Chopstick Hill & Wat Khao Takiab –Everything to Know!

The 270-metre-high Chopstick Hill is home to Wat Khao Takiab–formally known as Wat Lad Khao–and a couple of other features. It is located along one of Hua Hin’s slightly more exclusive stretches of beach at the southern end of the town, namely Khao Takiab Beach. 

If you’re up for a scenic wander to the top of the hill you’ll find yourself privy to some great views along the way. You’ll also encounter some ninja-like macaque monkeys who have become super-skilled and confident in stealing food, drinks, or anything else that you may unwittingly take your attention away from for a second or two. 

So that’s one important thing you need to know about Chopstick Hill & Wat Khao Takiab–now let’s delve into a few more! 

Getting Up the Hill 

Chopstick Hill is a fairly dramatic landmark feature at the southern end of Hua Hin beach. You’ll note from any map that you can reach the temple from a couple of access points.

If you approach on foot and walk towards the hill along the beach southward you’ll soon get a glimpse of the enormous, standing, golden Buddha image that looks out over the sea from a position on the hill.

There is a restaurant at the base of the mountain close to the beach regarded by many as the departure point for heading up the mountain. Soon after you will reach a reasonably steep slope that leads all the way up to the top.

After gaining more ground on the 20-metre Buddha statue you’ll come to a winding stairway that continues on up the hill. About halfway up the hill you’ll come to a white lotus monument, and there are a few concrete steps involved and various other figures and statues that may be of interest to temple buffs.

Some of the shrines and the temple area in general have something of a run-down appearance, and this has been attributed to the growing presence of the monkeys by some.

Of course, if this all sounds a little daunting it won’t be too difficult to enlist the services of a tuk-tuk, taxi, or motorcycle to get to the top of the hill, depending on where you are heading in from.

The Main Temple

The main temple area can also be accessed via a sealed route winding up the hill from the end of Khao Takiab Road below. And those with a keen eye might note a side path on the right about halfway down a southward-facing dirt road.

This small stretch of road features a little-known vantage point that provides views of the fishing village down below (which you will come to if you walk back down the sealed route) and coastline behind the hill. The actual temple is just beyond that, marked by souvenir and refreshment stalls.

The temple provides a panoramic view from the main area, and there is a complex of small temples with various shrines in and around them. One is topped by a chedi and accessed via a steep stairway flanked by colourful naga serpent guardians.

As the temple is still in operation, the visiting hour times between 9.00am and 5.30 pm should be observed, although temple operations start before 6.00 am.

It’s common to see monks from the temple heading along the stretches of beach on either side of the mountain collecting morning alms and giving out blessings to individuals or small groups of locals.

The Chinese Temple 

Chopsticks Hill is also home to a colourful Chinese temple. The area contains a large number of figures and pagodas decorated in the blue, red and gold colours typical of this kind of structure.

You’ll find a distinctive statue of Goddess Quan Yin and inside the temple paintings depicting various Chinese tales and legends. The familiar image of  Pu Tai, otherwise known as the laughing Buddha.

Other Features of the Hill Area 

Chopstick Hill is around 6 km from the central stretch of Hua Hin Beach, from where it can also easily be seen on a clear day. The mountain is quite prominent along the coastline and it has a distinctive shape that can be made out from the famous viewpoint Khao Hin Fai Lek. 

Khao Takiab Beach

Khao Takiab Beach is the main stretch of sand running along the vicinity of Chopstick Hill. There’s a decent stretch of beach leading south from Hua Hin Beach until it reaches Chopstick Hill, and a good kilometre or so leading up to the hill is considered Khao Takiab Beach by most. 

This stretch of beach is relatively quiet and is lined with beachfront resorts and bungalow-type accommodations. There are also various activities such as watersports and pony riding depending on season. 

However, the stretch of beach formally considered to be Khao Takiab Beach lies south of the hill on the other side of it. It runs to the small and fairly unremarkable fishing village area known as Khao Tao at the bay’s far end, although Suan Son Pradipat lies just beyond. 

Khao Takiab Beach Location: Prachuap Khiri Khan

Suan Son Pradipat   

About another 3 km along from Takiab and 10 minutes south of Hua Hin by road or train is Suan Son Pradipat. This whole stretch of beach and coastline was once under military jurisdiction, although more recently it was established as a leisure facility for Army officials and their families before being opened for public access. 

You’ll see a kind of army checkpoint still in operation that is of no concern to tourists, as well as the Suan Son train station. The State Railway of Thailand operates various weekend excursions to tourist destinations around Thailand, and along with a trip to Kanchanaburi, one of the most popular routes is the one that runs to Suan Son Pradipat Beach. 

This means you can literally take the train to your doorstep if you are staying around this beach area. There is various accommodation available including bungalow and condo-type options. 

This beach has the kind of services you might expect such as coffee shops, massage, and restaurants. You’ll also find the obligatory Thai-style (i.e. on top of each other) chairs with huge umbrellas for rent if you fancy that. 

If you want to go exploring from Suan Son you’ll find little by way of taxis or other transportation which is where the trusty Grab application comes in rather handy..

Location: Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Nearby Attractions & Things to Do

Vana Nava Water Jungle

One of Hua Hin’s many water parks, this one is not too far away from the region of Khao Takiab Beach heading Northwest and is billed as ‘More than just a Water Park’. 

The park is actually more of a water entertainment complex and is a popular tourist stop-off featuring activities and rides to suit everyone.   

Address: 129/99 หมู่บ้านหนองแก, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Wat Khao Sanam Chai

Wat Khao Sanam Chai is located on a cliff with scenic views a bit further inland than Chopstick Hill. The temple was originally established as a centre for meditation by revered Thai monk Pra Worawit Worathammo and still serves as such today.

Address: 1 3 Petchkasem Rd, Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Rajabhakti Park

This park is one for history and cultural buffs and it features large statues of seven of Thailand’s kings. Built as part of a military project in 2015, Rajabhakti park is south of the town centre and somewhere between Khao Takiab and Suan Son Pradipat.

The 14-metre-high bronze statues stand in honour of various kings between the Sukhothai and Rattanakosin periods of royalty.

Location: Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Sea Pines Golf Club

If you fancy a few rounds, this exclusive Hua Hin golf club with fantastic views is well within the vicinity of both Khao Takiab and Suan Son Pradipat. Located next to a long stretch of beach, the golf course also has the railway running through it which separates the beach and mountain sides of the course. 

Location: ประจวบ Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Final Thoughts

Is Chopstick Hill worth a visit when in Hua Hin? Most definitely! In fact, many visitors to the town and region, especially those already familiar with Hua Hin from previous visits, tend to gravitate more towards areas like Khao Takiab Beach, of which the hill is just one feature.

Bear in mind that the temple area and some of the shrines and buildings haven’t necessarily received much along the lines of renovations–which may be due to the monkeys–and thus you won’t be met with disappointment on not seeing anything like the pristine quality inherent in many other Thai religious sites.

But there’s plenty of unique character about the hill and it provides some fantastic views of the coast and bay around Hua Hin, even if it doesn’t impress you with the state of some of the architecture and maintenance. Be sure to check out Chopstick Hill if you are anywhere near Hua Hin!