Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Gong wu shrine

Believed to be Bangkok's oldest Chinese shrine, quietly set on the Chao Phraya riverbank in Khlong San.

4.8(1,285)Sanam Chai MRT Station · 12 min walk
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 07:30–17:30
Getting there
Sanam Chai MRT Station
12 min walk

Dress Modestly

Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.

Why go, and how to do it well

Believed to be the oldest Chinese shrine in Bangkok, this riverside place of worship is dedicated to Guan Yu, the Chinese deity of righteousness and protection. Tucked into the residential Khlong San district well away from the main tourist circuit, it sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya River and remains deeply embedded in everyday local life — a quality that gives it an authenticity rarely found at more prominent religious sites. The shrine's traditional Chinese architecture and riverfront position make it particularly striking when approached by water.

Inside, the atmosphere is calm and unhurried. Local devotees make daily offerings, and the air is thick with incense. Shrine staff are known for their warmth and willingness to walk visitors through the prayer process, making it a welcoming experience even for those unfamiliar with Thai-Chinese spiritual traditions. A cafe nearby offers a convenient stop before or after the visit.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026

Stay within reach of Gong wu shrine

Sponsored

Search Bangkok hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Gong wu shrine

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Tours that include Gong wu shrine

Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Gong wu shrine.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Gong wu shrine, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

Utterly beautiful shrine sitting on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. I throughly recommend viewing the shrine from the Sky Park first as it looks super cute from a distance. From there walk across the Sky Park bridge and trust the Google maps directions, you will get there! There are flower garlands and incense sticks to buy if you wish and devotees and the staff who work in attendance in the shrine are friendly. Didn't seem to be any rules on taking pics or videos or removing shoes or ticket fees which I have encountered at other shrines or temples. This shrine provides a lot of picture opportunities due to being so pretty. It is possible to climb a few set of stairs to see a higher view of the river (please be careful!). Quiet around the 2/3pm mark and nice breeze makes it very calming. Doesn't seem very "touristy" probably because it takes a bit of effort to get to. Welcoming place due to the good design and lovely decoration and was able to meditate there. It is possible to sit down and get food and drink if required but not sure if there is a bathroom. In all this is a must visit place. Sit down and gaze at the shrine and beautiful river bend from Sky Park on the way back 👌

My boyfriend and I really love this place because it’s located in the local preserved peaceful area. Staff are nice and helpful. They happily and kindly guided us the process. The cafe nearby is next to the river, so peaceful ☺️

Visiting the Guan Yu Shrine in Khlong San was one of those rare travel moments that stay with you. Hidden away from the tourist radar, this small shrine sits quietly in the middle of local life – no crowds, no signs in English, just authenticity. We hesitated at first, unsure if we were even allowed to enter. But the locals welcomed us with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. One kind gentleman even gave us a brief history of the shrine and its importance in the community. Guan Yu, a legendary figure known for his loyalty and bravery, is deeply respected here – and you could feel that in every detail. There was no entrance fee, no pressure to donate – just pure generosity. Of course, we placed a small amount in the donation box as a token of gratitude. If you're looking for a quiet, meaningful glimpse into everyday Bangkok and Chinese-Thai spiritual life, this is a beautiful place to pause and reflect.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,285 reviews on Google.

251 Soi Somdet Chao Phraya 3, Khwaeng Somdet Chao Phraya, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More temples & culture nearby

All within a 10-minute walk of Gong wu shrine.

King Rama I Monument
Hidden Gem

King Rama I Monument

420 m walk4.5(187)
PFRX+767, Thanon Prajadhipok, Khwaeng Wang Burapha Phirom, Khet Phra Nakhon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10200, Thailand
A royal monument honoring the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, set in Bangkok's historic Phra Nakhon district.
Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan

Wat Prayurawongsawas Worawihan

500 m walk4.6(4,031)
24 Thanon Prajadhipok, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Free entry, a turtle pond, and a white chedi you can climb, with barely a tour group in sight.
San Chao Lao Pun Tao Kong
Hidden Gem

San Chao Lao Pun Tao Kong

750 m walk4.6(60)
833 ตรอกโรงโดม Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
A century-old Chinese shrine in Bangkok's Chinatown, dedicated to the guardian deity Pun Tao Kong.
Baan Kudichin Museum

Baan Kudichin Museum

800 m walk4.7(571)
271 Thanon Thetsaban Sai 1, Khwaeng Wat Kanlaya, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
A hidden gem in Thon Buri exploring Bangkok's Portuguese heritage, with a cafe and cultural exhibits.

Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture

Mind Your Feet

Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.

Ask Before Photographing

Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.

Go Early Morning

Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.

Gong wu shrine: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gong wu shrine worth visiting?

Gong wu shrine holds a 4.8★ rating from 1,285 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.

What are the opening hours of Gong wu shrine?

Gong wu shrine is typically open 07:30–17:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Gong wu shrine?

The best months to visit Bangkok are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December & January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: April – May (peak heat).

Where is Gong wu shrine located?

Gong wu shrine is at 251 Soi Somdet Chao Phraya 3, Khwaeng Somdet Chao Phraya, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).

Also popular in Bangkok

CentralWorld

CentralWorld

4.5(78,378)
999/9 Rama I Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand
One of Thailand's biggest malls, at Ratchaprasong on the skywalk from BTS Chit Lom, open daily 10:00 to 22:00, with an ice rink, a 7th-floor food court and the city's big New Year countdown out front.
Platinum Fashion Mall Food Court

Platinum Fashion Mall Food Court

4.4(13,833)
6th Floor (at Platinum Mall 2), 222 (Pratunum, ถ. เพชรบุรี แขวงถนนเพชรบุรี เขตราชเทวี กรุงเทพมหานคร 10400, Thailand
Shopping-mall food court on the 6th floor, and the crispy pork belly is the reason to go up there.
Thai Garden Massage

Thai Garden Massage

4.9(5,742)
190 ซอย เจริญนคร Khwaeng Khlong Ton Sai, Khet Khlong San, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Proper Thai massage on Charoen Nakhon that takes walk-ins until midnight and actually delivers.
Safari World

Safari World

4.4(49,417)
99 Panya Indra Rd, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10510, Thailand
A drive-through safari and a marine park of animal and stunt shows at Khlong Sam Wa. Open Tuesday to Sunday, a full day out for families.

Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand

City Pillar Shrine, Phra Khao Temple

City Pillar Shrine, Phra Khao Temple

4.7(162)
X8X7+5C9, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
A sacred city pillar shrine in northern Phuket offering an intimate glimpse into authentic Thai spiritual life.
Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine

Guan Yu Koh Samui Shrine

4.5(1,142)
190 C2WF+3W8, 11 หมู่ 1 4169, Tambon Maret, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84310, Thailand
A striking 16-meter bronze statue of Guan Yu anchors this free Chinese shrine in Maret, Koh Samui.
Somdej Ong Pathom Shrine

Somdej Ong Pathom Shrine

4.4(51)
M6HX+JH7, Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang Nga 82190, Thailand
A revered Buddhist shrine in Khao Lak featuring a prominent seated Buddha image worth visiting.
Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Mueang)

Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine (San Lak Mueang)

4.7(1,410)
CRJH+C9P, Nai Mueang, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen 40000, Thailand
A sacred city pillar shrine in central Khon Kaen, open daily until 10pm with illuminated temple structures.