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 guide based on my Wat Khao Takiap visit
I visited Wat Khao Takiap while travelling south from Chiang Mai. The temple is approximately 10 kilometres from central Hua Hin and combines an ocean viewpoint, Buddhist monuments, a colourful Chinese sanctuary and the well-known resident monkeys. The Tourism Authority of Thailand also highlights the hilltop temple and the coastal view as important parts of the Takiab Bay area.
How to reach the temple from Hua Hin
A tuk-tuk or taxi is the simplest option when the weather is hot or when several people share the journey. Agree on the price before leaving and decide whether the driver will wait or whether you will arrange the return separately. Travelling by bicycle is possible for active visitors, but the heat and the final climb make it more demanding. I would avoid planning the journey in the middle of the hottest part of the day.
A simple two-hour route
- Start near the beach and take time to see the large standing Buddha before climbing.
- Continue towards the stone staircase and stop at the viewpoints instead of rushing to the top.
- Explore the Buddhist monuments respectfully and enjoy the panorama over Hua Hin and the coast.
- Visit the Chinese section with its blue, gold and red decoration, Guanyin and the laughing Buddha.
- Return carefully past the monkeys and finish with a walk beside Takiab Bay if the weather is comfortable.
Monkey safety: what I learned
- Do not carry visible food or open bags near the monkeys.
- Keep sunglasses, phones, cameras and loose accessories secure.
- Do not touch, feed or corner the animals, even when they appear calm.
- Give them space and follow instructions displayed locally.
- If a monkey approaches, remain calm and avoid turning the encounter into a close-up photograph.
Temple etiquette and what to carry
I recommend clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes for the steps, water, sun protection and a small secure bag. Speak quietly around worship areas and avoid blocking people who are praying. Donations and local rules can change, so check the information displayed at the entrance rather than relying on an old price found online.
When I would visit
Early morning or late afternoon is more comfortable than midday because the staircase is exposed and the heat makes the ascent harder. Clear weather improves the sea view, while rain can make the steps slippery. I would keep approximately two hours for the temple itself and additional time if combining it with the beach.
My honest verdict
The climb requires some effort and the monkeys demand attention, but the combination of the Hua Hin coastline, the quiet atmosphere above the city and the contrasting Buddhist and Chinese elements made this far more than a quick viewpoint stop. It remained one of the strongest memories of my stay in Hua Hin.
Continue my Thailand road trip
Continue with my first-hand guides to Chiang Mai’s temples, King Power Mahanakhon in Bangkok, Koh Phi Phi and Phuket.