Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine in Phuket: what locals and visitors warn about monkeys, the steep hike, feeding rules and best times to avoid trouble
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Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine: a frank investigator’s verdict
Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine delivers a hands-on hill hike where free-roaming monkeys dominate the visitor experience; small preparation choices determine whether your visit is smooth or stressful. The attraction holds a 4.5/5 rating from 850 reviews, and the comments consistently focus on wildlife behavior, trail effort, and practical safety steps.
What do visitors actually encounter with the monkeys?
- Monkeys roam freely along the ascent and near the main observation deck, actively interested in visitors and their belongings.
- Feeding happens regularly; stalls selling bananas and nuts sit at the bottom of the hill to accommodate visitors who want to feed the animals.
- A clear health warning banner about monkey bites appears roughly two thirds of the way up the trail, so staff or local authorities post visible cautions along the route.
- There are packs of stray dogs on the route that sometimes chase monkeys; reviewers note these dogs appear unsocialized and show signs of fleas or mange.
How difficult is the trail and what facilities are available?
The route to the summit requires walking on a road described as not easy, so visitors recommend comfortable sneakers. The climb must be done on foot; a small shop at the top sells water for those who need a refreshment after the ascent. The attraction is open daily, 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Contradictions in guest reports: polite nibblers or sudden attackers?
Reviews split sharply. Several visitors describe monkeys politely taking food from an offered hand, creating an adorable interaction and prompting repeat feeding. Other accounts record unexpected nips, grabs, scratches and outright aggression when monkeys detect food or hidden stashes. Multiple reports explain that if monkeys see food, more will appear; a pecking order also governs access, with larger animals dominating smaller ones.
Safety rules derived directly from visitor experience
- Remove loose straps and dangling items before you start the climb to prevent monkeys from grabbing them.
- Stow phones and secure cameras; close-up photo attempts have led to devices being snatched in several reports.
- Do not bring visible food or water in open containers; reviewers advise disposing of bottled water before ascending to avoid attracting monkeys.
- Avoid carrying sticks or items that can be perceived as threats to baby monkeys, since this can provoke aggression.
- If you harm one animal, expect others to potentially react defensively, according to visitor warnings about group protection behavior.
Feeding policy reality check: should you feed the monkeys?
Feeding is available via vendors at the hill base, and some visitors loved hand-feeding bananas. Expect trade-offs: feeding creates close interactions and photo opportunities but also escalates crowding, competition among monkeys, and a real risk of bites or grabs when food is present.
Timing tips that change the experience
Several reviewers recommend starting early and descending before dark; going down is easier later in the day and fewer monkeys were reported near dusk on multiple visits. For planning, note the site’s daily hours between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
Practical travel notes from reviews
- Some visitors used ride apps for convenience; one reviewer reported a Grab fare of roughly 500 baht each way from Patong as a practical reference for budgeting transport.
- Nearby options for a post-visit stop include Cafes and a small exercise park in the immediate area, which reviewers listed as convenient places to regroup after the hike.
Bottom line and quick checklist
Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine rewards attentive, prepared visitors with vivid wildlife encounters but punishes casual shoppers or those who carry exposed food. Use this short checklist drawn directly from guest experiences to tilt odds in your favor:
- Wear sturdy shoes and expect a real climb.
- Secure phones and loose straps before you start.
- Decide ahead whether you will feed animals; if not, avoid bringing food or water.
- Aim to finish your descent well before dusk.
- Keep distance from stray dogs and avoid contact.
Investigator note: treat the hill like a wildlife encounter, not a petting zoo. Small choices — what you carry and when you go — will shape whether you leave with great photos or a harried story.
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