Nagaraja Shrine

Nagaraja Shrine, in Chan Sen subdistrict near Takhli, Nakhon Sawan, is a Chinese Mahayana shrine built around an ancient swamp where a Chinese settler reported seeing two naga (serpent spirits). Entry is free, open daily 06:00–19:00.

Experience

The shrine traces back to a Chinese settler known as Akong, who repeatedly saw two naga playing in the ancient swamp beside Chan Sen — a body of water dating to the Dvaravati period, the same era as the nearby moated town. A fortune-telling session convinced him to build a shrine, starting with a small zinc-roofed shelter funded by donated bricks, stone, sand, and tile. The shrine stayed modest for decades until a major 2001 rebuild — starting from a budget of just 3,000 THB and eventually costing around 40 million THB — raised the current Chinese-style complex in eight months. Inside, statues of Phra Yulai, Guan Yin, Guan Yu, Nezha, and Caishen (the God of Wealth), alongside the 18 Arhats, reflect the Mahayana Chinese Buddhist tradition the shrine follows.

The shrine’s biggest event is its annual festival, held 8–10 December. Crowds peak on the 10th, when devotees believe Nagaraja possesses a local medium, Ajarn Haew, in the shrine’s one spirit-possession ceremony of the year.

Atmosphere & Timing

Chinese-style roofs, red pillars, and gilded statues make this a photogenic stop even outside festival dates, and the daily 06:00–19:00 hours make it easy to combine with a morning at Chan Sen Museum, a short walk away inside the same Wat Chan Sen temple grounds. Outside the December festival, expect a quiet, mostly local crowd rather than tour groups.

Insider Tip: Visit during the 8–10 December festival if the dates line up with your trip — the spirit-possession ceremony on the 10th only happens once a year and draws visitors from across the province.

Watch out: The shrine and museum share the Wat Chan Sen complex but aren’t the same building — allow time to see both rather than assuming one covers the other.

Practical

Nagaraja Shrine is located in Takhli district, Nakhon Sawan, next to Chan Sen Museum. View on Google Maps. For details, call 08 2790 5881 or visit nakarajashrine.com.