Short answer
Take a boat from Ben Beo (about 15 minutes), swim at the main beach, climb to the viewpoint in good shoes and keep food and bags away from the monkeys.
01Getting there
Boats run from Ben Beo pier on demand and as part of many Lan Ha Bay tours. Shuttle prices often bundle the boat and the short-route bay fee. If you stay at the resort, transfers are arranged by the hotel.
02The beaches
The larger beach is a sandy crescent backed by trees with a bar and loungers; it gets busy when tour boats arrive around midday. The second beach belongs to the resort area and feels quieter. Both are good for swimming on calm days, and the sea is generally cleaner here than close to the fish farms.
03The viewpoint
A rough trail climbs the hill behind the beach to a lookout over Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Town. The final part is a scramble over sharp, jagged limestone. It takes 20–30 minutes up for fit walkers. Wear proper shoes, bring water and skip it in heavy rain.
04The monkeys
The island's macaques are used to people and to stealing from them. They grab food, bottles, sunglasses and phones and can bite or scratch if challenged.
- Do not feed them, even if others do
- Keep food sealed inside a bag and bags zipped
- Do not stare or show your teeth; back away calmly
- Keep small children close
Where it is
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Pins mark approximate locations.
?Questions people ask
Are the monkeys on Monkey Island dangerous?
They are wild animals that have learned to snatch food. Most encounters are harmless, but bites happen. Keep your distance and never feed them.
Can I stay overnight on Monkey Island?
Yes, at Monkey Island Resort, which has bungalows near the beach. See Beach & island resorts.