Wat Khao Takiap: Exploring the Magnificent Place in Hua Hin

The Bear Team 7 min read

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A beloved breakout for Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (Bangkok) citizens, Hua Hin, is a lovely beachside city. Family-friendly and relaxed, it is a refreshing combination of city and sea with vibrant markets, temples, gardens, outstanding accommodations, and an atmosphere that maintains receiving more cosmopolitan.

The majority of the people in Thailand are Buddhists, so there are temples all over the country. Hua Hin is no exception, and Wat Khao Takiap is one of such tremendous Buddhist temple complexes on “Chopsticks Hill” south of Hua Hin Town Center. It is one of the most recognizable temples in the city, sitting on a 272-meter tall hill that juts out into the Gulf of Thailand and is apparent from coasts to the north and south.

So, join us to know more about the magnificent experience at Wat Khao Takiap in Hua Hin.

 Fun Fact!

Wat Khao Takiap in Hua Hin is occasionally called “The Monkey Temple” because of the large number of monkeys living there.

Khao Takiab (The Monkey Mountain)

Most travelers that reach Wat Khao Takiab are there because they need to partake in Khao Takiab Mountain, known as Monkey Mountain or Chopstick Hill. The peak itself stands at the end of Hua Hin- Khao Takiab beach with a big Golden Buddha statue facing the city.

You can walk to the base of the mountain from the beach. This is where you will find a staircase leading up to the viewpoint. It is a bit of a workout, and it is worth it. If you are fortunate enough, you will see the macaque monkeys occasionally coming down to the beach to play in the sea. And if you like to taste some tasty fresh seafood cooked in the Thai way at accessible rates, there are a bunch of small cafes on the beach ready to serve you. If you do not expect to walk, you can access the mountain by a back road from Khao Takiab,  which goes through a quaint and bright fishing village before entering the hilltop.

Wat Khao Lad is on the mountain top, and several viewpoints let you see Hua Hin and just as far as Cha-Am when the weather is satisfactory. The temple shows off a large 20-meter statue of a standing Buddha and various layers of bronze bells. An ample crew of playful monkeys brings their home around the temple, and they will take food or small items from the unwary.

A Buddhist Temple on "Chopsticks Hill"

Located south of Hua Hin Town Center, Wat Khao Takiap is a complex of Buddhist temples situated on "Chopsticks Hill" (Khao Takiap). One of the most recognizable temples in the city, it settles a 272-meter (890 feet) tall hill that juts out into the Gulf of Thailand and is apparent from beaches to the north and south.

A monument shaped like a blooming white lotus flower stands halfway up the hillside. Although the 80 or so steps to it are a short workout, one can drive to a parking lot partway up Chopsticks Hill. The view from the statue and the shrine in itself is scenic.

The parking lot area is even more fascinating with a diverse combination of Buddhist sculptures, encompassing a Hungry Buddha and many-headed Buddha, dinosaur sculptures, a prayer pagoda, antique and snack shops, and monkeys! Hundreds, maybe thousands, of macaque monkeys live on the temple grounds. 

From the elegant beach next to your restaurant, you will see the huge and stunning 20-meter-high Buddha image facing the sea. A little past that is a straight stairway further up the mountain. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, visitors will find a small temple and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Things to Know Before Visiting Wat Khao Takiap in Hua Hin

A temple is a place of worship, so it is essential to behave respectfully when on temple grounds constantly. Travelers should dress conservatively, and men should wear tailored shirts and lengthy trousers. Meanwhile, women should hide their shoulders and knees and may not wear short skirts or bikini tops.

Visitors should not climb on sculptures or touch their heads. In Thailand, the head is supposed to be the cleanest and most sacred part of the body, and touching anybody on the head is deemed very rude. The feet, by difference, are deemed polluted, so their pointing towards a temple, monk, or sacred image is supposedly highly terrible. 

The monks should also be treated with honor. Visitors should not stand higher than a monk. The monks are not authorized to contact women physically; they can’t even let a woman hand something to them. Female travelers who desire to offer a monk something should place it on the ground in front of them.

 Trivia!

Kindly note that it is important to exercise caution around the monkeys in the area. While it can be exciting to see them in large numbers, keeping your valuable belongings secured in a sturdy bag tied to your body, such as a backpack or fanny pack is advisable.

Why Visit Wat Khao Takiap in Hua Hin?

Sightseeing at the Chinese Temple on a Monkey Mountain

This fascinating temple shows a vast number of pagodas and monuments that are illustrated in blue, gold, and red colors. The temple also houses the grand statue of Guanyin, the Chinese Goddess with thousand arms. You will discover arts inside the temple depicting the Old Chinese stories. You will also catch sight of a large statue of Pu Tai, also known as the "Laughing Buddha." It is known that if someone throws some coins in the hole in the statue’s belly, it is for good luck.

Witness the Glamour of Wat Khao Lad Temple

This temple can be found on the mountain of Khao Takiab hill. It is popularly known as the Monkey Temple because of the various monkeys found there. You can reach the mountain top by taxi, motorbike, or tuk-tuk. But if you want a much more exciting exploration, you can opt to walk the stairs, and you will be cited with beautiful views of Hua Hin, North of Khao Takiab. On a bright day, you will also see as far as Cha-Am beach.

Wander Around the Tall Standing Buddha Image

You will discover a giant and mind-blowing 20-meter-high Buddha image that dominates the sea once you stroll around the tiny beach. In addition, you can find small temples with stunning scenic views of the area. The area has a peaceful environment, and you can seek the Buddhist temples around.

Hands-On Experience with the Monkeys

After you plunge the stairs, you can explore the back section of the temple, where you will discover troops of macaques that are using the second meal of bananas sold by on-site sellers. These monkeys hang around the Chinese Shrine and the monuments of dinosaurs and Hindu Gods. Once you get there, you will be aware if you got bananas alone; you want to hang on to your valuables like digital cameras and bags because these scavenging primates do grab properties from the owners.

How to Visit Wat Khao Takiap in Hua Hin?

The Monkey Mountain slopes into the sea about 6 km from Hua Hin City. You can walk from Rock Beachfront Spa and Resort and it will not take long to get to the base of the peak. This is a beautiful and fun walk on the sandy beach along the seacoast that directs to the mountains. 

There are also some transportation options that you can select from like a bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk. You can then finish the day by refreshing at the cozy bars and restaurants in the village of Khao Takiab.

  Did You Know?

The most well-known feature of the temple is a 20-meter-tall (65.6 feet) sculpture of Buddha situated at the hill's bottom.

Map & More Information

Wat Khao Takiab is a magnificent temple in the Hua Hin area. Known as the "chopstick hill," it spotlights a large statue of a standing Buddha along with various rows of bronze bells. You can see the Cha-Am beach from the temple when the weather allows. You can reach the temple on transport or even take the steps all the way up to the peak where it is located. Be careful of the monkeys here, especially if you are holding any food.