San Chao Leng Buay Eia
Nestled within the narrow lanes off Yaowarat Road in Bangkok's historic Chinatown district, San Chao Leng Buay Eia is a well-preserved Chinese Taoist temple believed to be over 300 years old, making it one of the oldest places of worship in the area. Its striking dragon pillars, golden shrines, and richly coloured decorations reflect the deep Chinese-Thai heritage that has shaped this part of Bangkok for centuries, and the temple continues to serve as an active place of devotion for the local community.
Despite the frenetic energy of the surrounding Chinatown markets and street food stalls, the temple compound offers a genuine sense of quiet and shade — a peaceful pause in an otherwise hectic neighbourhood. A small covered square provides shelter, and a clean public bathroom is available on-site for a nominal fee of five baht. Visitors typically spend around 10 to 15 minutes exploring the ornate interior, though those with an interest in Chinese folk religious traditions may linger longer to observe offerings and ceremonies at the altars.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After San Chao Leng Buay Eia, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Yaowarat at night is something else. Peach led us through the busy streets to this beautiful Chinese shrine tucked away from the main strip – those dragon pillars and golden shrines inside were incredible. She explained the blend of Chinese and Thai traditions here that most tourists walk right past. Chinatown is so much more than just street food!
Massive Taosiam temple in the middle of old wet market China town. We accidentally stumbled into this temple as we need a little breathing from the market crowd. This temple is very well kept and maintained. There's a donation base toilet and plenty of room to walk around and check out the beautiful interior
A small but beautiful temple. Richly decorated in bright colors. I discovered it by chance, walking through Chinatown. It was worth 10-15 minutes.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 233 reviews on Google.
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San Chao Leng Buay Eia: Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Chao Leng Buay Eia worth visiting?
San Chao Leng Buay Eia holds a 4.7★ rating from 233 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Bangkok.
What are the opening hours of San Chao Leng Buay Eia?
San Chao Leng Buay Eia is typically open 07:00-17:00 — 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 San Chao Leng Buay Eia?
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 San Chao Leng Buay Eia located?
San Chao Leng Buay Eia is at 125 Soi Yaowarat 6, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand, in Bangkok. Getting around Bangkok: BTS Skytrain (most central areas); MRT Metro (underground).
Location Info
125 Soi Yaowarat 6, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailandwww.facebook.com/chinatownyoawarajVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter
Where to stay near San Chao Leng Buay Eia
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
Nearby Places
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi)
Bangkok's biggest Chinese temple, free to enter, and best on a weekday morning before the incense haze thickens.
San Chao Mae Guan Yin
A small Chinatown shrine with a 900-year-old Guan Yin statue and painted walls worth slowing down for.
San Chao Kwantong Chao Mae Guan Yin Phra Yulai (Samakom Kong Siew Phratet Thai)
A compact Chinese shrine in Bangkok's Chinatown honouring Guan Yin, with golden statues and a peaceful atmosphere.
San Chao Pho Yi Ko Hong
A working Chinese shrine on Phlap Phla Chai Road, still used for daily worship rather than staged for visitors.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
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The Big Buddha, Phuket
A 45-metre marble Buddha on a hilltop, though the front is closed and you'll be viewing from behind.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Where to stay near San Chao Leng Buay Eia
Find hotels in Bangkok on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: April – May (peak heat)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
25°C – 34°C(77°F – 93°F)
Crowds
Peak: December & January
Getting there
Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports serve Bangkok with direct flights from most major cities.
Getting around
- •BTS Skytrain (most central areas)
- •MRT Metro (underground)
- •Airport Rail Link (ARL)
- •Chao Phraya Express Boat
- •Grab (ride-hailing app)
- •Metered taxis — always use the meter