ТаиландWhy Khao Takiab Mountain Is Worth Visiting
Khao Takiab Mountain and Temple (also Monkey Mountain) is a place definitely worth including in your Hua Hin itinerary. Yes, there aren't as many monkeys here as you might expect, but there are some — and they behave quite boldly. Several macaques live near the summit and the temple, and they've long been used to tourists. Keep your bags zipped, don't hold food in your hands, and don't try to feed them — that's asking for trouble.
But the mountain is interesting primarily not for its monkeys, but for several religious structures. On the mountainside, almost at the very base, facing Hua Hin, stands a 20-meter golden Buddha statue — the main landmark and symbol of this place. And if you walk or drive further up the mountain, at its summit at 272 meters you can visit the Thai-Chinese temple Wat Khao Takiab. There are also several viewpoints on the mountain, offering a panoramic view of the Hua Hin coast and the sea horizon.
The mountain is on the southern edge of Hua Hin, and south of the mountain along the coast stretches an excellent quiet beach with palms, Khao Takiab Beach. On the approach to the mountain there's a market where you can eat fresh seafood.
Overall, this place holds a worthy position among all the attractions of Hua Hin, and we definitely recommend visiting it. Conveniently, the temple is right in Hua Hin, and you can walk to it during a leisurely stroll along the beach.
Photo Gallery: Khao Takiab Mountain
🕐 Opening Hours
Around the clock, the temple is open only during the daytime.
💵 Entrance Fee / Ticket Price
Free, donations welcome.
🚶 How to Get There
Khao Takiab Mountain is on the southern tip of the city, about 6 kilometers from the center (Khao Takiab Mountain on the map). Getting here isn't hard. At the base of the mountain is the terminus of songthaews that run along the main road through the whole city to the south. The fare is from 20 baht. A taxi from the city center here will cost 150 baht (365 rub.). After that, you'll have to climb the mountain on foot; the ascent starts right from the beach. Another ascent to the second temple is a bit further from the beach, and you can even drive up there.