Hua Hin Temples & Wild Elephants
Temples in the morning, wild elephants at sunset: Hua Hin’s hilltop and cave temples, then a ranger-led 4x4 drive in Kui Buri National Park.
Tour overview
This full day joins the two sides of Hua Hin. In the morning you visit Wat Khao Takiap on Monkey Mountain, with its standing golden Buddha and views over the bay, and Wat Tham Khao Tao, a temple in caves on a rocky headland by a fishing village. After a lunch break you drive south to Kui Buri National Park, where wild elephants come out to the grasslands in the late afternoon. You watch them from a park 4x4 with a ranger, at a distance that does not disturb them, and may also see gaur, deer and hornbills. There is no riding, feeding or show. You are back in Hua Hin in the evening.
Scheduled stops
- •Wat Khao Takiap
- •Wat Tham Khao Tao
- •Lunch in Pranburi
- •Kui Buri National Park
- •4x4 drive with a park ranger
Temples & Kui Buri itinerary
Times are approximate and may vary depending on traffic, queues, temple access and local conditions. The order of visits may be adjusted when necessary to provide the smoothest experience.
Hotel pickup in Hua Hin
A short drive to Monkey Mountain.
Wat Khao Takiap
The hilltop temple, the standing golden Buddha and the view over Hua Hin Bay.
Wat Tham Khao Tao
The cave shrines, the temple on the headland and the fishing village.
Lunch in Pranburi
The meal is not included in the standard tour price and is available on request.
Drive to Kui Buri
About one hour south.
Kui Buri National Park
Registration at the ranger station and a short briefing.
4x4 drive with a ranger
About three hours watching wild elephants on the tracks and at the viewpoints.
Return to Hua Hin
Start of the drive back.
Estimated arrival at your hotel
Around 19:30, depending on traffic.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Will we see elephants?
Sightings are very likely, especially in the late afternoon, but these are wild animals and cannot be guaranteed. There is no riding, feeding or touching: you watch from the vehicle and the viewpoints.
Is the tour private?
Yes. The vehicle, the driver and the guide are only for your group (1–8 people). Larger groups on request.
What is included?
Temple entry fees and donations, the park entry fee, the park 4x4 with a ranger and drinking water. Lunch is not included and is available on request.
Can we add Wat Huay Mongkol?
On request we can add it on a slower day; it is part of our Hua Hin Temple Tour.
What time is pickup and return?
Pickup is at 09:00 from your hotel in Hua Hin, Cha-am or Pranburi; you are back around 19:30.
What should we wear and bring?
For the temples, shoulders covered and trousers or a skirt at least to the knee. For the park, insect repellent and a light long-sleeved top for the evening. Drinking water is included.
What is included
- Licensed local English-speaking guide.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, fuel, tolls and parking.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hua Hin, Cha-am or Pranburi.
- Temple entry fees, national park entry fee, park 4x4 vehicle and ranger.
- Drinking water.
- Basic travel insurance for every customer, the guide and the driver.
Tour price inclusions and exclusions
- The temple and park entry fees, the 4x4 and the ranger are included.
- Lunch is not included in the standard tour price; it is available on request.
- Price for the whole private group, VAT included.
Your private transport
Private air-conditioned van with your local driver.
Practical tips
- Dress modestly for temples: shoulders covered, trousers or skirt at least knee-length.
- At Wat Khao Takiap, keep food and loose items in your bag: the monkeys are quick.
- Bring insect repellent and a light long-sleeved top for the evening.