Khao Takiab - "Monkey mountain"

Khao Takiab or "Chopstick Mount" is a large mount sticking out of the sea. It is located at the southern end of Hua Hin's main beach (visible from Hua Hin beach).

This 227m rocky hill provides striking views of Hua Hin and the area around. There is a temple and restaurant on the hill, which can now be reached by a newly constructed road. There is a 20m golden Buddha and several excellent restaurants at the base of the hill. Beware of the larcenous monkeys at the shrine near the Buddha; they have been known to run off with people's cameras.

On the top of the hill there is a temple (Wat Khao Lad). A quiet, cool and breezy place. From there you are offered the incredibly picturesque panorama of Hua Hin coast and Hua Hin downtown. Around Khao Takiab there are many quiet restaurants.

This place is often called "Monkey Mountain" because of all the monkeys wandering around the lower grounds of the temple. You can by bananas and peanuts and feed this monkeys. But beware. They're not dangerous but enjoy grabbing small items from unsuspecting tourists (food, fruit, cameras and so on).

This is a very popular activity and on the way up here you past a fishing marked where you can buy fish and see the local fishing boats.

You don't only find Buddhist statues and images here, but also a 10-metre tall statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy and Kwan Im, a statue of King Rama V, plus a few other religious figures.

From the top of the hill you can see Singhtoh Island (Lion Island). The island is about 1km from the shore. At high tide its small beach is almost completely submerged, but when the sea draws back, boats can be anchored or dragged on it. The island is visited for its natural rock formations and vegetations; it is also suitable for fishing and rock climbing. Boats to the island can be chartered from either the Hua Hin pier or the small fishing village at Khao Takiab.