Wat Khao Takiab (Monkey Mountain)
Seaside temple complex on a rocky headland reached by a stairway, with a large standing Buddha, resident troop of macaques, and sweeping views over Hua Hin bay.
- Category
- Temples (Wat)
- Entrance fee
- Free. As of 2026, confirm locally.
- Hours
- Daily, daylight hours (roughly 06:00-18:00). Confirm locally.
- Best time
- Morning for cooler climb and clearer sea views; late afternoon for sunset over the bay.
- Time needed
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy (short stair/road climb)
About Wat Khao Takiab (Monkey Mountain)
Perched on a rocky headland at the south end of the bay, this temple pairs a short climb with a big payoff: a large standing Buddha and wide views back over Hua Hin. The temple and the views make it worth the trip, and the climb itself is easy enough for most people.
Here is the honest warning though. The resident macaques are aggressive and will grab bags, food, sunglasses and phones straight out of your hands. This is not a cute photo op, it is a real hassle if you are not careful. Do not carry visible food, do not feed them, and keep a firm hold on your belongings.
Manage the monkeys and it is a lovely spot, especially in the morning when the air is cooler and the sea is clearer, or at sunset over the bay.
Highlights
- Large standing Buddha overlooking the sea
- Sweeping views across Hua Hin bay
- Short, easy stair-and-road climb to the top
- Rocky headland setting at the edge of town
Tips
- Keep sunglasses, phone and bags firmly held, the macaques grab things
- Do not carry visible food or feed the monkeys
- Climb in the morning for cooler air and clearer views
- Cheap green songthaew runs down from town if you skip the taxi
How to get there
About 7 km south of central Hua Hin at the headland. Green songthaew/bus from Hua Hin ~15-20 min for ~20-40 THB, or Grab/taxi ~10-15 min.