Wat Huay Mongkol

Giant statue of famous monk

The Wat Huay Mongkol temple complex located some 15 kilometers west of Hua Hin is famous for its enormous statue of one of Thailand’s most famous monks, named Luang Phor Thuad.

Giant Luang Phor Thuad statue

The statue, which is about 12 meters tall and 10 meters wide, is set on a large mound. The image can be seen from far away reaching higher than the trees. You can climb up the wide stairways to the giant statue; bring water and sun cream since there is no shade and it gets hot quickly.

This place is very popular with Thai people from all over the country, who come here to pay respect to Luang Phor Thuad and to ask for things as favours, good luck, health, fortune and happiness.

On each side of the giant statue, there is a huge wooden elephant. Local people walk in circles under the belly of the elephants wishing for good luck. The complex also holds a Buddhist temple, a statue of King Taksin the Great on horseback and shops where Buddhist amulets can be bought.

People climbing the stairs to the statue of the famous monk Luang Phor Thuad

Statue of Luang Phor Thuad

Park like environment with a lake, pavilions and restaurants

The whole complex is set in a park like environment, very well suited for a couple of hours of relaxing. The area has a lake, waterfalls, streams, bridges, a number of pavilions and lots of shady places.

Thai food can be bought in several restaurants.

Apart from the very impressive Luang Phor Thuad statue, Wat Huay Mongkol is a very peaceful and serene place worth a visit. It is best visited on weekdays, as it can get very crowded on weekends and on Thai public holidays.

Luang Phor Thuad, the famous Thai monk

Luang Phor Thuad, whose name is sometimes spelled Luang Phor Thuat, lived some 400 years ago in Southern Thailand. He is now famous all over the country for the miracles that he performed. It was said that Luang Phor Thuad turned salt water into fresh, drinkable water on multiple occasions.

Amulets of Luang Phor Thuad

A great number of miracles is attributed to the famous monk Luang Phor Thuad. Therefore, many Thai people believe that amulets created in the image of Luang Phor Thuad hold great protective powers, especially from natural disasters like tsunamis and flooding and from accidents. Especially old amulets are considered very powerful and priceless. Amulets can be bought in Wat Huay Mongkol at a number of shops.

How to get to Wat Huay Mongkol temple

The way to Wat Huay Mongkol goes through some attractive Thai countryside with large pineapple plantations and takes around 30 minutes from Hua Hin town.

The most comfortable way to get there would be by taxi that most hotels will be able to book. Tuk tuk is another possibility, however since the tuk tuk is open it can get pretty hot. Before leaving, agree on the price and book a round trip as it might be difficult to get a ride back to Hua Hin from the temple complex.

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