Things to Do at Khao Takiab Temple (Wat Khao Lad)

Incense and sea salt hit you first at Khao Takiab Temple, rolling up from the Gulf of Thailand below. Macaques chatter overhead while you climb the 200+ steps, their bodies swinging between frangipani trees that drop white petals onto weathered stone. The temple complex blankets the entire hilltop, golden chedis catching sunlight and throwing long shadows over the coastline running south toward Pranburi. Locals call it Monkey Mountain for good reason—these macaques have zero respect for personal space and will rifle through your bag for anything that looks edible. They're less aggressive than their Bangkok cousins, more like cheeky neighbors who've squatted here forever. The temple feels lived-in rather than touristed, monks sweeping leaves from courtyards while devotees light jasmine garlands bought from the women selling them at the base of the stairs.

From central Hua Hin, songthaews run along Nong Kae Road for about 20 baht—look for the blue ones with Khao Takiab written in Thai. Tuk-tuks from the night market area will run closer to 200 baht but might be worth it to skip the 20-minute wait for the songthaew to fill up. If you're staying at the beach hotels near Cicada Market, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk along the sand.