Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Temples & Culture
Phuket

San Chao Saengtham

4.3(269 reviews)

Tucked behind a narrow corridor flanked by white stone lions, this Chinese temple offers one of Phuket Old Town's more quietly rewarding cultural detours. What appears modest from Phangnga Road opens into a traditional shrine of considerable character, featuring detailed murals, sacred iconography, and architectural elements that reflect the deep Chinese heritage woven into Phuket's history. It functions as an active place of worship, and visitors often encounter locals making offerings or, on occasion, gathering for photo sessions in traditional attire.

The atmosphere is calm and contemplative rather than ceremonial or performative. The temple rewards those who take time to look closely — the paintwork and decorative detail inside are genuinely striking, and the sense of enclosure created by the surrounding buildings gives the space an intimate, unhurried quality. It sits comfortably within a broader walk through Phuket Old Town and pairs naturally with the neighbourhood's shophouses, shrines, and street-level cultural texture.

Book tours & tickets in Phuket

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around San Chao Saengtham — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After San Chao Saengtham, round out your day in Phuket with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

A small Chinese shrine, nestled in between buildings and housing. It’s a bit hidden, the passage to enter it will be marked at the street, however. You enter it through an open air corridor of gorgeous and spirited thematic mural art and lanterns. The shrine itself is very quiet and peaceful, a little gem in Phuket. The old man there, however, isn’t particularly friendly and seems to be annoyed by everything and everyone, but you can simply visit in peace and not mind him (although he’ll watch you suspiciously, most likely)

This is a remarkable Chinese temple that’s well worth visiting. The exquisite murals and the sacred atmosphere create a sense of solemn beauty that leaves a lasting impression.

Hidden from prying eyes by a long and narrow corridor, guarded by powerful white lions, from the street, this temple can only be noticed by a large, beautiful structure by the road of a pleasant, purple color, decorated with Chinese lanterns and amazing stucco dragons on the pillars! The narrow corridor itself, which leads to the main building, can be considered a small work of art. Everything is very beautiful and green here, and on the sides, visitors are greeted by beautiful statues, sacred hieroglyphs and other signs and elements of Chinese mythology. This temple is definitely worth visiting while on vacation in Phuket. Here you can have a pleasant and useful time, walk, sort out your thoughts and take a large number of original and interesting photos! Full information with video and easy navigation - in the 👉 PHUKETON application

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 269 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Phuket

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925)$$$$
2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand

No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.

Patong Beach
Featured

Patong Beach

4.3(45,000)
Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Three kilometres of white sand with jet skis, loungers and Bangla Road behind it, so come for the noise, not the calm.

Ko Racha Yai
Featured

Ko Racha Yai

4.6(513)
Rawai

A car-free island near Phuket with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and resorts for all budgets.

Ko Yao Yai
Featured

Ko Yao Yai

4.6(461)
Ko Yao District

A largely undeveloped island in Phang Nga Bay offering secluded beaches, dive sites, and peaceful rural scenery.

San Chao Saengtham: Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Chao Saengtham worth visiting?

San Chao Saengtham holds a 4.3★ rating from 269 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Phuket.

What are the opening hours of San Chao Saengtham?

San Chao Saengtham is typically open 08:00-17:00 — 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 Saengtham?

The best months to visit Phuket are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough seas).

Where is San Chao Saengtham located?

San Chao Saengtham is at V9MQ+G5R, Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand, in Phuket. Getting around Phuket: Grab (widely available); Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate).

Location Info

V9MQ+G5R, Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand+66 76 354 536
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–17:00
Tuesday08:00–17:00
Wednesday08:00–17:00
Thursday08:00–17:00
Friday08:00–17:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

24°C – 33°C(75°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Very High

Peak: December – January

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) receives direct international flights. Ferries connect from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around

  • Grab (widely available)
  • Tuk-tuks (fixed routes, negotiate)
  • Motorbike rental
  • Airport bus to Phuket Town
  • Ferry & speedboat to nearby islands

Where to stay near San Chao Saengtham

Find hotels in Phuket on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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

Art Room Phuket
Hidden Gem

Art Room Phuket

4.6(37)
29 Yaowarad Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

A local art space and painting school in Phuket Town showcasing abstract works by resident artists.

Suriyadej Circle

Suriyadej Circle

4.2(179)
V9MP+7WF, Thanon Ratsada, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

A circular cultural landmark in central Phuket offering a quiet glimpse into local spiritual life.

San Chao Hainan
Hidden Gem

San Chao Hainan

4.4(26)
40 Thanon Talang, Mueang Phuket, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

A century-old Hainanese Chinese shrine on Phuket Old Town's historic Thanon Talang street.

Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town

4.5(2,918)
Thanon Talang, Taladyai Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Late-afternoon light on the shophouses, a Sunday market, and food that costs less than the beach strips.

Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Featured

Wat Phra Kaew

4.7(43,722)
Na Phra Lan Rd, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200

Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace

The Grand Palace

4.6(79,769)
Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, Thailand

Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum

4.7(46,481)
206, 2 Soi Na Kluea 12, Muang Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20150, Thailand

A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.