Considered to be one of Thailand’s many magnificent Buddhist temples, Huay Mongkol Temple is situated 10 kilometers South of Hua Hin in the village of Tub Tai. A significant feature of this temple is the largest statue sitting in meditation pose which is said to be crafted in the image of the monk Luang Pu Thuat. This statue has gained popularity among the Thai as well as foreign tourists. The whole complex is located in a park like environment ideal to spend some time relaxing. Huay Mongkol Temple is a very peaceful and serene place worth a visit and can be easily arranged during your stay at Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa of Hotel Hua Hin.

Luang Phor Thuad is a legendary southern Thai monk believed to be born in the late Ayutthaya period, in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat was revered for his enlightenment and power to perform miracles. Many believe that he is able to grant safety in times of distress. The most famous legendary story about the miracles he performed is how he turned sea water into fresh water to save a group of people from dehydration during a boat journey from Thailand’s south to Ayutthaya. The statue was commissioned by HM Queen Sirikit and is the first thing you see when approaching Hua Hin.

The Thai-style pavilion around the statue is dedicated to the spirits of teak trees. An enormous fallen teak tree proves evidence to this. Thai worshippers as well as worshippers from around the world gather here to pray with incense sticks for their wishes to be fulfilled. Animist belief is practiced by devotees who visit the Hay Mongkol Temple. They believe that every tree, rock, plant, river, mountain, and basically every piece of nature, is supposedly protected by its own guardian spirit who has the power to grant wishes or evoke disasters to whoever intentionally cause damage to nature.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Shazzana Hamid is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary. Disguised as Lavinia Woolf she writes of the exhilarating and enchanting.

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