Standing Buddha
Foot of the hill, facing the sea
A tall golden Buddha image stands looking out over the water, best seen from the beach below.
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Hua Hin, Thailand
Khao Takiab
A small headland south of town with a hilltop temple, a large standing Buddha facing the sea, playful monkeys and views over the bay.
Favourite places
Wat Khao Takiab
Hilltop
The temple on top of the hill, reached by road or stairs, with shrines and views up the coast to Hua Hin.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Hilltop viewpoint
Top of the hill
Look north along Hua Hin Beach and south to the next bays.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)The monkeys
Around the hill
Troops of macaques live on the hill. Watch them, but do not feed them or carry food in the open.
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Local food
Hoi tod
Hua Hin, Thailand
Crispy oyster or mussel omelette with bean sprouts and chilli sauce.
Tom yum goong
Hua Hin, Thailand
Hot and sour prawn soup, a must at the seafood restaurants around the bay.
Where to eat
Khao Takiab seafood restaurants
Khao Takiab fishing village
Simple seafood restaurants near the small fishing harbour at the foot of the hill.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Cicada and Tamarind markets
Nong Kae–Khao Takiab Road
On weekend evenings the two markets nearby offer food and live music.
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Where to stay
Khao Takiab
Hua Hin, Thailand
Quiet beach resorts and condos near the hill and the weekend markets.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Hua Hin town centre
Hua Hin, Thailand
Busier, with more restaurants, and a direct green songthaew ride to Khao Takiab.
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Culture
Wat Khao Takiab is an active temple: cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes where asked. Feeding the monkeys makes them aggressive — keep sunglasses, phones and bags secure.
History
Khao Takiab ("chopstick hill") marks the south end of Hua Hin Beach. Wat Khao Takiab sits on the top, and the golden standing Buddha at its foot looks out over the water.
Tour plans
Khao Takiab and the weekend markets
Half dayStep 1: Wat Khao Takiab
Climb the hill in the late afternoon.
Step 2: Standing Buddha
Walk down to the beach for photos of the Buddha facing the sea.
Step 3: Cicada Market
On a weekend evening, browse the arts and crafts.
Step 4: Tamarind Market
Dinner from the food stalls next door.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
December to April; late afternoon for the sunset over the bay, or early morning before the heat.
How to get there
About 6 km south of town — green songthaews run along Phetkasem Road.
Getting around
The town centre around Naresdamri and Dechanuchit roads is easy to walk. Green songthaews run up and down Phetkasem Road between the town and Khao Takiab; flag one down and press the buzzer to stop. Grab, tuk-tuks (agree the fare first) and rented scooters cover the rest. For day trips to the national park or the vineyard, hire a car with driver or join a tour.
Travel tips
Keep food and bags closed — the monkeys are bold.
