One of the first things I noticed upon setting foot in Khao Tao, Thailand, was the prominent rock at the beach’s northern extremity, which separates the beaches of Khao Tao and Hua Hin. The rock hosts the temple of Wat Khao Takiap on its top, and it is commonly known as the Monkey Mountain of Hua Hin. During the two months we spent in the area, we got to climb the rock on two different occasions. In this post, I share some useful tips, monkey experiences, and photos I got to take there.
To reach the hilltop on wheels, you have to get to Khao Takiap Fishing Port whence a road ascends to the Monkey Mountain. The parking lot coordinates are: 12.5163, 99.9819. Alternatively, you may also walk up to the hill from the southern end of Hua Hin beach.
The hill has several nice viewpoints to stare at the wide sea and the lengthy beaches. The temple itself is very picturesque and features a prominent pagoda, reached by a flight of stairs, shortly below the hill peak.
But what the Monkey Mountain is mostly known for is, of course, monkeys. There is quite a populous troop of macaques inhabiting the hill. Although they seem to be in very good terms with the monks, I found their attitude rather aggressive and impolite towards other visitors. That I deem is so because the holy men thoroughly cover their subsistence needs, so that they don’t rely at all on tourist feeding. On Hin Lek Fai Hill, where there is no monastery and exactly the opposite is the case, the macaques have developed rather cordial demeanors.
I took a disliking to these monkeys upon my first introduction to them. As soon as we drove up the hill the first time, we ran into a young European couple who were stuck there for some time because a naughty monkey had squatted on their scooter seat. I had to grab a pretty bulky stick to drive him away myself in the end, as he was confident in his teeth’s ability to counter my bare hands.
While strolling around the hill, they constantly kept a close eye on us, looking for the slightest chance for a looting assault. The stick remained my best friend while making sure that I will give them no such. But sure enough, I did. In just a few seconds I left my bag unattended, still lying right beside me, while checking some of my camera’s setting, one of the troop’s fattest members attacked. Luckily, I reacted fast enough to pull my bag off his grasp, together with giving him a kick on the face. However, he managed to snatch my water bottle upon his escape. And he stood there, some way ahead, mockingly playing with my stolen property together with one of his friends. Now it was my turn to attack. Armed with a handful of stones, I charged. Luckily again, they were wise enough to abandon the booty and retreat.
Near the Wat Khao Takiap, there is also the less-known Wat Khao Sanam Chai Temple that worths a visit if you head that way.
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