We went for a wander around Khao Takiab yesterday. This is something we've done many times, but this time we deliberately took paths that we hadn't ventured on before, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Part 1 - Approaching the Temples on the Mountain from the North
After the climb from the beach, we eventually reached the temples. Monkeys are really in abundence here. For a few Baht you can buy food to feed the monkeys. However, unless you are at ease with animals, do not even consider it. The monkeys will climb on you, and any sudden movement will probably end up with a nasty bite, followed by hospital bills, rabies jabs etc. Definitely should not be attempted by children.
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We'd climbed the mountain, and now we faced another major climb to the temple, but of course, the views at the top were well worth it.
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Next stop was the Chinese Temple at the bottom of another steep hill (OK downhill, but we'd have to climb back up again afterwards). On the way down, we encountered some monkeys enjoying a dip in a water tank (already posted elsewhere),
The Chinese Temple was very colourful, and there were some lovely seaward views to be had.
The final leg of our journey took us back down the hill into the fishing village.
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On the left were the fish docks with many small fishing boats alongside due to the heavy seas.
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We then turned onto the new road built on reclaimed land. It was amazing how many fishermen's huts had sprouted up between the road and river.
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At the end of the new road, we turned left, and made our way out to the South Beach. The South Beach starts at the mouth of the river. Here there are several ramshackle piers where fishermen were mending their nets.
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We then walked along the umrella lined beach towards Suan Son.
The article that Buksida posted yesterday reminiscing about the man's memories and fondness for Hua Hin stated that there were no umbrella/lounge chair beaches. I guess he missed this one, or it's a new development. I hope it doesn't spread. Pete
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Takiab bay beach has changed considerably over the last 10 years with a marked increase in beach outlets, lounge chairs, etc. I returned for a visit to the beach after an absence of a few years and was astounded by the increase in loungers and indeed the number of farangs as the beach previously was a great favourite of Thai nationals who easily outnumbered the farangs especially at the weekends.
The village of Khao Takiab itself has changed dramatically and is now virtually joined with its neighbour Hua Hin.
Totally agree with you on the subject of the temple monkeys; time for a cull (not kill) and transportation of the beasts to parts uninhibited by humans.
Big Boy wrote:I love to see the monkeys, and I don't mind them climbing over me. However, I have to agree there are far too many for comfort these days.
Lovely pics BB
Re: Monkeys...I used to go to Graham and Kan's tea room at the bottom of monkey mountain, quite often, it was like a shack place, open plan. We used to have a good chat and have tea there. (This is before they moved around the corner to a shop, near Police station) They used to get lots of monkeys there, they had a favourite one whom they called "their monkey". I love all animals, but have to be truthful and say I really dislike monkeys One day I called out to Kan..."your monkey is on it's way over"...she looked, then panicked and said "No, not my monkey, that nasty monkey who bites!" She then clapped her hands to drive it away. Apparently, there are quite a lot of people bitten near the mountain. The monkeys are very aggressive and fight amongst themselves too
I do think they should be culled, just like Soi dogs should be.
One day I called out to Kan..."your monkey is on it's way over"...she looked, then panicked and said "No, not my monkey, that nasty monkey who bites!" She then clapped her hands to drive it away. Apparently, there are quite a lot of people bitten near the mountain. The monkeys are very aggressive and fight amongst themselves too 
