Wat Khao Hin Thoen Prachuap Khiri Khan

Information and Directions:

Wat Khao Hin Thoen(วัดเขาหินเทิน) is not a Wat in the traditional sense. However it is an interesting site, located close to the Thai Myanmar border, I have also seen it referred to as Khao Hin Thoen Stone Park, since the monastery is located in and around a group of huge limestone boulders.

Occupied by a solitary monk there are no temple buildings as such although the monk does have a kuti (dwelling). A Buddhist shrine is located in a large cavern made from huge slabs of limestone rock. Religious ceremonies are held here and the site even boasts its own web site(in Thai)entitled Wat Khao Hin Turn(see comment below) which clearly show them taking place.

I wonder if this might be a simple example of a lone forest monk who has settled there to spend his life in meditation. The monk is very friendly and does speak some English, when I visited we had tea together as he explained his arrival at Wat Khao Hin Thoen some eleven years before. I believe he also said that he originated from the Chumphon area of Thailand.

Located on rural back roads to the West of Highway 4 about 6km South of Prachuap Khiri Khan town, the easiest way to get there is by turning towards Dan Singkhon (Thai Myanmar border) using route 1039 . The route to the border eventually branches left but carry straight on on minor route 11207. There is a sign in English and Thai to the left a few kilometers further on, the sign says “Khao Hin Turn,” which is an incorrect transcription from Thai. Turn left and travel about 1.5 km along this unpaved road passing a large lake on your left to a dead end where Wat Khao Hin Theon is located. You can see the large stones from some distance away.

There are no entry fees but a donation box is available should you feel so inclined.

GPS Co-ordinates: 11.795634 + 99.704175

Opinion:

Wat Khao Hin Thoen has none of the splendour of traditional Thai Wat’s however it is worth visiting. The monk is very friendly and there are some great views West to Myanmar and East to the Gulf of Thailand if you climb a few steps to the top of the rock piles. Combined with a visit to the Sunday market at Dan Singkhon, lunch in some of the excellent roadside restaurants in the area this would make an interesting excursion for anyone staying around the Prachuap area.

Last Visited: 22nd March 2009

View Wat Khao Hin Thoen on a map of the area.

Related posts:

1. Wat Khao Daeng Prachuap Khiri Khan
2. Wat Tham Khao Mai Ruak Prachuap Khiri Khan
3. Wat Dan Singkhon Prachuap Khiri Khan
4. Wat Tan Jet Yot Prachuap Khiri Khan
5. Wat Thammikaram Worawihan Prachuap Khiri Khan