Wat Huay Mongkol
A 12-meter monk in park-like grounds, best seen in the morning before the sun turns it into a silhouette.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–20:30
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.
Details
- Address
- ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3219 Tambon Thap Tai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
- Phone
- +66 81 858 6661
Full opening hours
Tours that include Wat Huay Mongkol
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Wat Huay Mongkol.
Why go, and how to do it well
The draw here is one thing, and it's enormous, a 12-meter statue of Luang Pu Thuat, the 16th-century monk credited in Thai tradition with turning saltwater into fresh. Pilgrims come from all over the country to pay respects and to buy amulets tied to his name. If you're expecting a warren of ornate halls, adjust your expectations. This is a wide, park-like site with a lake, pavilions, a three-headed Erawan elephant, snack booths and space to feed the fish and deer. Reviews from people hoping for more than the statue tend to come away a bit flat.
Go in the morning. Come in the afternoon and the sun sits behind the statue, so your photos turn out as a dark outline against a bright sky. Outside high season some of the booths stay shut, which makes the grounds feel quieter still, and that's no bad thing. It's a calm counterweight to a beach vacation, and the drive out from central Hua Hin is short.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
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Tours that include Wat Huay Mongkol
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Experience hints
Reviews from Google
A short drive from Hua Hin you find this impressive temple. The temple was built in 1964 and displays a twelve metres tall statue of the 16th century monk Luang Phor Thuad who according to history turned saltwater into drinking water on several occasions. Erawan the three headed elephant also found the way to the beautiful Wat Huay Mongkol. Definitely worth the visit. Please remember to dress accordingly if entering the temple.
This Temple is amazing and shares a deep history of Buddhism and Buddhists in Thailand. Luang Pu Thuat, a highly revered monk serve the Thailand Buddhist community for over a century! It is said that anyone who possessed an amulet made in his era, contain superpowers of protection that were sacred.
Not much to see except the large statue. There is a strong sun backlight during the afternoon so morning should be better for nice pictures. Beware that it might be hard to find a taxi back to Hua Hin.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 15,360 reviews on Google.
ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3219 Tambon Thap Tai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Wat Huay Mongkol: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Huay Mongkol worth visiting?
Wat Huay Mongkol holds a 4.6★ rating from 15,360 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Hua Hin.
What are the opening hours of Wat Huay Mongkol?
Wat Huay Mongkol is typically open 06:00–20:30 — 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 Wat Huay Mongkol?
The best months to visit Hua Hin are November – 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: October (wettest month).
Where is Wat Huay Mongkol located?
Wat Huay Mongkol is at ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3219 Tambon Thap Tai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (green, along Phetkasem Road to Khao Takiab); Motorbike taxis.
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