Khao Takiap

Khao Takiap, also known as Chopstick Hill or Monkey Mountain, is a limestone hill in Nong Kae Subdistrict, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, about 4 km south of central Hua Hin. Crowned by Wat Khao Takiap, a Buddhist temple, it overlooks Khao Takiap Beach and the Gulf of Thailand. It is notable for panoramic coastal views, a large resident troop of long-tailed macaques, and its adjacent fishing village and beach.

Visitors can expect a steep hill accessed by stairs and a road leading to Wat Khao Takiap temple at the summit. The summit offers a paved viewpoint with panoramic views over Hua Hin coastline, Khao Takiap Beach and the Gulf of Thailand. The temple complex includes Buddha images, shrines and bells. The hillside and temple grounds are inhabited by many macaques. Below the hill is a small fishing village, seafood restaurants and a sandy beach.

The hill is crowned by Wat Khao Takiap, also called Wat Khao Lad, a Buddhist temple established in the 20th century that has become a local landmark. The name Khao Takiap translates to Chopstick Hill, derived from local legend about the hill's shape.

Wat Khao Takiap is an active Buddhist temple revered by locals and visitors. It houses Buddha images and is a site for merit-making, with bells and shrines that reflect local Buddhist practices. The hill is culturally associated with the fishing community at its base.