During my travel in Hua Hin to continue my roadtrip from Chiang Mai to the south of thailand, I had the chance to explore one of the the famous temples Wat Khao Takiap, a majestic Buddhist temple established on the famous Hill of Wands located about 10 km from Hua Hin. The Wat Khao Takiap is often referred to as the Temple of the Monkeys, offers spectacular views of the ocean and is famous for its monumental statue of Buddha of 20 meters that dominates the Hua Hin beach.
The journey to the top of the hill is a real adventure. Climbing the stone stairs, I was able to enjoy a panoramic view of the area, including Cha-Am beach. You can also reach the top by tuk-tuk, taxi or even bike, a convenient alternative for families with children or elderly people.
Beyond the natural beauty of this place, meeting with the resident monkeys adds a little excitement, although their behavior requires some caution, especially with precious objects such as cameras.
Wat Khao Takiap is home to not only Buddhist monuments, but also a captivating Chinese temple decorated with beautiful pagodas and vibrant statues in blue, gold and red. Inside, I discovered the great statue of Guanyin, the Chinese goddess with a thousand arms, as well as Pu Tai, the laughing Buddha. The tradition is to throw coins in Pu Tai’s belly to attract luck, a custom I have done out of curiosity. The ascent to the temple is undeniably sporty, but the effort is largely rewarded by the serenity of the place and the quiet atmosphere that reigns above.
This temple, with its breathtaking view of Hua Hin beach and the surrounding ocean, offered me a real moment of meditation away from the urban bustle, and will remain one of the highlights of my stay in Hua Hin.
Practical advice from my Wat Khao Takiap visit
I visited Wat Khao Takiap while travelling south from Chiang Mai. The temple is approximately 10 kilometres from Hua Hin and combines an ocean viewpoint, Buddhist monuments, a Chinese temple and the well-known resident monkeys.
- The stone staircase makes the visit active, especially in hot weather.
- A tuk-tuk, taxi or bicycle can help with part of the approach, depending on your route and fitness.
- Keep food, cameras and loose belongings secure around the monkeys.
- Allow time for both the Buddhist and Chinese sections instead of visiting only the viewpoint.
- Wear respectful clothing and bring water for the climb.
What made it memorable
The combination of the Hua Hin coastline, the quiet atmosphere above the city and the colourful statues made this more than a quick viewpoint stop. It remained one of the highlights of my time in Hua Hin.
Continue my Thailand road trip
Continue with my guides to Chiang Mai’s temples, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.