Hua Hin: Is Pala U Waterfall and Huay Mongkol Temple Worth Visiting? A Tour Review

So, you’re thinking about ditching the beach for a day and heading out on a tour from Hua Hin to Pala U Waterfall and Huay Mongkol Temple? We did this too, and it was a trip we will talk about for a long time. Getting away from the sand and seeing a little bit of nature and local culture felt pretty special, really. But is that trip actually something that everyone will love? I mean, that’s something else to wonder about, that is.

What is the Big Deal About the Pala U Waterfall?

Pala U Waterfall is not like Niagara Falls, I am saying that up front, and it’s important to be aware of this. It’s located inside Kaeng Krachan National Park, and just getting there is already like part of the fun, kinda. It’s pretty cool because you wind through the forest, hearing all the sounds of the wildlife. When you finally see the waterfall, its layers upon layers of water trickling down rocks; in some respects, it looks a bit magical. What is awesome is that most folks don’t make it past the first couple of levels, but if you’re ready for a little bit of scrambling and climbing, the higher parts of the waterfall get way less crowded. At that time, you can feel like you got a secret piece of paradise almost entirely to yourself, kinda.

Now, to be fair, getting up there might be a bit rough, I won’t try to tell you it’s not. It is hot and humid, and you definitely need to wear some good shoes, I mean shoes made for water. Also, I probably need to talk about the monkeys, it’s like that. They’re everywhere, that’s right. Keep an eye on your stuff because they’re not shy about snatching snacks or anything that looks interesting, and that’s putting it very, very mildly. Yet, all the effort? I think it’s well worth it. The views are amazing, and the feeling of being surrounded by that jungle is something I think you’ll always remember.

Huay Mongkol Temple: Is it just Another Temple?

When you hear “temple,” I get it if your eyes begin to glaze over a bit; is that okay to say? Thailand’s got so many temples, but Huay Mongkol is kind of different, basically. The centerpiece, and what everybody comes to see, tends to be the massive statue of Luang Phor Thuad. Now, who is he? He was like a very famous monk who lived a really long time ago, and Thai people have got a huge amount of respect for him, you see. People go to this temple to pay their respects, so the atmosphere is pretty calm and respectful. And that giant statue is honestly kind of amazing, like awesome and intimidating all rolled into one.

Something cool that’s happening here is people don’t just show up, snap a pic, and then leave, that’s right. Lots of people are there making offerings, and asking for blessings. The whole spot has got this really serene feel to it. You will want to walk around the grounds too; that is right. There are these carved elephants you can walk around, and that is meant to bring you good luck. Overall, Huay Mongkol is like more than just some pretty place to look at, if that makes sense. It can provide a little insight into what is important to the people who live there, just a little.

Booking the Tour: Things you should Consider

Booking a tour from Hua Hin to Pala U Waterfall and Huay Mongkol Temple is pretty simple, I can confirm. A whole bunch of tour operators offer it, either locally or online, yet not every tour is, like, the same, you see. I would advise reading the fine print. See what exactly is included. Is it just the transport? Do you get charged additionally for park entrance fees, or maybe lunch, or something else that you’d need?

Another consideration is the group size. Some tours will pack you in like sardines in a minivan. That is the long and the short of it. In our case, we wanted to pay extra to go with a smaller group so we wouldn’t feel like we were always just waiting around for other folks. Also, what kind of guide is provided? Do they speak English very, very well? Do they understand about the area? A great guide can totally change your experience from just seeing stuff to actually, well, experiencing it, really. If you care a lot about comfort, maybe consider a private tour; something else to think about, you know?

What do you Need to Bring on Your Tour

So, you are all booked – sweet! Let’s discuss the stuff you should bring with you so that trip will go off without any problems, pretty much. First things first: water shoes or some kind of footwear you are okay with getting soaked and that has got a good grip, that’s the place. The rocks by the waterfall can be crazy slippery, very. Obvious, but sunscreen is a must, very much so. And bug spray, because the jungle insects are no joke. Put it on, you might need it later. A lightweight, quick-drying towel can come in clutch too. Especially if you decide to take a dip in one of the waterfall’s pools; in some respects, you should do that.

It’s a great idea to wear clothes that dry quickly, that will happen. And that you do not mind getting a little dirty. I already mentioned monkeys. Secure your snacks and anything valuable so they won’t get lost to the monkeys or damage, that’s just important, you realize. Bringing some Thai Baht can be pretty helpful if you intend on purchasing snacks, maybe to tip your guide, or buy something else when the opportunity arises; a lot of people do that. Finally, a camera is the right piece of equipment if you like memories, if that’s not being obvious. But keep it in something safe because there’s water all over, just to remind you, very much so.

Is the Hua Hin, Pala U Waterfall and Huay Mongkol Temple Trip Worth It? My Verdict

OK, so is this trip something you need to add to your list? For me, I am going to say yeah, probably. However, that is on the condition that you know exactly what it entails. If you’re picturing yourself lounging by some huge waterfall with crystal-clear water like in a travel brochure, this probably isn’t it, yet. However, if you’re into seeing something other than beaches, like to feel a tiny bit adventurous, and like experiencing some local culture, then chances are pretty good that you’ll enjoy it.

Remember to plan properly. Figure out the right tour operator, wear the proper stuff, and prepare for those darn monkeys. You might find that it’s more than just some day trip, probably something special. It might prove something more unforgettable for your Hua Hin visit; in some respects, something pretty grand.