Khao Takiab or "Chopstick Mount" is a large mount sticking out of the sea. It is located south of the town of Hua Hin. The visit to the hill and temple is made easy by the construction of a road which goes up and down one way. Another ring road provides a "round the hill" spin, with more scenic spots to admire and photograph.

Khao Takiab is visible from Hua Hin beach. Approaching the hill from the beach, one will see an imposing majestic statue of the 20m tall Lord Buddha towering on some rocks at the foot of the hill. In fact the statue can be seen kilometers away from land and even more nautical miles from horizon.

On the top of the hill there is a temple (Wat Khao Lad). One can find erected around the temple not only Buddhist statues and images, but also a 10-metre tall statue of the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, or Kwan Im, a statue of King Rama V, as well as a few other religious figures, all of whom are much revered by Chinese and Thais alike. Be careful of the monkeys wandering the lower grounds of the temple. They're not fierce but enjoy grabbing small items from unsuspecting tourists.

From the top of the hill you can see Singhtoh Island (Lion Island) as it resembles a crouching lion. The island is about 1km from the shore. At high tide its small beach is almost completely submerged, but when the sea draws back, boats can be anchored or dragged on it. The island is visited for its natural rock formations and vegetations; it is also suitable for fishing and rock climbing. Boats to the island can be chartered from either the Hua Hin pier or the small fishing village at Khao Takiab.

The Khao Takiab Hill is 272m high. At the top of the hill is quiet, cool and breezy. From there you are offered the incredibly picturesque panorama of Hua Hin coast and Hua Hin downtown. Around Khao Takiab there are many quiet restaurants.

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