Golden Buddha
Go for the view and treat the monkeys as the main event, because they will be. This hilltop Buddhist temple and golden Buddha sit on Khao Takiab, the headland everyone calls Monkey Mountain, above Hua Hin's southern shoreline. You can climb up from the beach below or come in from the hilltop side, but either way there are a lot of steps and they're steep. Late afternoon into sunset is when the coastline from the upper levels really earns the effort.
Opinion on the place splits, and I think both sides are right. It's quiet, the shoreline views are the real draw, and the statue photographs beautifully. But the grounds aren't consistently looked after, and if a scruffy setting bothers you, this won't win you over. Takiab beach below has picked up plenty of bars and restaurants, so pair it with a meal rather than making it the whole afternoon.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Golden Buddha, round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Very nice and clean place, lot of stairs to go up the temple, great shoreview, beware of Theft from hundreds of monkeys around, don't feed them, there are no thrash bins, so don't litter. Apart from sounds of the sea, the monkeys taking care of loud Arguments and quarrels noises, souvenirs are not too expensive from downtown city market, good foot massage in town is recommend after the visit.
Monkey Mountain. Lots of nice bars and Restaurants now at Takiab
Nice walk along the beach, tide was coming in so we walked through the village, very squalid and overrun with monkeys but ok. Statue is ok, surroundings not maintained at all and didn't bother going up the steps to the top due to monkeys. could be a lot better
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 398 reviews on Google.
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Golden Buddha: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Golden Buddha worth visiting?
Golden Buddha holds a 4.2★ rating from 398 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Golden Buddha?
Golden Buddha is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Golden Buddha?
The best months to visit Hua Hin are March – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: September – November (rainy season).
Where is Golden Buddha located?
Golden Buddha is at GX9H+FGX, 4, Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Location Info
GX9H+FGX, 4, Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available
Where to stay near Golden Buddha
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places
Wat Khao Lan Thom
A hilltop Buddhist temple near Hua Hin offering scenic views and a peaceful cultural escape from the crowds.
Wat Khao Takiap
Monkeys run the place, the views are worth the steps, and yes, there are dinosaur statues.
Wat Khao Krailart
A hilltop Buddhist temple in Hua Hin with a reclining white Buddha, golden statues, sea views, and a peaceful mangrove path.
Phra Mae Kwan Im Shrine
A serene Chinese Buddhist shrine in Hua Hin dedicated to Kwan Im, the Goddess of Mercy.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Golden Buddha
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
March – August
Avoid: September – November (rainy season)
Rainy season
September – November
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)
Getting there
Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available