Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate)
Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot, also known as Wat Khao Ton Kate, is a Buddhist temple set among the hills and natural surroundings outside Hua Hin. The temple carries significant spiritual heritage as the former place of Phra Nekkhammamuni (Luang Pu Kan Thitthammo), a revered monk born in 1920 and a dharma heir of the acclaimed Luang Pu Man Phurithatto. The temple was honoured with a special royal gift from His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX, adding to its historical and cultural importance. Visitors describe the atmosphere as genuinely quiet and grounded, with well-kept temple grounds and a welcoming monastic presence. Unlike busier temple complexes in the region, this site attracts those seeking sincere reflection rather than sightseeing. It is considered a suitable place for making merit, meditation, and paying respects to Luang Pu Kan. Some visitors have received the Five Precepts directly from resident monks, making it a meaningful stop for those with a deeper interest in Thai Buddhist practice. As a place of active worship rather than a tourist attraction, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees as a mark of respect. The temple's Facebook page may carry the most current information on access and any ceremonial events worth timing a visit around.
Book tours & tickets in Hua Hin
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate), round out your day in Hua Hin with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) is a quiet and peaceful temple surrounded by nature and hills. This place feels grounded and sincere, away from tourist crowds, where time slows down and the mind becomes calm. The atmosphere is simple and authentic, ideal for reflection, prayer, and inner balance. A good place to reconnect with yourself, observe silence, and feel the traditional spiritual rhythm of Thailand. Personal prayer: May this sacred place remain protected and filled with peace. May all who come here find clarity, strength, and calmness of mind. With gratitude, I ask for inner balance, right direction in life, and protection on my path. May wisdom guide my actions, and may my journey be steady and honest.
The heir of the Dharma, Luang Pu Man Phurithatto, Phra Nekkhammamuni (Luang Pu Kan Thitthammo), is a temple that was granted a special royal gift by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great, Rama IX.
It is a quiet place, suitable for making merit and meditating. The temple grounds look clean and the monk looks kind.
Also Popular in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Night Market
A lively evening street market in central Hua Hin offering local food, clothing, crafts, and souvenirs nightly from 6pm.

Cicada Market
A relaxed weekend night market in Hua Hin showcasing local artisans, handmade goods, and live entertainment.

Aowtakiab Seafood Hua Hin
Oceanfront seafood restaurant on Ao Hua Don Bay, known for fresh catches, Thai classics, and relaxed coastal dining.

Hua Hin Beach
A calm, family-friendly beach on Thailand's Gulf Coast with shallow waters, beach chairs, and seaside dining.
Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) worth visiting?
Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) holds a 4.4★ rating from 36 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Hua Hin.
When is the best time to visit Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate)?
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 Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) located?
Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate) is at HW9Q+PR7, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.
Location Info
HW9Q+PR7, Hua Hin, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, ThailandTours & tickets nearby
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). Private car recommended.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available
Where to stay near Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate)
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.

Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.

The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.

Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.
Where to stay near Wat Rajaya Tanabaphot (Wat Khao Ton Kate)
Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
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). Private car recommended.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
- •Motorbike taxis
- •Bicycle rental
- •Grab available