Khao Takiab

As you’re driving south out of Hua Hin, you will see a hilly peninsula. This is Khao Takiab which houses an eponymous Buddhist temple. The temple faces the sea and after climbing some 100 or so steps, your reward is the lovely view of the sea.

Another way to look at it is like a small pilgrimage to the stupa at the top where you can offer incense sticks and flowers to the Buddha or, if it’s your birthday, top up an oil lamp with perpetual flame.

Now the bad news – you’re not welcome there unless you carry food, in which case it’s a little dangerous. I don’t mean the locals but the monkeys – the true masters of the area. They have completely taken over and have no shame or scruples. If you don’t pick fights and don’t carry anything, you will be begrudgingly welcomed, otherwise prepare for a standoff which you will lose.