Thailand – Laos Travel: Day 5 – Part 3 – Wat Khao Takiab

Continued from Thailand – Laos Travel: Day 5 – Part 2 – Wat Hua Mongkol. For pre-travel, please refer here.

Around 2.37 pm, we started heading back to Hua Hin city from Wat Hua Mongkol. The return journey took a distance of 20km and is surrounded by sugarcane fields. Here I can see once again how vast the sugarcane industry is in Thailand.

At this point, I’m standing outside again when riding the tuktuk while Tatie and Aqif got a seat inside. That’s the advantage of being a woman and a child, some just offer a seat. The fare is the same which is THB60/person one way, children are excluded.

Upon reaching one of these places, the tuktuk enters a junction that leads to a tourist center. It is located halfway between Wat Hua Mongkol and Hua Hin. The surroundings here look quite familiar to me.

Apparently, I’ve seen this place, Hua Hin Floating Market on Tripadvisor. I’m less interested in any floating market and I don’t know why. So, we skipped this place and continued our journey to Hua Hin in the same tuktuk. There is also a train station here but I’m not sure where it’s going. Or maybe just a station turned into a museum?

I stood outside with a local. As usual, not interested in standing inside because my height will bend my neck and might have to go for a massage. You see me standing kind of low because I’m standing on a tuktuk ladder that is low.

There’s a funny thing that happened here. As the tuktuk stopped at a traffic light, my Mentos suddenly fell on the road tar. Haha. After almost 3 minutes the tuktuk stopped, my feeling split for a moment. Either I need to go downstairs for a moment and pick up that Mentos or not? If the tuktuk suddenly accelerated as I stepped on the road, maybe I will be left alone. If that happens, it will be okay for me if alone without family. The man who was standing next to me, also observing at my Mentos. Suddenly he got off the tuktuk and took it. It’s not my candy, but Aqif’s. This guy is so good. Then I thanked him and handed it to Aqif. But somehow, I felt embarrassed about that situation.

Aqif who didn’t know anything thought that I might call him to stand up close to me. He wanted to whisper something in my ear. I don’t know if I heard his whisper or not. As he whispered, many passengers inside smiled at his behavior.

I immediately opened Google Maps to see the current location. As far as I know, this tuktuk will stop at the farthest junction leading to Wat Khao Takiab. That is, there is an intersection that is divided in two between the highway and the common road. So, we had to arrive right at the intersection (refer to the map above). If we miss it, it will cause us to waste more time because have to ride a tuktuk from the center of Hua Hin to go to Takiab.

After getting off the tuktuk, we spotted a grocery store and proceeded to buy ice cream for everyone. The weather is very hot. Thanks to the elderly man at the cashier for allowing us to hang out on the shop bench outside while eating.

Once finished, we stepped across the road to board the oncoming tuktuk. This time I said clearly and heard the words “Takiab!”. Hehe.

Luckily, the tuktuk we rode was on the right track. The fare is only THB20/person. We went up to the farthest destination which is the last stop which is located in front of a small police station. But when we arrived, I was confused for a moment as the road leading to Wat Khao Takiab was deeper and had to walk to go there.

This is where the location stops or GPS: 12.518723, 99.976317

I managed to make a pose similar to the police statue.

The same goes for Aqif …

Maybe you’re wondering. What is the reason for always visiting Wat? Seems like I’m interested in Buddhism? I have several reasons. First, I like to see and study the comparison of religions but it is necessary to study first by visiting the place. When we study, it will indirectly strengthen our religious beliefs. Secondly ….. Ok, do you want to know? Most of the Wats in Thailand have many beautiful sceneries because they are usually built on the hillside or top of the hill. Later I will show you the view of the Hua Hin coastline. That’s why … because I want to get the best view!

But BEWARE! Complete the knowledge of monotheism first so as not to be distracted or fascinated by the disturbances that are around. Maybe someone is following you back, right? So, it is better to have some knowledge. Don’t let your chest feel short of breath because something is ‘riding’ your body …

Scary? Nothing. My story is exaggerated. Many children come there. The important thing is to come during the day, think positively, always remember God, respect the religion and culture around and make the heart calm and peaceful.

A row of tuktuks parked in front of the police station. All headed to the same destination which is downtown Hua Hin.

The road we passed earlier to Takiab and also to return to the city. A kind of U-Turn. Who is posing in the middle? When I zoom in on the image, apparently he made a direct ‘peace’ symbol on me ?? Haha .. just noticed today. Probably because the big camera can be seen from afar.

Now we head to the back. If you are facing the police station (the station is in front), choose the road on the left. Step a little … not far, only 280 meters.

This is the way lead to Wat Khao Takiab. Meanwhile, I also checked Google Maps because I was worried about going the wrong way.

From a distance, you can see Wat Khao Takiab.

There are also many vehicles coming in and out here. In the end, there is the road leading to the beach. There are also many hotels and resorts. I think it is also suitable for a stay as there are many tuktuks and it is easy to get to the city center. It’s just that I’m not sure about the price. Of course, it’s a bit expensive!

There! The Wat Khao Takiab. The attraction is not only at the foot of the hill, but actually at the top of the hill.

Beach cafe for free relaxation but must order drinks or food.

Buddha statue up close. Quite high too, about 20 meters. Let’s step in there…

Do you see the scenery along the beach to Hua Hin town? Later I will show you a similar picture but taken from the top of the hill.

Tourists who are doing sunbathing activities. There is no reason for us to sunbathe here. My place in Kuala Lumpur is already hot.

The seawater was a bit high, so we had to climb the cliff to get to the wat. Don’t turn back, you’ll lose the best moment!

Welcome to Wat Khao Takiab. It is also known as ‘Takiap’. Entrance here is FREE.

History of Wat Khao Takiab

Located 6 km from Hua Hin town there is a small village called Khao Takiab. From the beach in Hua Hin, you can see Khao Takiab hill with a 20 -meter high Buddha statue.

The scenery in Khao Takiab is very beautiful and quiet, quieter than the town of Hua Hin with its white sand beaches and there are also several restaurants as well as hotels and resorts.

Khao Takiab Hill is also known as Chopstick Hill or Monkey Mountain. Above it, there is a temple called Wat Khao Lad known as the monkey temple.

Here there is also a Chinese temple. The temple has many pagodas and statues decorated in various colors such as blue, red and gold and the most famous is Guanyin, the Chinese God who has thousands of hands.

I had to take off my shoes because I was worried about getting wet due to the slightly high sea level.

Relaxing at the foot of the hill while enjoying the view of the coastline. The wind here is a bit strong.

There is also a replica of a small house (or a temple?). Surprisingly, it was placed in a cage.

Reading a few status updates from my friends on FB.

There is another small house …

The Buddha statue stands at a closer distance.

Benches are provided here.

In front of the bench, there is also a shop selling jewelry. Mostly for religious purposes.

When observed, the statue seems to be buffering or fortifying something. (According to local beliefs) can be a buffer of natural disasters coming from the sea or enemy attacks because there has been a war between Japan and Thailand some time ago here and spread to Prachuap Khiri Khan. The war lasted only a short time but killed dozens of Thais.

I’m not sure if it’s wood or carved stone.

We walked from the back. The bench was visible there.

If you want to see the legs or the bottom of the statue.

The statue’s legs are surrounded by lotus flower petals.

Each statue has a function. Buddhists will donate here according to their respective functions.

Ok, let’s go deeper … There’s nothing in the house. Then turn right.

Haa .. see what’s ahead of me? Stairs leading to ‘heaven’. A bit high too.

Hekk hekk, sighed because tired of climbing, hehe.

Take a break in the middle of the stairs. Hmm … the panorama here doesn’t look complete yet.

The scenery here is also interesting but disturbed because of the cliff on the left.

Meanwhile, I snapped a picture on the right. Seen a row of houses right in front of the sea. I think there may be a road behind this hill. My new philosophy:

“If you’re afraid of the waves, don’t build a house by the beach, but let it be built a little higher from the beach as long as it’s safe. Hehe”

More steps to go before arriving at the top.

It was in the middle of the alley that we passed earlier to get here. Our intention is to travel, right? Shoot all corners as long as you can.

The row of houses that was seen earlier. It’s was fun to view it. But the probability for the area to be hit by a tsunami is very high if it originates from the Japanese sea.

Warning. Do not wear underwear, bikinis or boxers. You will be fined a THB500 (MYR60). The value of such a fine could pay the additional cost of another night of staying in Hua Hin.

After climbing the last stairs, we were presented with a large row of bells. It feels like a Shaolin temple and kungfu. Somehow I took this picture. The light should not be flashed to half of the face.

See what happens … the end of my shoes. It was just cheap Brooke branded shoes. I already expect this would happen soon. Luckily I already packed my Fipper slippers in a daypack at first. I still keep these shoes and the next day I bought elephant glue to put them back on. The adhesion of the glue is very strong and lasts until Laos.

If I had enough budget, I would buy Salomon brand boots!

It seems that this is the main temple but non-Buddhists are not allowed to enter. At first, I just followed the group of people who were going up there. Tatie and Aqif were waiting below. From afar, a monk said loudly in Thai that only non-Buddhists are not allowed to enter. Because I didn’t understand Thai, so I just went inside. Suddenly he scolded me. This is not our country. So, I have to respect and abide by the instructions. What I saw inside was a rather large Buddha footprint with a length of 2 meters.

Dungggg !! It sounds really loud!

I kind of think that they are worship items and can be purchased in the form of donations.

Not sure what and how it is used for.

The first giant gong we met was here. The second giant gong was in Bangkok, which is bigger than this.

We reached this part of the square after passing through the gap of this house/temple.

The wooden stick carried on the shoulder is similar to the statue at Wat Hua Mongkol.

Once upon a time, there was a Thai Radar Control Unit here. They were the first to detect the presence of Japanese aircraft during World War II.

The square I told you about. Driving here by car won’t make us feel any satisfaction. It feels even better if you step up the hill with your feet.

The list of names of those involved in the war here is either involved (and still alive) or killed.

Ok, this is the best scenery here. Almost the entire city of Hua Hin from south to north was successfully photographed here. I felt like looking at a picture along the coast of Miami, USA.

This is the scene behind me that is less interesting.

Look at the horizon at the end there.

Action like a bird that is just about to learn to fly that was demonstrated by Tatie.

If you are diligent, you can just continue to climb the 2nd hill there which is Chopstick Hill. But we’re tired. After all, the temple to be seen there also has the same interior appearance.

Between these two hills, there is also a river estuary. Looks like it has just been improved.

Buildings in the surrounding area that are not in the category of tourism focus.

The buildings still retain traditional features.

Hua Mongkol Statue. We sat inside for a while to rest until a woman inside finished her prayers. No need to be scared here. Nothing will happen. After all, we came with good intentions and just to relax there is nothing wrong with it. Unless you are of another religion and suddenly want to pray here.

Here there is a fan and chairs and can relax. For any kind of travel, do not force yourself to complete the daily itinerary. Implement only achievable plans.

We went back downstairs. Be careful going down, don’t fall over.

As soon as we reached below, we saw a group of cats eating. At the other end, maybe a group of cat families …

To my right, there is also a massage parlor. But we ran out of time.

I don’t know who the woman in this sculpture is.

We took a memorable photo of Wat Khao Takiab before moving home. This time, the hill is illuminated by the sun that is about to set.

Because Aqif’s feet and shoes up to his knees were full of silt sand, so I casually went into the back of a restaurant at a resort and asked to borrow some tap water to wash Aqif’s feet. Luckily the workers there allowed it. Thank you.

This is the resort that I mentioned earlier. This place is so beautiful. If you have more expenses, try to stay here.

Videos around Wat Khao Takiab.

Head back towards the police station. Although tired, we still strengthened our legs to visit two more places namely Hua Hin Market Village and Chatsila Night Market. Don’t worry about the absence of tuktuk, because there are many in front of the police station. But we have to wait until many passengers board it, then it will start the journey.

Overall, Wat Khao Takiab is the best in Hua Hin for a different variety of attractions other than the normal tourist spot usually visited by tourists.

Let’s continue here …. Thailand – Laos Travel: Day 5 – Part 4 – Hua Hin Market Village.