Photo by ludexvivorum (CC0 1.0)
Kuan Yim Shrine
Shrine for Guanyin in Chinatown
On Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown is the colorful Kuan Yim shrine of the Thian Fa Foundation.
The shrines’ walls are adorned with colorful murals. Inside is a small golden image of Guanyin.
12th Century Guanyin image
The shrine is dedicated to Guanyin, in Thailand also known as the Bodhisattva Phra Avalokitesuan.
The Guanyin images dates to the 12th century. Carved from teak wood in the Tang dynasty art style, it is painted in gold color. With her right hand Guanyin makes the Varada mudra, the gesture of charity or making offerings. The image was brought over from China and enshrined in 1958.
Worshipping
Worshippers praying to Guanyin offer flowers, burn candles or light incense sticks that they put in a bowl filled with sand. Usually the atmosphere is quiet and serene.
Thian Fa Foundation
The Thian Fa Foundation was established in 1902 by Chinese immigrants who settled in Bangkok. Its goal is to provide free medical care to those in need. Both traditional Chinese and modern treatments are performed at the foundation’s hospital next to the shrine.
Photo by ludexvivorum (CC0 1.0)
Opening hours
The Kuan Yim shrine opens daily until late evening. It can get busy during Chinese New Year.
Please take off your shoes before going inside.
Location
The shrine is located next to the hospital of the Thian Fa Foundation on Yaowarat Road, between Yaowarat Soi 5 and Soi 7 in Chinatown.
It’s a few minutes walk from the Chinatown Gate and Wat Traimit, the temple of the Golden Buddha.
How to get there
Get there by MRT Subway, train, tuk tuk or taxi.
MRT Subway or train
If you are near an MRT Subway station, take a train on the Blue Line and get off at Hualamphong MRT station. If you’re near a SRT train station, take a train to Hua Lamphong train station. From either, it’s about a ten minute walk to the shrine.
Tuk tuk or taxi
If you’re in Chinatown, take a tuk tuk. Otherwise, take a metered taxi.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.
Also read:
Bangkok’s best attractions
