Things to Do at Khao Takiab Temple

Khao Takiab (Chopstick Hill) Temple sits on a 272-meter rocky headland at the southern end of Hua Hin beach, charging no entry fee and opening from dawn to dusk. The climb up takes 15 to 20 minutes on a paved path past resident macaque monkeys that will snatch food, water bottles, and sunglasses, so keep everything secured. A 20-meter standing golden Buddha faces the Gulf of Thailand from the hilltop, with Hua Hin's coastline stretching north in a white sand crescent and fishing boats bobbing in the sheltered bay below. The temple buildings house a handful of monks and a small meditation hall with low wooden ceilings and the smell of sandalwood incense. Below the main temple, a row of seafood restaurants line the beach at the hill's base, where a plate of grilled prawns costs 200 to 300 THB ($5.70 to $8.50 USD) and you eat with your feet in the sand while cats patrol for scraps. The monkeys number over 100 and grow bolder in the afternoon; morning visitors face fewer encounters. The view from the golden Buddha at sunset turns the water from blue to hammered bronze, and the temple's elevated position catches a breeze that the town below misses entirely. Songthaews from central Hua Hin cost 20 THB per person and drop you at the base. Wear shoes with grip for the steep final section and do not carry open food containers.

Khao Takiab sits 10 minutes south of Hua Hin center along Highway 4. Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbike taxis all make the run from town-expect to pay 100-150 baht one way. Many rent scooters instead. This gives you control over timing and stops along the route. Parking is decent-sized. Guests at southern Hua Hin resorts can often walk there along the beach instead of driving.