Wat Huay Mongkol Temple, Hua Hin Overview

Wat Huay Mongkol is a temple dedicated to the famous monk Luang Phor Thuad, located on the outskirts of Hua Hin. The monk who lived 400 years ago is shrouded in many stories speaking about the miracles he performed. The Huay Mongkol Temple marks a massive statue of monk Luang Phor Thuad who sits on a mound that can be accessed by a long set of stairs.

The giant statue is cornered by four three-headed wooden Elephant statues which is where the local Thai visitors perform their worship ceremony. The local worshipers walk around the wooden elephants are known as Erawan in the Hindu mythology as part of the blessing ceremony. Touching the elephant's belly is believed to bring good luck, hence, the ceremony starts by taking a small kit that holds few flowers and some incense sticks at the entrance by donating some amount. Almost all the temples in Thailand largely operate with the help of donation. Wat Huay Mongkol complex is dotted with a beautiful garden and a small lake. The artificial waterfall is a crowd-puller.

Exploring Huay Mongkol Temple

The Wat Huay Mongkol Temple is embellished with pretty pathways installed with some tiny details along the borders such like three tiny wooden monkeys sitting along the sidewalk, locals are often seen offering flowers and incense sticks to them. There is a huge Thai-style pavilion at the back of which, you will find a enormous fallen teak tree which is worshiped as well and is said to have magical powers.

Around the pavilion, you will find an impressive statue of King Taksin the Great on horseback, a small Buddhist temple within the fringes of the complex, a lake and several small sunflower fields (during january). A petite Elephant sanctuary is also found inside the temple complex. The small artificial waterfall is not to be missed, it is a refreshing sight in the hot and unshaded complex.

Giant Luang Phor Thuad Statue

The statue of Luang Phor Thuad sits on the apex of a large mound in Wat Huay Mongkol that is centrally positioned. Each corner of the mound is adorned with a three-headed wooden Elephant statue, smaller in size but quite eye-catchy. The impressively gigantic statue touches a height of 12 meters in the air and is 10 meters wide. The statue is visible from far away and can be accessed by climbing a set of stairs.

Best Time to Visit

The temperature stays extremely pleasant throughout the year in Hua Hin but the summer months can feel a bit humid and hot. You can also experience bouts of rain showers once a while especially in the month of August and September. It is always suggested to visit Wat Huay Mongkol on a weekday to avoid the crowd.

Tips

1. Wear shoes which can be removed easily as you might have to take off your footwear outside the temple.
2. Dress appropriately, make sure you understand the etiquettes to visit a temple in Thailand. Avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless, long pants and longs skirts can be considered.
3. If you find yourself in shorts or tank top and denied entry then you do not need to return. Clothes are available on rent outside the temple complex.
4. Make sure you apply and carry essentials to save yourself from the hot and humid climate conditions.
5. If you can, you must avoid visiting Wat Huay Mongkol on a weekend or public holiday.
6. If you are visiting by the songthaew that runs from the railway station between 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, then you must leave the temple a bit before the clock strikes 4 in the evening.

How To Reach Wat Huay Mongkol

Wat Huay Mongkol is situated a bit far from the main town of Hua Hin. There is no availability of public transport that directly shuttles between the town and the temple. One has to hire a tuk tuk or a songthaew from Hua Hin to the reach there. The most self-sufficient and advisable thing would be to rent a motorbike. If you are driving a private vehicle then take Highway 3218 which is the Nong Plub - Pa La Ou route and then turn left at Nong Taphao Intersection in covering about 14 kilometers of distance. If you go further down Highway 3218, you can also witness the majestic Pa La Ou, coupling both destination together in one single trip is always an excellent idea.

After following the following the Pa La Ou route turn left at Nong Taphao Intersection, ride straight to reach Wat Huay Mongkol. Taxis and Cabs can also be arranged by your hotel, if the service is available on request.