Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine, Chainat

Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, opposite Pak Nam Pho Market, it is the largest shrine in the province, and a place of worship and spiritual centre of Thai-Chinese people. It is still unclear who established it or where it originated from. But an inscription was found on the ancient bell indicating that Mr. Hong Piao Sae Phu from Khe Chia San Village, Wunyi District (now Wunsong), Hainan Province, People’s Republic of China. This bell was given in 1870, coinciding with the reign of King Rama V. Originally, this shrine was a wooden shrine on a high stilt located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River upstream. Later, the river bank was eroded and the condition of the shrine continued to deteriorate. The restoration was completed by villagers and worshippers in 1909 by including the Guan Yu Shrine located nearby. At present, the shrine is a half-timbered building raised on high stilts. Inside is enshrined Chao Pho Thepharak (Pung Tao Kong), Guan Yu on the right, Chao Mae Thapthim on the left, and Heaven and Earth Goddess altar. People pay homage to these gods for protection and good fortune. The shrine is much revered by the locals. It is also a viewpoint for the confluence of 2 rivers, which is the starting point of the Chao Phraya River, creating a scenery of 2-coloured river.  In addition, during the Chinese New Year festival there will be a deity procession around Pak Nam Pho Market for the people to pay homage to.  Open daily  05.00 – 17.00 hrs.  For further details contact , Tel. (66) 56 276 599.