San Chao Leng Buay Eia
A centuries-old Chinese shrine tucked inside Bangkok's Chinatown, offering calm and ornate beauty amid the bustle.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 07:00–17:00
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.
Details
Full opening hours
Tours that include San Chao Leng Buay Eia
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include San Chao Leng Buay Eia.
Why go, and how to do it well
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 colored 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 neighborhood. 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.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026
Stay within reach of San Chao Leng Buay Eia
SponsoredSearch Bangkok hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.
See hotels near San Chao Leng Buay EiaOpens Booking.com with your dates
Tours that include San Chao Leng Buay Eia
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include San Chao Leng Buay Eia.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of San Chao Leng Buay Eia, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minWat Mangkon MRT StationTransportation · 70 m · 4.6★
- 1 minWat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi)Temples & Culture · 110 m · 4.6★
- 2 minSan Chao Mae Guan YinTemples & Culture · 130 m · 4.6★
- 2 minNai Mong Hoi ThodRestaurants & Food · 130 m · 4.3★
- 2 minSan Chao Kwantong Chao Mae Guan Yin Phra Yulai (Samakom Kong Siew Phratet Thai)Temples & Culture · 140 m · 4.5★
- 2 minHerethep SeafoodRestaurants & Food · 140 m · 4.7★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After San Chao Leng Buay Eia, round out your day in Bangkok with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
According to the plaque on the wall (in multiple languages) this is one of the oldest temples in the region, over 300 years old. For me it was just a very peaceful oasis of calm in a much hectic Chinatown. The water fountains inside are especially very calming. We paid our respect and spent a moment in comparative silence before going back to into the crowds of a vibrant Chinatown. Worth the visit/search. 🙏
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.
125 Soi Yaowarat 6, Khwaeng Samphanthawong, Khet Samphanthawong, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore temples & culture nearby
All within a 3-minute walk of San Chao Leng Buay Eia.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Wat Leng Noei Yi)
San Chao Mae Guan Yin
San Chao Kwantong Chao Mae Guan Yin Phra Yulai (Samakom Kong Siew Phratet Thai)
San Chao Pho Yi Ko Hong
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.
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).
Also popular in Bangkok
Chinatown Bangkok (Yaowarat)
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
So Thai Spa
Safari World
Similar Temples & Culture across Thailand
Doi Suthep Temple
The Big Buddha, Phuket
Phanom Rung Historical Park
