can become heavy. For public transport, take buses that run along Rama 2 Road and then transfer to local vehicles (such as songthaews or motorcycle taxis) into the specific community area you plan to visit.

 

If you want to plan this as a relaxed half-day trip, start in the morning at Thian Thale Soi 20 to get a feel for the area and your first chance of seeing a monkey troop. Then move on to the Khlong Sanam Chai areas in Bang Kradi and Samae Dam as time allows. End the day with a seafood meal near Bang Khun Thian Seaside, turning it into a single-day outing that combines urban wildlife observation with a mental break—all without leaving Bangkok.

 

 

A: Early morning and late afternoon are recommended because the weather is milder and monkey activity is usually easier to observe.

 

A: Generally no. These are community and canal-side areas rather than ticketed attractions, but visitors should respect local rules and residents.

 

A: Feeding encourages monkeys to approach people and can increase aggressive behavior. It may also push them to leave designated areas and create problems for local communities.

 

A: Step back slowly, do not run, avoid raising food or drinks, keep belongings secured, and avoid prolonged eye contact.

 

A: Yes, but they should be closely supervised. Do not let them hold food or plastic bags, and be careful on potentially slippery canal-side paths.

 

A: They are all within Bang Khun Thian District, but travel time should be allowed for community roads and possible congestion, especially on weekends.