Expressive monkey portraits - Ao Nang, Krabi, Thailand

Last year I visited Thailand for the first time, and our first stay was in Ao Nang, Krabi. I didn't know anything about the so called "Monkey Trail", we just saw there's a path connecting the main beach with a smaller, private one. It's a steep climb through the trees, but the wooden steps make it accessible for pretty much everyone.

Not having a single idea what to expect, we had a great surprise finding the path populated by tens of monkeys.

While they can seem pretty and friendly, one needs to be cautious walking the trail. The primates have learned to pay special attention to shiny or unusually colorful objects people carry around. There're mostly interested in food, but they are curious beings, and a simple baseball cap or red phone case can keep them busy for while, if they manage to steal them. One tried to snatch my backpack! Pay special attention to things that you value (phones, cameras etc).

Their behavior is mainly caused by people who ignore signs asking not to feed them. They're smart enough to learn that people carry good stuff, and they can steal if not given what they desire. Unfortunately, this transformed them from "Crab eating macaques" (which is their actual species), into milk-shake and Oreo devouring primates. At least during tourist season.

If visiting Ao Nang, the Monkey Trail is a must do. Just don't feed the monkeys, and don't try to touch them (they can become aggressive, especially the males, which are larger in size).

Enjoy the photos!

PS: This is my first post on Steemit, I'm still figuring out what's what around here :D