Situated at the southern end of Hua Hin Beach is the mountain Khao Takiab, also known as ‘Chopstick Mountain,’ and is one of the most popular attractions in Hua Hin.

As visitors approach from the sandy shoreline, they are met with a colossal standing Buddha that gazes out towards the sea from a sheer cliff of rock. Ascending the winding stairway up the hill reveals breathtaking vistas and the refreshing breeze of a temple named after the hill.

History of Khao Takiab

Khao Takiab, an extension of Hua Hin beach, is a stunning mountain with two parallel lines and gorgeous rocks that stretch out towards the sea. At the foot of the northern mountain lies a grand Buddha statue facing the ocean. Takiab beach’s southern part connects to Suan Son Pradipat beach, providing a peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Wat Khao Takiab is located at the peak of the hill and enshrines Pra Keaw Kaew, offering a magnificent panoramic view of Hua Hin’s sea.

Best attractions in Khao Takiab area

Khao Takiab Beach

Khao Takiab Beach is a stunning beach located on the Gulf of Thailand, stretching for about 1.5 kilometers with a gentle slope. The sandy beach is fine and white, and the water is shallow, making it perfect for swimming. At the foot of Khao Takiab, visitors can explore the Buddha image of Pang Harm Samut. On the south side of Khao Takiab Beach is Suan Son Pradipat Beach, which is very peaceful and natural. The beach has a wide expanse of sand, and tourists can find hotels and restaurants to cater to their needs. Tourists can participate in various activities on Khao Takiab Beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, horse riding, banana boat rides, and jet skiing.

Wat Khao Takiab

Situated to the south of Hua Hin Town Center, Wat Khao Takiap is a complex of Buddhist temples located on “Chopsticks Hill” (Khao Takiab). This renowned temple settlement sits atop a 272-meter (890 feet) tall hill that extends out into the Gulf of Thailand, and its grandeur can be observed from the north and south beaches.

Halfway up the hillside stands a monument shaped like a blooming white lotus flower. While climbing the 80 or so steps to reach it provides a brief workout, visitors can also drive to a parking lot located partway up Chopsticks Hill. The view from the statue and the shrine itself is captivating.

The parking lot area is equally fascinating, with a diverse collection of Buddhist sculptures, including a Hungry Buddha and many-headed Buddha, dinosaur sculptures, a prayer pagoda, antique and snack shops, and a group of monkeys! Hundreds, if not thousands, of macaque monkeys reside on the temple grounds.

Beyond the elegant beach adjacent to the restaurant lies a magnificent 20-meter-high Buddha statue that faces the sea. A straight staircase leads further up the mountain, where visitors will encounter a small temple and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding area upon reaching the summit of the stairs.

Fisherman’s Village

At Fisherman’s Village in Khao Takiab, visitors can witness the lifestyle of the local fishermen and purchase fresh seafood that is prominently displayed for sale along the route. Additionally, one can take a boat from the Khao Takiab fishing village to Koh Singto, an island located approximately 1 kilometer off the coast of Hua Hin, and participate in fishing or hiking activities.

Monkeys

The area surrounding the temple is home to a large population of macaque monkeys. Unlike those in captivity, these monkeys live freely and can be observed up close, making for an unforgettable experience.

Visitors can purchase bananas, corn, and peanuts from a small shop near the temple to feed the curious and sometimes mischievous monkeys. However, visitors should exercise caution, as the monkeys are still wild animals and may bite if provoked.

For those who prefer to observe from a distance, throwing food on the ground and walking away is a viable option. Children, in particular, will enjoy watching the monkeys peel bananas with the same dexterity as humans.

How to get there

Monkey Mountain is situated around 6 km from Hua Hin City and slopes into the sea. One can easily reach the base of the peak by walking from the Rock Beachfront Spa and Resort, and the walk is both enjoyable and picturesque. Walking along the sandy beach, which runs parallel to the seacoast, is a delightful experience that leads to the mountain.

Besides, you can hire a tuk-tuk or a motorbike taxi from any part of the city, ensuring that the fare is agreed upon before leaving.

If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can take a songthaew, which is a small local bus that resembles a covered pickup truck with seats in the back. Simply flag one down on Phet Kasem Road, the main road in Hua Hin, and alight wherever you prefer. The fare from Hua Hin to the monkey mountain is approximately 20 Baht.

Tourists’ Reviews

See others travelers are saying about Khao Takiab on TripAdvisor

Natalie Lee

Small temple on the hill
Dec 2022 • Couples
The temple seems nice, not a lot of steps to climb, near the sea. Have a lot of monkeys around this area, according to tour guide, those monkeys are quite aggressive so better stay away from them. A lot of local seafood restaurants around so can spend few hours here to have lunch.

G2Kpauly

Pretty chill beach
Mar 2023 • Friends
This beach was nice to chill and swim and sunbake at. It’s not too crowded and it’s quite nice and not too windy compared to the hua hin beaches. Worth a visit if you want a beach day near Hua Hin.