Photo by Supanut Arunoprayote (CC BY 4.0)
Kian Un Keng Shrine
Guanyin shrine in historic area
On the West bank of the Chao Phraya river is an attractive part of town known as the historic Kudi Chin area. Here you will find the Kian Un Keng shrine next to Wat Kalayanamit on the Chao Phraya riverbank and a few steps from Santa Cruz Church.
Hokkien temple
One of the oldest in Bangkok, the Hokkien temple was founded in the second half of the 18th century during the rule of King Taksin, King of the Thonburi Kingdom.
The Chinese style building has two large dragons on top of its roof. The temple is adorned with detailed wood carvings and very colorful Chinese paintings on its walls.
Gold coated Guanyin image
Enshrined in the temple is a small statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. The seated image of the deity is carved from wood and coated with a layer of gold.
Colorful murals
Colorful murals depict stories from the 14th century Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Over the entrance are beautiful, detailed wood carvings.
Photo by Toey19863 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Place of worship
The Kian Un Keng shrine is a place of worship for local Chinese people. In a serene atmosphere devotees light candles, burn incense sticks and pray to Guanyin.
Built by Hokkien Chinese
After the destruction of Ayutthaya in 1767 Taksin established the capital of the Thonburi Kingdom on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river. The Hokkien Chinese who used to live in Ayutthaya followed the King, settled in the Kudi Chin area and founded the temple.
Opening hours
The Kian Un Keng shrine opens daily during daylight hours.
Location
The shrine is located on Thetsaban Sai 1 Road in the historic Kudi Chin area on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river.
It is right next to Wat Kalayanamit. On the other side is the Santa Cruz Church.
How to get there
Get to the Kian Un Keng shrine by river ferry or taxi.
River ferry
Take a ferry from Atsadang Pier at Pak Khlong Talat flower market to Wat Kalayanamit. Walk a few meters on the river boardwalk to the shrine next to the temple.
Taxi
Otherwise, take a metered taxi.
Entrance fee
Admission is free.
Also read:
Bangkok’s best attractions
