Chinese temples in Bangkok

Wat Mangkon Kamalawat or the Wat Leng Noei Yi in Nonthaburi

It is a nice thought to visit Chinese temples in Thailand. Some are already worth a visit because of the beautiful architecture as well as the cultural significance. The Sun-Wukong Shrine, the monkey shrine, is located behind the Wat Traimit in Bangkok. Sun Wukong is the main character in the novel: "Journey to the West". Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is on his way to India with a monk to search for Buddhist footprints.

The Chao Mae Thapthim (goddess of water) is one of the most valued goddesses in the Chinese community. Thapthim comes from an island in the South China Sea. Sailors, who sailed to Siam, relied on her magical power to subdue the high waves. This shrine is located in Pahurat, in "Little India" right next to Chinatown. Thousands of Chinese people visited this temple during the New Year celebrations.

The Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the largest and most important Chinese temple in Bangkok. It was built in 1871 for the Mahayana Buddhists in Siam. Tea and fruit in particular are offered to the gods and then kneeling to pray for a blessed year. The Kuan-Yin Shrine, Yaowarat, is part of the Thian-Fan Hospital, where traditional Chinese medicine is practiced. This shrine is dedicated to the Chinese goddess Kuan Yin, the mother of mercy. The hospital was built in 1902 by Chinese immigrants to help the poor. This is still happening. In the shrine is a statue of the goddess Kuan Yin, which is made of teak wood and is more than 800 years old.

Thumkatunyoo in Bangkok

Also famous is the Guan-Yu shrine at Khlong San. Guan-Yu is a red-faced, bearded Chinese god. Known to the Thais by the novel: "Roman of the 3 kingdoms". (In Pattaya there is a beautiful park to visit: “The Kingdoms Theme Parc”, near the Horse Shoe Point) According to legend, he was initially a criminal and fled, but later repented and was honored for his courage and honesty. Although several temples to this god exist, this temple is the oldest and is 280 years old. It is located on the Chao Phraya River on the Thonburi side. By boat from Si Phraya to Klong San and then by Tuktuk to this shrine.

There are more Chinese shrines to mention, such as the Guan-Yu at Yaowarat and the Kian-Un-Keng in Thonburi and others, but that is for the enthusiasts to visit.

– Relocated in memory of Lodewijk Lagemaat † February 24, 2021 –