Why You Should See the Khao Takiab

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Striking a good balance between relaxation and recreation, the Khao Takiab has earned a reputation for itself. No longer regarded as an extended day trip of a Hua Hin vacation, it now receives its own visitors and, although small, it can hold the interest of tourists for longer than one day.

The Khao Takiab, technically part of Hua Hin, is a small village located just 7 kilometers south of the city center of Hua Hin. Also called Khao Takiap or Kao Takiap, the name literally translates to “Chopstick Hill”. Among the locals, it is also referred to as the Monkey Mountain because of the many monkeys living on the hill.

Geographically located just off the Southern end of the Hua Hin beach, the Chopstick Mount is visible from the Hua Hin beach. The hill towers above the coast side of the village, dominating most of the beaches at either side of it. The main road also runs through the middle of the village, making it easy to get to the village and to get around its vicinity.

If you’re going to approach the village from Hua Hin beach, the sight of the 20 meter tall Buddha statue sitting on the top of the Khao Takiab hill will greet you. Aside from the statue of King Rama V, there are also various religious figures on the top, both Thai and Chinese. Because of the temple and the Buddha images, the beach can get crowded during religious holidays when clumps of Buddhists from all over the country seek to increase their spiritual merit.

In addition to the temple and the two tree-lined beaches, other major attractions of the village include:

Beach activities. In both beaches, tourists can enjoy sports like beach cycling, beach jogging and swimming. The beaches also offers quiet relaxation for sun-worshippers, beach lovers and people who generally love peace and quiet.
Fishing village. The fishing village of Khao Takiab is also popular for fishing. Vacationers who find enjoyment in fishing can take advantage of this quiet village and fish for as long as they want.
Monkey Mountain. Tourists love feeding monkeys in the hill and you too can try it. The monkeys are typically playful and friendly, so you can interact with them. Just be sure to keep all things flashy out of their vision or they might snatch it right away from you. It would be great to bring your kids along.
Mountain Market. At the foot of the hill, there are stalls selling dried and fresh sea-catch food, various knick-knacks and many others.
Elephant Rides. In Thailand, there are many uses for elephants, riding an elephant to tour visitors around is just one of them. You can try riding the elephants here in this village. So, while ponies trotting along the beaches of Hua Hin with their tourist riders are a common sight in Hua Hin, in Khao Takiab, you’ll see elephants walking along the bay with one or more riders sitting on a wooden seat at its back. Elephant riding is one of the most popular activity in the area.