Khao Takiab / Wat Khao Takiap

เขาตะเกียบ

A small hill and temple at the southern end of Hua Hin Beach, with a 20-metre standing Buddha facing the sea. The summit overlooks the whole Hua Hin coastline, and troops of macaques rule the place.

Khao Takiab, meaning 'Chopstick Hill', is a small hill about 270 m long that juts into the sea at the south end of Hua Hin Beach, roughly 7 km from the town centre. At the foot of the hill by the sea stands a golden Buddha about 20 m tall, facing the ocean, which has become a landmark of the Hua Hin coastline. The hilltop temple, Wat Khao Takiap, was built in the 1980s and has a Guanyin shrine, a pagoda and several viewing platforms. From the top you can look north over the entire Hua Hin beachfront and hotel strip, and the sunset from here is especially beautiful. Several hundred long-tailed macaques live on the hill, which is why it's nicknamed 'Monkey Hill'. The monkeys come close to beg for food, which makes it a favourite with families, but keep an eye on your belongings. At the foot of the hill, Takiab fishing village has seafood stalls and a morning market. The southern stretch of the beach is quieter and has several seafood restaurants popular with Thai locals. Entry is free, and the temple is open roughly 06:00 to 18:00. It's best to visit in the late afternoon, watch the sunset, then have seafood at the foot of the hill and head to the Cicada Market, about 2 km away, to round off the evening. Getting there: take a green songthaew (about 20 baht) from the town centre to the terminus, or walk about an hour south along the beach. You can walk or ride a motorbike up the hill. Note: don't take plastic bags or food up the hill, as the monkeys will grab them. Remove your shoes before entering the shrines, cover your shoulders and knees, and watch out for vehicles on the narrow hill road.

Khao Takiab / Wat Khao Takiap

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby