Wat Huay Mongkol Temple

Monk Lang Phor Thuad was born in the late Ayutthaya period, in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Southern Thailand. Like the stories of the fall of Ayutthaya, Luang Phor Thuad's story is steeped in legend and myth. The most famous story is about the miracle he performed during a boat journey from the south of Thailand to Ayutthaya in which he turned seawater into fresh water, saving his entire crew from dehydration. . Other miraculous stories tell of how he helped prevent a fatal accident or fire.

The statue of monk Lang Phor Thuad is about 12 m high, 10 m wide, and is placed on a large mound. The image can be seen from a great distance, reaching higher than the trees. You can climb the wide steps to reach the colossal statue. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen as there is no shade on the way up to the statue and it will heat you up quickly.

This is a very popular place with Thai people from all over the country, who come here to pay their respects to Luang Phor Thuad and ask for wishes, good luck, health, fortune and happiness.

On each side of the colossal statue, there is a huge wooden elephant. Locals circle under the elephants' belly with the wish of good luck. The complex also houses a Buddhist temple, a statue of King Taksin the Great on horseback and shops where Buddhist amulets can be purchased.

Around the statue is a Thai pavilion dedicated to the spirits of teak trees, behind you will see a huge fallen teak tree said to have magical powers. Worshipers gather here, burning incense to pray and pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. This is partly animist's belief in nature as a guardian angel; every tree, rock, plant, river, mountain, and basically every piece of land of nature, is said to be protected by its own guardian god who has the power to grant wishes or conjure catastrophes ( if you intentionally damage it).

Many miracles are attributed to the famous monk Luang Phor Thuad. Therefore, many Thai people believe that amulets created with the image of Luang Phor Thuad have great protective power, especially from natural disasters such as tsunamis, floods and accidents. Especially ancient amulets are considered very powerful and priceless. The amulet can be purchased at Wat Huay Mongkol at some shops.

There is also a small elephant sanctuary, a lake and sunflower fields (in January) on the same site. You should combine your visit to the temple with the Pa La-U Waterfall, located further down Highway 3218.

Opening hours: daily, from :-

Address: From Phetkasem Road (Highway 4, heading to Prachaub Kirikhand), take Highway 3218 and continue about 15km.

Phone: +66 (0)32 576 187, +66 (0)32 576 297