Khao Takiab, often called Monkey Mountain, is the rocky headland at the southern end of Hua Hin Beach, about 7 km from the town centre. It is crowned by a hilltop temple, home to troops of macaques, and watched over by a tall golden standing Buddha that faces out to sea.
It suits travellers who want sweeping views of the bay, a glimpse of Thai temple life and a quieter, more local side of Hua Hin. It is easy to reach, takes only a couple of hours, and works well as a morning outing or a late-afternoon stop before sunset.
Getting there from Hua Hin
Khao Takiab Hua Hin: Monkey Mountain Temple and Views is about 7 km from Hua Hin — around 15 min by car. Book a private car with a Thai driver who waits for you and brings you back whenever you are ready.
What Khao Takiab is like
The name Khao Takiab is usually translated as Chopstick Hill. The hill rises from the sand where the long sweep of Hua Hin Beach ends, with a small fishing village, seafood restaurants and a pier at its foot. Thai visitors come here to make merit at the temple, while foreigners come for the views and the monkeys.
Compared with the centre of town, the atmosphere is slower and more local. Families picnic on the beach, fishermen mend nets near the pier and the sound of temple bells drifts down the hill.
What to see at Khao Takiab
Wat Khao Takiab sits on the hilltop and can be reached by road or by steps. From the viewpoints you look north along the whole of Hua Hin Beach towards the town and south over Khao Tao and the coast. On clear days the panorama is one of the finest in the area.
At the foot of the hill, on the beach side, stands the large standing Buddha, gazing out over the Gulf of Thailand. It is a popular photo spot, especially in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon.
Around the hill you will also find shrines, a small pier and a cluster of simple seafood restaurants, some built over the water, where you can eat while watching the boats.
The monkeys of Monkey Mountain
Many long-tailed macaques live on the hill and roam the temple grounds, stairways and car park. They are fascinating to watch, especially the babies, but they are wild animals and can be bold.
Keep food, drinks and plastic bags out of sight, hold on to sunglasses and phones, and do not feed or touch them. If a monkey approaches, stay calm, do not stare or show your teeth, and simply walk away slowly. Small children should be kept close.
Best time to visit Khao Takiab
Early morning is cooler, calmer and lovely for photographs, with the light falling across the bay. Late afternoon is also popular, as you can watch the colours change before heading down for dinner by the sea.
November to April brings the driest weather and clearest views. Midday can be very hot on the exposed steps and viewpoints, so avoid it if you can.
How to get to Khao Takiab from Hua Hin
Khao Takiab is about 7 km south of the centre, roughly 15 minutes by car. Green songthaews run along Phetkasem Road from the town to Takiab, which is a cheap option; the last stretch to the hill involves a short walk.
You can also walk along the beach from the centre at low tide, which takes a couple of hours and is best done in the cool of the morning.
A private car with a driver lets you go straight up to the hilltop temple area, stop at the standing Buddha and continue to other sights without waiting for public transport, which is handy in the heat or with older travellers.
How long to spend and nearby places to combine
One to two hours is enough for the temple, the viewpoints and the standing Buddha. Add another hour if you want a seafood lunch at the foot of the hill.
Nearby, Khao Tao has its own temple and a quieter beach, Cicada and Tamarind Markets open on weekend evenings, and Vana Nava Water Jungle is close by. A half-day route could combine Khao Takiab, Khao Tao and lunch by the sea.
Temple etiquette and what to bring
Khao Takiab is an active temple. Cover your shoulders and knees, remove your shoes where others do, speak quietly and do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha images.
Bring water, a hat, sun cream and comfortable shoes with grip for the steps. A small amount of cash is useful for donations, drinks and parking.
Tips before you go
- Visit early morning or late afternoon for cooler air and better light.
- Hide food, drinks and plastic bags from the monkeys.
- Never feed or touch the macaques.
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered for the temple.
- Wear shoes with good grip for the steps.
- Combine with Khao Tao or a seafood lunch at the pier.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Khao Takiab called Monkey Mountain?
Large troops of macaques live on the hill and around the temple, so visitors nicknamed it Monkey Mountain.
How far is Khao Takiab from Hua Hin?
It is about 7 km south of the town centre, around 15 minutes by car.
Are the monkeys at Khao Takiab dangerous?
They are generally used to people but can grab food and belongings and may bite if provoked. Keep your distance and do not feed them.
Is there a dress code at Khao Takiab?
Yes, as it is a temple, cover shoulders and knees when visiting the hilltop shrine areas.
Can I walk from Hua Hin Beach to Khao Takiab?
Yes, at low tide you can walk along the sand from the centre in roughly two hours.
Opening hours, fees and timetables change — please check the latest information before you travel.
Need a ride?
Private car with a local Thai driver, fixed price agreed before you travel.
