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 of the miracles he performed. The Huay Mongkol Temple marks a colossal statue of the monk Luang Phor Thuad, which sits on a hilltop accessible via a long staircase. The enormous figure is cornered by four three-headed wooden elephant statues where Thai visitors perform their worship ceremony. As part of the blessing ceremony, local worshipers walk around the wooden elephants known as the Erawan in Hindu mythology.
It is believed that touching the elephant’s belly brings good luck, so the ceremony begins by taking a small kit with some flowers and incense sticks at the entrance and donating a certain amount. Almost all temples in Thailand function primarily with the help of donations. The Wat Huay Mongkol complex has a beautiful garden and a small lake. The artificial waterfall draws the crowd.
Giant Luang Phor Thuad Statue
The statue of Luang Phor Thuad stands at the top of a large hill in Wat Huay Mongkol, which is in a central position. Each corner of the mountain is adorned with a three-headed wooden elephant statue, which is more petite but quite striking. The impressive gigantic statue reaches a height of 12 meters in the air and is 10 meters wide. The figure is visible from afar and can be contacted via a staircase.
Exploring Huay Mongkol Temple
The Wat Huay Mongkol temple is adorned with pretty pathways, along the edges of which there are minor details, such as three small wooden monkeys sitting on the sidewalk. Locals are often seen offering them flowers and incense sticks.
There is a sizeable Thai-style pavilion behind which you will find a vast fallen teak tree which is also revered and 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 complex’s boundaries, a lake and several small sunflower fields (in January). There is also a tiny elephant sanctuary within the temple complex. The small artificial waterfall cannot be missed. It’s a refreshing sight in the hot, shadowless complex.
Best time to visit:
The temperature in Hua Hin remains extremely comfortable year-round, but the summer months can feel a bit humid and hot. Rainfall can also occur occasionally, particularly during August and September. Visiting Wat Huay Mongkol on a weekday is always recommended to avoid crowds.
When to reach?
Wat Huay Mongkol is a bit far from the capital Hua Hin. No public transport runs directly between the city and the temple. One must hire a tuk-tuk or songthaew from Hua Hin to get there. The most self-sufficient and advisable would be to rent a motorbike. If you are coming by private, please take Highway 3218, Route Nong Pub – Pa La Ou, then turn left at Nong Taphao junction on the deck. About 14 kilometres away. If you continue along Highway 3218, you can also see the majestic Pa La Ou; combining both destinations in a single trip is always an excellent idea.
