Khao Sam Muk

Khao Sam Muk is a roughly 45-metre hill between Ang Sila and Bang Saen beach in Mueang Chonburi district, with a paved road running to a summit viewpoint over the Chonburi coastline. It’s free to visit, open daily 06:00–18:00, and known locally as much for its resident troop of wild monkeys as for the view.

The hill takes its name from a local legend: during the late Ayutthaya period, an orphaned young woman named Sam Muk lived with her grandmother at the foot of the hill. Forbidden from marrying the man she loved, she died there, and the Chao Mae Sam Muk shrine — a Chinese shrine set beneath a rock outcrop facing the sea — was built in her memory. Fishing families in particular still visit to ask for protection before heading out to sea, leaving incense and gold necklaces when a wish is granted. The hill’s silhouette above the water is distinctive enough that it appears on the official seal of Chonburi province, alongside the sea itself, as a symbol of the province’s coastal identity.

Long-tailed macaques occupy the upper slopes and summit car park in numbers, used to visitors and quick to approach anyone carrying food. They’re generally not aggressive if you keep snacks and plastic bags out of sight, but they will grab at anything visible.

Watch out: Don’t hand-feed the monkeys or leave food, drinks, or shopping bags within reach on the walk up — they will take them.

Insider Tip: The summit car park doubles as the best sunset spot on this stretch of coast, looking out over Bang Saen Bay — arrive 30–40 minutes before sunset to get a parking space.

Sunset draws the steadiest crowd; midday is quieter but hazier over the water. There’s no dedicated visitor centre or facilities beyond roadside stalls near the shrine, so this works best as a short stop rather than a half-day outing — pair it with Bang Saen Beach or the old market at Ang Sila itself.

Getting There

Khao Sam Muk is located at Ang Sila-Bang Saen Road, on the edge of Bang Saen. View on Google Maps.

Tips for Visitors

• Keep food and bags out of sight of the monkeys near the summit.
• Visit close to sunset for the clearest light over Bang Saen Bay.
• Dress respectfully at the Chao Mae Sam Muk shrine — it remains an active place of worship.
• Roadside parking at the summit fills up around sunset; arrive early if visiting then.