Monkey Corner in Koh Phangan

It’s easy to forget that 40% of Koh Phangan is a protected national park. This space of jungle, waterfalls, mountains, and natural wildlife is a stark contrast to the parties, yoga retreats, and 7/11s.

I love this island. I have been coming regularly since 2013 and visited a few times before that. Yes, it has changed, but that is the way of the world. The world keeps turning and this island keeps growing.

For the first few years I didn’t see any monkeys on this island. They have plenty of space for themselves. But then, occasionally, locals would mention a few hanging out at a spot on the road to Haad Rin. I still didn’t see them for a few years after, but now it’s possible to see them every day.

Today, Monkey Corner is famous. You can even find it on Google Maps! You are pretty much guaranteed to see them if you go towards sunset, and their numbers are growing. They know they can get some good snacks from the tourists and it shows.

And, of course, that is problematic. There are big signs telling you not to feed them. It isn’t healthy for them to be eating 7/11 snacks and they lose their ability to forage. Interactions with tourists aren’t always fun – I have seen blood streaming from a mans leg after a nasty bite and I also had some problems in Koh Chang.

That isn’t very likely, fortunately, but they will scare you away from your motorbike and search it for goods. They will take your keys, open your bike seat, pry off the mirrors, and take anything they can.

So be careful! But do go and see them – it’s funny and a rare chance to be directly in touch with nature. Just go with respect and understanding, and keep your valuables on you.

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