Wat Huay Mongkol Temple in Thailand, May 2014Temple of the famous monk Luang Phor Thuad
The Wat Huay Mongkol temple complex located some 15 kilometers west of Hua Hin is famous for its enormous statue of one of Thailand's most famous monks, named Luang Phor Thuad. Giant Luang Phor Thuad statueThe statue, which is about 12 meters high and 10 meters wide, is set on a large mound wide a wide stairway leading to it and can be seen from far away reaching higher than the trees. You can climb up the stairways to the giant statue; bring water and sun cream since there is no shade and it gets hot quickly. This place is very popular with Thai people from all over the country, who come here to pay respect to Luang Phor Thuad and to ask for things as favours, good luck, health, fortune and happiness. On each side of the giant statue, there is a huge wooden elephant. Local people walk in circles under the belly of the elephants wishing for good luck. The complex also holds a Buddhist temple, a statue of King Taksin the Great on horseback and shops where Buddhist amulets can be bought. The whole complex is set in a park like environment, very well suited for a couple of hours of relaxing. The area has a lake, waterfalls, streams, bridges, a number of pavilions and lots of shady places. Thai food can be bought in several restaurants. Apart from the very impressive Luang Phor Thuad statue, Wat Huay Mongkol is a very peaceful and serene place worth a visit. It is best visited on weekdays, as it can get very crowded on weekends and on Thai public holidays. Luang Phor Thuad, the famous Thai monk Luang Phor Thuad, whose name is sometimes spelled Luang Phor Thuat, lived some 400 years ago in Southern Thailand. He is now famous all over the country for the miracles that he performed. It was said that Luang Phor Thuad turned salt water into fresh, drinkable water on multiple occasions. Source: http://www.renown-travel.com/daytripshuahin/wathuaymongkol.html
Hua Hin - Thailand's Royal Beach Resort May 2014 The oldest and most traditional Thai resort combines the attractions of a modern holiday destination with the charm and fascination of a still active fishing port. And while most other Thai holiday destinations cater mainly to foreign tourists, Hua Hin is a holiday resort for foreigners and Thais. Besides it's great 5 mile long beach Hua Hin provides the highest density of world class golf courses anywhere in Thailand while it's yet virtually undiscovered as an international Golf destination. Green-fees and other costs are currently among the lowest in the world while course maintenance and services are superb.
HistoryWhile the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone rapid and sometimes destructive development, Hua Hin has already been the favourite Thai resort for over 70 years.The resort was discovered in the early 1920s by King Rama VII as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil fishing village was turned into the Royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam's nobility and upper-class.
The construction of a railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider part of the the Thai public.
But it was the resort's royal endorsement which has given Hua Hin a special character of its very own.
In 1928, King Rama VII built Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace which remains until this today an official royal residence. It is still frequently used by members of the royal family and is open to the public for visits. Source: http://www.hua-hin.com/
