You may want to avoid Doi Thap Chang Temple if you are planning to sleep for the next few days. Also called Phra That Doi Thap Chang, just down the road from the lovely Monsoon Valley Vineyard is a scary temple that may give you sleepless nights. Not only do you have to avoid actual live snakes as you walk the stairs to the top of the temple but just before you arrive you are greeted by some rather scary looking statues.
What I suggest you do is start your day early. Drive the beautiful quiet road west out of Hua Hin, heading for Monsoon Valley Vineyard. Arrive early enough so that you can enjoy breakfast overlooking the stunning vineyard. You should allow enough time to wander down into the vineyards and admire the special wooden statues of elephants. You may even be lucky enough to spot a real elephant as you wander through the grapes. What you could also do, if you are feeling energetic after your breakfast, is walk through the vineyards and around past the lake, in a circular route back to the dining area.
Before you leave, order one final cup of coffee as you will need the extra caffeine to calm your nerves as you make your way up the stairs to the impressive Doi Thap Chang Temple, found on Google Maps here.
There is a small parking area at the base of the temple. Park where you can and head up the hill, following the golden spire as your beacon. You will, more likely than not, be alone when you visit the temple as there are not too many people who visit from what I can tell. On both occasions that I have visited I spotted snakes slithering alongside the steps leading to the temple so be on the lookout on your way up.
On reaching the temple, there are three statues of ghost-like creatures with bright red eyes. Exactly why they are there I have no idea but I have seen similar statues across Thailand and even in Singapore when I visited Haw Par Villa. Take a wide berth past these weird creatures before making your way around the outside of the temple to admire the collection of small Buddha statues in front of a line of elephants embossed onto the temple wall. You will have stunning views over the surrounding valley but your presence may wake a snake sleeping in the grass so step carefully.
The inside of the temple is not particularly large, less than the size of a tennis court. You will have the chance to wander around and take photos, and perhaps make a small donation into the money tin in the hands of one of the statues of a monk. Also you will find golden statues of Buddha so carry some gold leaf if you can to pay your respects by adding your gold leaf to that left by other travelers.
Once back outside in the bright Thailand sun, make your way down the other steps towards the side of the temple. There you will find a large snake statue slinking its way along the side of the steps leading away from the temple.
Upon ascending the stairs once again, take your time to once more admire the views from the temple, taking some photos of those weird ghostly creatures if you feel so inclined.
With the effects of your earlier caffeine now having worn off, make your way back down the stairs towards your car. You may encounter a monk or two along the way as it seems there are some who live on the property.
You should expect to spend around 30 minutes visiting this fascinating temple before making your way back to Hua Hin along the glorious winding country road with beautiful scenery on either side.
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