Wat Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin

Description and is it worth a visit

Wat Huay Mongkol Temple is one of the holiest places near Hua Hin and one of the most significant attractions. Buddhists come here every day from all over Thailand and not only.

Unlike most other sacred places in Thailand, the main statue of the temple is not a traditional Buddha statue, but a black statue of monk Luang Pu Thuat, who lived more than 400 years ago. He is one of the most revered Buddhist monks not only in Thailand, but also in neighboring countries. He was born in 1582 and lived exactly one hundred years. It is said that he worked miracles, especially healing, and stories about this have been passed from mouth to mouth for many centuries. One of these stories tells that Lungpo saved the whole city of Ayutthaya, then the capital of Siam, from an epidemic. Thais believe that amulets with the image of Lungpo Thota protect a person from all kinds of disasters, and especially from car accidents. Near the temple you can buy such amulets, but do not be surprised that they are so expensive, because for Thais it is not just a souvenir.

The monk statue in the temple is the largest statue of Lungpo Thota. Its height without a podium is 11.5 meters. By the way, this is a completely new statue, its production ended in 2004. After dark, at about 18-19 o'clock, the statue is illuminated, so that it can be visited in the evening.

Of course, not only the main statue is interesting here. A whole religious complex has been formed here, but without any hint of "recruitment". Tourists of any faith can be here completely freely, go anywhere. An infrastructure of cafes, shops, a large parking lot for tourist transport and a hotel has even been formed outside the complex.

It is safe to say that Wat Huay Mongkol Temple is one of the most famous and visited attractions in the vicinity of Hua Hin, and it is worth a visit. A visit to the temple is included in most sightseeing tours Hua Hin.

And one more thing... Do not forget to pass under the belly of the elephant statue nine times, asking a wish, at random, as the locals do. And they also throw coins into the elephant's mouth, also for wish fulfillment and good luck.

Also see the Hua Hin excursions available for online booking on these verified review sites:

• Excursions in Thailand on Tripster.ru