🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you come to Hua Hin and want one spot that combines a bit of merit-making, sea-view photos, and something a little different all in one place, Khao Takiab covers it all. It's a low limestone hill that drops into the sea right at the southern end of Hua Hin beach, about 7–14 km south of Hua Hin town (depending on where you start). The name "Takiab" (chopsticks) comes from the rock formation — there used to be two stone pillars standing side by side that looked like chopsticks. At the top there's Wat Khao Takiab, a Buddha image, and viewpoints, reached by climbing a stairway just a few hundred metres long. Half a day is plenty to see it properly.
Climbing up to the temple and viewpoint
The way up is a concrete stairway from the parking area below. It climbs steadily and isn't too steep — most people manage it fine. Along the way you'll pass pavilions and rest spots here and there. At the top you reach the grounds of Wat Khao Takiab, with an ordination hall, a Buddha image, and several spots to pay respects. The air up top is pleasant and cool thanks to the constant sea breeze.
- Large standing Buddha (Pang Ham Yat pose) — a white image facing out to sea, visible from down on the beach. It's the landmark of Khao Takiab.
- Wat Khao Takiab — has an ordination hall and several shrines, including a Guan Yin image where people come to make wishes.
- Viewpoint — from around the summit you can see the Hua Hin bay stretching north, and on a clear day as far as Cha-am, with a clear view of Khao Takiab beach below.
Good to know before you go up
There's no entry fee for the temple, but it's a religious site, so dress modestly — no revealing clothes — and take your shoes off where signed. The midday sun on the summit is strong, so going in the morning or late afternoon is more comfortable and the light for photos is nicer too.
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The monkeys — fun, but seriously, be careful
Khao Takiab also goes by the nickname "Monkey Mountain" because there's a big troop of macaques along the whole climb and around the temple. That's part of the charm and kids love it, but we'll be straight with you: the monkeys here are used to people and very bold. They watch for food and anything shiny, and if you're not paying attention they'll dash in and grab it — especially plastic bags, water bottles, snacks, and glasses.
- Don't carry a plastic bag or hold food while walking up — monkeys target bags and the smell of food, so stash everything zipped away in your bag.
- Watch your small items — glasses, phone, hat, keys. Hold them tight or keep them in your bag. Once a monkey grabs something and runs, it's hard to get back.
- Don't feed them and don't make prolonged eye contact — feeding makes the monkeys more aggressive toward the next person. If one comes close, calmly walk away — don't run or scream.
- Be careful around small monkeys and mothers — don't go near the babies. Mothers are protective and may threaten you.
If a monkey has already grabbed something
Don't try to wrestle it back by hand — you risk getting bitten or scratched. If it's food, the monkey will usually eat it and drop the rest. Sometimes locals or staff nearby can lure it with food to make it drop the item. The best move is prevention: don't give them anything to eye up in the first place.
Khao Takiab beach and around the hill
Below the hill is Khao Takiab beach, a stretch of white sand about 1.5 km long. The water is fairly shallow and the waves are gentler than at Hua Hin town beach, which makes it good for taking kids in for a swim. There are resorts and restaurants lined up the whole way along, and you can easily stroll along the shore to the foot of the hill. On the Khao Takiab fishing village side there's a fishing pier and a small market selling fresh seafood.
Honesty — about swimming
Khao Takiab beach does have gentler waves than Hua Hin town beach, but during the Gulf of Thailand monsoon (roughly May–Oct and on windy days) the waves and currents can change. Always check the warning flags and sea conditions before going in. Don't swim when the waves are strong or there's a red flag, and watch out for jellyfish in some seasons.
Khao Takiab seafood restaurants
Around the fishing village and the foot of the hill there are several seafood restaurants, with fresh catch since they sit right by the pier. Places people mention often include Lung Sak Seafood and Tong Pu, at mid-range prices.
Khao Takiab fishing pier
Where the fishermen bring in their catch — a local atmosphere, good for fishing-boat photos. It's also the vehicle route up the hill for anyone who doesn't want to take the stairs.
How to get to Khao Takiab and the best time to go
- Songthaew (green Takiab line) — from Hua Hin town there's a songthaew on the Khao Takiab route. The fare is just tens of baht (around ฿20), making it the cheap, local way to go.
- Tuk-tuk / motorbike taxi — convenient but pricier. A round-trip tuk-tuk runs around ฿400–500. Agree on the price before you get in.
- Private car / rental motorbike — drive south from Hua Hin town, about 15–20 min. There's parking below. If you want to drive up to the summit, head toward the fishing pier where the road goes up the hill.
- Walk from the beach — if you're staying near Khao Takiab beach, walk along the shore to the foot of the hill and head straight up the stairs.
The temple and viewpoint are open during normal daytime temple hours, with no entry fee. The best time to go is the morning (sun not too harsh, monkeys not too lively yet) or late afternoon before evening to catch the views and nice light. Skip the middle of the day when the sun is fierce.
Want a place to stay near Khao Takiab and the quieter beach? Check out our hand-picked Hua Hin hotel options.
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