Nual Beach — the island's 'Monkey Beach' — is one of Koh Larn's prettiest small coves: white sand, clear sheltered water, and a resident troop of macaques in the trees and rocks around it. The monkeys are the draw and the catch in equal measure. Here's how to enjoy them without your bag (or your fingers) paying the price.
Getting there
Nual sits on the island's south side. From Na Baan it's a songthaew or scooter ride (~15 minutes), or a speedboat or boat tour can drop you directly in the cove — often the easiest way to the smaller beaches. It's a fine pairing with quiet Tien Beach just around the coast for a southern two-beach loop.
The one rule: don't feed them
This is the whole game. Macaques that get fed become bold, aggressive and unwell, and that's how bags get raided and fingers get nipped. Don't feed them, don't try to hand them anything, and don't get close for a selfie. Watch from a respectful distance and they're a genuine highlight.
Protect your stuff
- Keep all food sealed inside a zipped bag — never loose or in an open tote.
- Don't leave bags, sunglasses or phones unattended on the sand; a monkey will investigate.
- Hold drinks and snacks; an open packet is an invitation.
- Watch children closely — they're the most likely to offer food or get too close.
Tip: If a monkey gets bold, don't tug a bag back in a tug-of-war and don't bare your teeth (a threat in monkey). Stay calm, give it space, and it'll usually lose interest. A bite or scratch means seeking medical advice about rabies promptly.
The beach itself
Beyond the monkeys, Nual is a lovely swim — soft white sand, clear sheltered water, decent snorkeling at the rocky edges — but it's small with limited facilities, so bring water and don't expect much choice of food. Go in the morning before the tour boats arrive for the cove at its calmest.
The verdict
A genuine highlight if you respect the wildlife: don't feed, zip your bag, keep your distance, and enjoy one of the island's prettiest coves. Full detail on the beach itself on our Nual page.