Temples and Palaces near Cha-am

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Wat Huay Mongkol is a very busy temple and worshipers come from far away to pay respects to the huge statue of Luang Phor Tuad. Not only is the temple regarded as a holy place, it has also become a recreational area for visitors. It is supposedly the largest statue of its kind and represents Somdet Phako, formerly called Poo, whose birth date is assumed to have been around A.D.1582 or 1588 (B.E. 2125 or 2131).

Luang Poh Tuad is an important Buddha for the people of the south; it is linked to the supernatural power of turning salt water into fresh when Buddha soaked his legs in the sea. His Majesty the King has visited the temple many times and the Royal initial of Her Majesty the Queen is installed in the front of the statue.


Wat Huay Mongkol is located west of Hua Hin near the mountains and the Burma border.

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Ban Puen Palace was constructed from 1909 to 1916 by a German architect in European style. It served as a residence for King Rama V during the rainy season.

The magnificent Baroque-style Palace of King Chulalongkorn, Rama V, is known as Ban Puen Palace.
King Rama V had it constructed for his retreat in rainy seasons. The palace has adopted the modern European architecture designed by the German architect Karl Dohring with his countryman, Dr. Bayer, as the engineer. The palace was named Phra Ram Ratcha Niwet in 1918 to serve as a reception hall for state visitors. Later, King Rama VII turned it into the location of the Boy Scouts Commanding School, Agricultural Teachers Training School, and Sub district Elementary School.
Phra Ram Ratcha Niwet is located in the south of Phetchaburi city.

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