Temple of Khao Tao, a gem under the smoke of Hua Hin
On the south side of Hua Hin is a gem that you should definitely not miss. It is the temple of KhaoTao, the 'turtle temple'.
It is an impressive whole in one around the rocks that protrude into the sea near the village of the same name. A clear case of 'superkitsch'.
Khao Tao is easy to reach and excellent for a day trip. From Hua Hin take the 4 towards South and after about 15 kilometers turn left towards Khao Tao. First cross the railway, then right. You will then drive along a freshwater lake. At the end of the road is the fishing port of Khao Tao. Keep walking and you will automatically enter the temple, which according to Thai religious concepts is not actually a temple. It is a remarkable collection of cement statues including monks, elephants, Buddha statues and a large turtle. All attributes are aimed at obtaining 'happiness and prosperity', according to my counselor.
Khao Tao is located at the end of a beautiful bay, adorned with the name Hat Sai Noi. On one side the monkey temple Khao Takiab, on the south side Khao Tao. It beach is not yet very polluted with high-rise buildings, partly because there is also an army base, equipped with a golf course. Yes, the military is not bad, although that will undoubtedly apply to the higher ranks. Khao Tao can therefore not only be reached by road, but also on foot via the beach.
According to insiders, the construction of this 'temple' already started in the early sixties, although it must have been a very simple design. The complex consists of a number of caves, footbridges, and outcroppings, heavily smeared with cement. From the temple you have a magnificent view of the fishing village and the almost silted up entrance to the harbor. You don't have to lack food and drink.
Indeed an interesting temple, where I visited for the umpteenth time last week. Dotted around the hill are monks' quarters, I believe. It is also worth walking all the way to the top, where a large golden Buddha overlooks the beach and sea. You can also reach it from Ao Noi.
It is also interesting to see how the cave was created. There are also small ponds that contain too many and too large Koi. They would make more of an impression with less.
It is best to go during the week. Many Thai visitors come on weekends.
From Hua Hin behind the hotel Holiday Inn there is a beautifully constructed bike path that leads you to that temple.
I just saw that I had replied three years ago. The temple is still worth seeing.
However, there is an error in the description to get there. After the railway crossing to the right???? Coming from the Pethkasem Road, cross the level crossing and just follow the road to the very end. Then you can turn left to park in a small parking lot.
In the meantime, a jogging path has been built around the lake for pedestrians! Not for cyclists! My wife sometimes goes there and received angry answers from a bunch of foreigners who cycled there, while signs clearly state that cycling is not allowed.
Then you haven't been there for a while, you can cycle there, there are no signs.
Question: does anyone know if there is also a van going there, I mean the red or the white or the green?? From hua hin.