The Khao Takiab Temple or Monkey Mountain as it is known locally is one of Hua Hin's most well known attractions and is well worth a visit if you are in town.

Located on Khao Takiab hill south of Hua Hin just 10 minutes drive from Hua Hin town centre, Khao Takiab Temple is not just any Thai temple. A drive through the busy fishing harbour at the base of Khao Takiab and a steep climb with fantasic views of Hua Hin beach and the ocean you get to the top of the hill and Khao Takiab Temple.

At the top is your usual Thai Temple complex with shrine rooms for paying your respects to Buddha and housing for the monks. The main Buddhist shrine is at the top of a long steep staircase. Shoes have to be removed at the bottom of the staircase before making the climb to the top. Many Thai people come to this temple to wai phra (pay respects) and can been seen buying flowers, candles and incense sticks at the base to leave at the shrine.

Khao Takiab also has a Chinese Buddhist Temple. Just a two minute walk around the corner. Take the road next to the monkey food selling stall heading down towards the ocean. Follow this road around to the right to be delighted. On a large raised area overlooking the ocean are many wonderfully decorated statues and pagodas. A large golden statue of the thousand armed Buddhist goddess Guan Yin (the one with many arms) overlooks area with another Guan Yin on a dragons back takes center place in the shrine. Everything here is beautifully decorated in bright gold, reds and blues. No space is spared of the detail and colour. The ceilings of the pagoda's are painted with cartoon esque depictions of ancient Chinese Buddhist stories, golden dragons climb the pagoda pillars and decorate every roof corner.

You can also have a go at getting some luck by throwing coins into the small hole located in Pu Tai's belly. A large golden staue of Pu Tai, also known as the laughing Buddha embody the ideals of the good life: health, happiness, prosperity and longevity.