Wat Huay Mongkol Temple in Hua Hin Guide–Is It Worth Visiting? 

Luang Phu was apparently able to perform miracles, and although you might not be privy to any on a visit to this iconic Hua Hin spot, it’s certainly worth stopping off at the temple and seeing the impressive monument if you have even a passing interest in Thai temple culture.

Wat Huay Mongkol also features a large park area that surrounds it, and it has a few other features that make it an attractive enough place to spend an hour or two. The temple can get quite packed at times, especially during weekends, holidays, and festival periods.

We intend to take a closer look at the temple in this post and a few relatively nearby attractions. Most of them could easily be combined with a visit to Huay Mongkol Temple and a spot of itinerary planning.

The Main Features of the Temple 

• The massive statue depicting the image of the famous monk is about 12 metres high and 10 metres wide, set on a large mound. There is a much smaller King Taksin equestrian monument in front of the huge image of Luang Phu Thuad. 

• On each corner of the built-up base mound stands a life-sized, wood-carved statue of a three-headed elephant. These are known as erawan in Thai and you’ll see visitors walking under them touching the elephant’s bellies which is believed to bring good fortune.

• There are various temple pavilions and walkways to explore, including a large golden Buddha image, and a man-made waterfall and cave. The temple area has much of a park feel to it, and there’s also a lake.

Luang Phor Thuad

Luang Phor Thuad lived around 400 years ago in the Southern Thailand region. He later became famous all over the country for the miracles that he apparently was able to perform on occasion like turning saltwater into drinkable water.

Amulets of Luang Phor Thuad

Any Thai monk renowned for miracles makes for a popular amulet in Thailand. Even today amulets with the image of Luang Phor Thuad are considered by many to hold great protective powers, especially from natural disasters.

Old amulets tend to be considered more powerful and are thus either very expensive or even priceless. Various styles of amulet are sold in Wat Huay Mongkol.

Other Nearby Attractions

Hua Hin is a great place in that whichever particular corner of the town you are staying in or intent on exploring, you’ll still most likely be within easy travelling distance of other attractions and points of interest. 

As the temple is not located close to what might be considered the centre of Hua Hin, it makes sense to combine a visit there with one or two other stop-offs. 

Wat Huay Mongkol is slightly south of Hua Hin Beach and set further back from the coastline, so you can decide which other attractions might best suit your itinerary in either direction from the map views. 

Hua Hin Safari and Adventure Park

This park is open-air and contains exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and crocodiles. It is about 20 km and a 30-minute drive from the temple by road to get to the park.

The Safari features all kinds of activities including non-animal-related ones. Visitors can get some elephant trekking in or alternatively indulge in some ATV, paintball, jet skiing, or banana boat fun. 

Address: 333 / 3, Soi Moo Baan Hua Na, Nong Kae, Thap Tai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Opening Hours: 8 am-5 pm

PranBuri Dam

This is a scenic and serene spot, the likes of which is not always that easy to come across in Thailand. If you’re lucky you’ll hardly see any people besides a few  locals fishing. 

It is a potentially great spot for paddle boarding as there is a little wind and waves. There aren’t actually that many access points around the lake though so you’ll need to check them first. Overall a great spot to spend a few hours near the water though. 

Address: FQ4V+RJ2, Khao Chao, Pran Buri District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77120

Opening Hours: 08.00 am-5 pm

Sam Phan Nam Floating Market

The market is literally 15 minutes away from the temple by road and just over 10 km. Not really a ‘floating market’ at all but rather a market ‘by the water’. 

It’s quaint and there are a few shops peddling clothing, accessories, toys, and various other items as well as a couple of restaurants and cafes. The market seems to receive mixed reviews with some visitors taking umbrage at the entrance charge that only applies to foreigners. Welcome to Thailand. 

Address: GW28+F2 Thap Tai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Opening Hours: 10 am-5 pm

Vana Nava Water Jungle

Ana Nava is one of Hua Hin’s popular water parks and is less than 20 km and a 20-minute drive by road. The modern-style water park features 20 attractions including signature rides and a Professional Underwater Studio. 

Vana Nava is not your average water park and is considered more of an outdoor water entertainment complex very popular with visitors and locals alike. 

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

Opening Hours: 11 am-5 pm

Suan Son Beach

About 25 km and 30 minutes by road from the temple, Suan Son Pradipat has a nice beach that is not usually crowded like the central Hua Hin regions. There are trees on the beach that can provide shade and it has not been over-developed as it comes under the jurisdiction of the Thai Army Recuperation & Recreation Centre. 

You have to go through an army checkpoint to get onto the beach where there are a few small shops and a restaurant. If you head north back along the beach you’ll be going towards KhaoTakiabBeach with its prominent hill Khao Takiab, or Chopstick Hill being more than visible from this beach. 

Address: FXXF+7P9 Unnamed Road Nong Kae, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110

Getting to Wat Huay Mongkol

If you don’t plan on making your way to Hua Hin under your own steam and are thus unlikely to have your own transport, you have a couple of options for getting around other than walking.

The temple is about 19 km from the centre of Hua Hin so there’s a good chance you’ll appreciate some wheels to get at least part of the way up there. The route up to Wat Huay Mongkol goes through some scenic Thai countryside featuring pineapple plantations and typically takes around 30 minutes from the town. 

Tuk Tuk or Grab?

There’s always the usual (non-negotiable) negotiation with a local taxi or tuk tuk operator–but if you are bored with all that malarkey you can now just call Grab. Yes the future has already arrived in Thailand for ride-hailing transportation apps, which you can read more about here (Grab Taxi Thailand). After downloading and using this popular transport app you’ll be clear on prices and destinations and won’t even have to worry about speaking to your driver.

Tried & Tested Songthaews 

For more of an authentic local experience (yet without the pointless bartering), songthaews typically go up to the temple from the railway station and various other stops in and around the town. The white songtaew stops at the floating market just prior to Huay Mongkol Temple.

They won’t set you back much more than 20-40 baht, but you’ll need to keep in mind the operation hours which typically run every day between 8 am and 4 pm.

The Bottom Line

Wat Huay Mongkol Temple is a scenic and usually serene place–with the exclusion of what might be considered peak times. It is certainly worth a visit if you’re in Hua Hin and can appreciate the vibes and visuals of Thai Buddhist temples and their related shrines and monuments.

Weekdays are typically the best days to drop in, and keep in mind that Thailand observes fairly strict  rules for entering Buddhist temples. This means the wearing of appropriate clothing is expected and not doing anything that might be deemed disrespectful. Those who suddenly realise their inappropriate exposure of certain body parts or areas before entering the temple will find plenty of items available nearby either for sale or rent to ‘cover’ the issue.