Visitors to Bang Saen typically come for the beach because it’s just a one-to-two-hour drive from Bangkok. But there’s more to this town than its namesake beach. And there’s more to do during a visit to Bang Saen than just hanging around the beach all day.
One of those things, is a visit to Khao Sam Muk, a local landmark that has a storied history of a local spirit, a waiting wife, and ill-fated lovers, but today mainly come for the monkeys and its viewpoints.
Khao Sam Muk, also known as Monkey Hill, is a small hill located in Bang Saen, a coastal town in the Chonburi province of Thailand. The hill is only about 90 meters in height but offers stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand.
Although it’s a hill, it’s significant enough to be the most prominent feature on the symbol for Chonburi province.
However, Khao Sam Muk isn’t just about the view; it’s also a place of cultural significance. There are several temples and shrines on the hill, including Wat Khao Sam Muk, which is believed to have been built during the Ayutthaya period.
Khao Sam Muk is not only a place of cultural significance, but it’s also shrouded in legend and folklore. There’s a local belief that the spirit of Khao Sam Muk protects fishermen from harm. Another legend tells the tale of a fisherman’s wife who waited on the hill for her husband who had been lost at sea. But the most prominent legend is that of a girl named Sam Muk who jumped to her death from the cliff after her parents wouldn’t allow her to marry the man she loved.
In fact, the Chao Mae Sam Muk Shrine honors her as a deity. The man she wanted to marry, his name was Saen, and is how Bang Saen Beach gets its name.
You can climb or drive up the hill, and as you go up, you’ll see numerous stalls selling fruit. These are vendors selling bananas and other food that you can give to the monkeys. Or, well, the monkeys can take from you.
There are hundreds of monkeys wandering around, or just chilling and watching people watch them.
Temples of Khao Sam Muk
But, other than monkeys, you’ll also find several temples and shrines as you ascend Khao Sam Muk. Each temple and shrine is with its own unique architecture and history. We stopped at three sites as we made our way up Khao Sam Muk.
The first temple you’ll come across is a Chinese-style temple, which is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of mercy. It’s also one of the most popular. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and colorful paintings, and although it can become busy, there’s a remarkably calm atmosphere.
Visitors to this temple hang kites to honor the spirit that dwells within the hill.
Further up the hill, you’ll come across a small Thai-style temple, this is Wat Khao Sam Muk. The temple is perched on a cliff, and it offers excellent views of the sea. Inside the temple, you’ll find several Buddha statues, including a golden Buddha, which is believed to have healing powers.
This temple honors the deified spirit of Sam Muk, the girl of legend who leapt to her death after she couldn’t marry the man she loved.
Other than the monkeys, the viewpoints are what draws visitors to Khao Sam Muk.
A Place for a Break
But first, you’ll want to know where to take a break as you ascend Monkey Hill. We recommend taking a break at Red Temp for an iced coffee or tea. It’s great place to rest and refresh while enjoying the cliffside views of the sea. You’ll also find some great backdrops for your TikTok and Instagram posts.
Gulf of Thailand Views
Now for the viewpoints that draw visitors to Khao Sam Muk. There are various viewpoints along the way, but the best viewpoint, is of course found at the top of Khao Sam Muk. As you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand. You can sit on one of the benches at the viewpoints and soak in the beauty of nature or take a selfie to capture the moment.
Lastly, for those who want the complete Khao Sam Muk experience, there’s one final temple to be found at the peak. The Temple of the Apes is a small temple that only had 2 other visitors while we were there. From the temple site you’re treated to astounding views in all directions. There are also a couple Buddha statues, and others honoring simians.
Monkeys!
Apart from the temples and the viewpoint, Khao Sam Muk gets its nickname of Monkey Hill from the monkeys who roam the hill. The monkeys are friendly and used to human interaction But, remember that they’re still wild animals and should be respected. Monkey lovers will find the experience to be quite a treat. As will the monkeys who’ll enjoy their snacks.
For those who might be a little fearful, the monkeys will generally leave you alone unless they see you have something that might be tasty.
How to get to Khao Sam Muk
To get to Khao Sam Muk, you can take a taxi, book a ride via app, or take a bus from Bangkok to Bang Saen, which takes about an hour and a half.
Once in Bang Saen, you can take a songthaew, a type of local shared taxi, to the foot of the hill. The fare is typically 10 baht per person.
If driving yourself or hire a car via an app, you can choose your drop-off.
Should You Go to Khao Sam Muk?
We recommend starting from the Guan Yin Chinese Shrine and working your way up Khao Sam Muk. From there, you can either hike up the hill, which takes about 20 minutes, if you don’t have a vehicle of your own.
Khao Sam Muk is a surprisingly pleasant place to visit. From the temples to the monkeys to the stunning views, Khao Sam Muk has something for everyone. So, the next time you’re in Bang Saen, set aside time for Khao Sam Muk in your itinerary, it’ll be worth it.
