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While Khao Chong Krachok is actually a fairly small hill, you might be forgiven for seeing it as a mountain given the way it dominates the town of Prachuap Khiri Khan. From almost anywhere in town, you can spot the brilliant white temple buildings atop the hill, which makes it a fantastic landmark for traveling.
Together with Asia King Travel, learn about climbing the hill, etiquette since it’s a temple, what to expect from the pack of monkeys on the way up, and more.
Khao Chong Krachok, a tiny mountain with a height of 245 meters above sea level, is located along Prachuap Bay in the neighborhood of Wat Thammikaram Worawihan. The mountain's summit features a translucent aperture that resembles a mirror frame.
Location of Khao Chong Krachok
The climb up is a 396-step concrete stairway, and Khao Chong Krachok also houses the Khao Chong Krachok temple. It houses a facsimile of the Buddha's footprint and relics, which King Rama 9 visited on June 12, 1958, to execute the filling ceremony and plant the Sri Maha Bodhi tree imported from Bodhgaya.
Khao Chong Krachok offers a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a great destination for visitors seeking a range of experiences.
To reach the top of Khao Chong Krachok, you have a choice of two staircases: a well-marked bright yellow set and a more hidden grey cement set tucked away in the bushes. It's best to stick with the yellow staircase, which starts on Sao Noi Road, right across from Wat Thammikaram Worawihan temple.
Climbing on the top of Khao Chong Krachok
Though there are only 396 steps to the summit, the climb can feel much longer, especially in the intense heat. The ascent typically takes about 10 minutes, but it can vary depending on your pace and the need for breaks along the way.
Visiting Wat Thammikaram
Wat Thammikaram, a stunning Buddhist temple, sits atop Khao Chong Krachok. Explore the temple grounds, see the architecture, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. It's an excellent location to learn about Thai religious customs while also enjoying some peaceful introspection.
Watching the Monkeys
Khao Chong Krachok is home to a colony of long-tailed macaques. Watching these playful monkeys can be entertaining, but be cautious as they can be mischievous and may try to snatch food or other items. Keep your belongings secure.
Watch out for the monkeys when you bring food. Don’t forget your camera and put on lots of sunscreen. If your camera has a removable lens, we suggest bringing a portrait lens to take pictures of the monkeys you’ll see along the way, as well as a landscape lens to capture the beautiful views from the top.
What to bring when visiting Khao Chong Krachok
Also, if you’re feeling generous, bring some Thai currency to donate at the temple at the top. You don’t have to donate anything if you don’t want to or can’t afford it – any amount is appreciated.
We suggest checking what time the sun rises and getting to the bottom of the hill about 15-20 minutes before then; you’ll be able to see the stairs in the dawn light but still have enough time to get up top for full sunrise views. It’s quietest/least crowded at this time too = plus relatively cool.
Best time to visit Khao Chong Krachok
If you can’t make it for sunrise though (or just don’t want to), another good option is coming late afternoon/early evening right before sunset; it’ll be hotter than morning obviously but much less miserable than midday heat — just make sure you’re heading down while there’s still some light because they don’t light those stairs at night and it can be a little sketchy trying to descend them in darkness!
To reach Khao Chong Krachok in Prachuap Khiri Khan town, southern Thailand, you have several transportation options depending on where you are coming from and your preferences.
If you go from Bangkok to Khao Chong Krachok in Prachuap Khiri Khan, you can take a train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station. The journey will take around 4-5 hours. When you arrive at Prachuap Khiri Khan, it is only a ten-minute walk from the train station to Khao Chong Krachok.
Another option is taking a bus or minivan at Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). The trip usually takes about 4-6 hours depending on the traffic. From the bus station, you can either hire a tuk-tuk or just walk there.
Once in Prachuap Khiri Khan, you can easily get to Khao Chong Krachok by tuk-tuk, songthaew (shared taxi) or on foot if you are staying around the town center. The hill is located near Sao Noi Road, opposite Wat Thammikaram Worawihan and can be identified by its big yellow staircase leading up to it.
Read more: South Thailand tours
