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A complete guide and everything you need to know for visiting the Chinese Temple on Koh Phangan. Discover this beautiful multi-layer temple complex and the stunning view it has over the north of the island.
Koh Phangan is a famed stop on the Southeast Asia backpacker route due to the draw of its epic Full Moon Parties. However, there’s honestly so much more to discover on this tropical island. Great spots are waiting to be found in every corner!
One of the best things to do on Koh Phangan is visit the stunning Chinese Temple (also known as the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Guanyin Temple, or Kuan Yin Temple). It’s definitely the most impressive of all the Koh Phangan temples.
This beautiful multi-layer temple complex was built in 1992 and is dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin. There’s normally no more than a handful of tourist groups here at one time which makes it a peaceful spot to enjoy the fantastic architecture, details, colours, and the magnificent Guanyin statue.
As well as being arguably the most beautiful temple on Koh Phangan, what makes the Chinese Temple such a spectacular attraction is its breathtaking view. This stretches over Koh Phangan’s green mountainside and northern coast!
This is somewhere that shouldn’t be skipped on your trip to Koh Phangan so read on for a complete guide to visiting this stunning site.
Brief History of the Chinese Temple
The story of this temple began in 1990 when a lady named Miss Malawan had a dream in which she was instructed by Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, to build a lighthouse on the island to help the fishermen navigate in darkness.
She explained her dream to a local monk and together they set out to fulfil what Guanyin had asked.
As word of this spread, such support and donations were received that they were able to build more than just a lighthouse. As a result, they were able to construct the full temple complex that you can explore today. A shrine dedicated to Guanyin was also included in the temple grounds.
Where Is The Chinese Temple
The temple complex is situated on a hilltop in the north of Koh Phangan, close to the Chaloklum area.
It’s around a 15 minute drive from Thong Sala or 30-40 minutes if you’re coming from Haad Rin in the south.
Below I’ve included a Google Maps route that shows the Chinese Temple’s location in relation to Thong Sala.
Google Maps Pin: Kuan Yin Temple (Chinese Temple)
How to get there
The easiest way to get to the Chinese Temple is by hiring a scooter. Follow the main road north towards Chaloklum and you’ll find the entrance on the left, five minutes before the village.
Once you turn off the main road you can see the temple’s entrance at the top of the well-paved hill.
There’s a covered parking area once inside which is free to use.
Scooter rental shops can be found all over Koh Phangan with competitive rates. Expect 180-250 baht per day depending on the season and whether you’re renting daily, weekly, or monthly.
I recommend renting your own wheels on Koh Phangan as it allows you the freedom to explore all the top spots. Not only will you discover other Koh Phangan temples, but also beautiful beaches, waterfalls and more.
Alternatively, you can also use private or shared taxis (songthaews) to reach the Chinese Temple. However, this is less convenient and normally more expensive.
Entrance Fee
The cost to enter the Chinese temple is 40 baht per person and the complex is open from 8am-5pm daily.
You can pay for this at the desk next to the parking area. It’s a fair price in my opinion as it goes towards the upkeep of the temple.
Related Post: Best Cafes and Coffee Shops on Koh Phangan
What to expect at the Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple complex consists of three main buildings which are split across three levels. The elaborate buildings will immediately catch your eye as you can’t miss their bright orange and teal roofs!
Take your time to wander through the complex and appreciate the incredibly detailed and colourful architecture.
You will also find magnificent sculptures of dragons, Buddhas and warriors that decorate the grounds. Two of these stand out as being particularly impressive which are golden statues of the Buddha and Guanyin.
They really are incredible to look at!
Despite being the most well-known temple on Koh Phangan and drawing many people to either worship or simply admire its beauty, the Chinese Temple is an incredibly peaceful spot that never feels too busy. So don’t worry about having to arrive super early to avoid big crowds!
As I have said, what makes the Chinese Temple extra special is the sweeping views over the northern part of Koh Phangan. These can be seen from the top of the complex.
Looking out over the surrounding landscape you can see the epic green jungle mountainside and the blue water of Chaloklum’s coastline. It’s even been claimed that on a crystal clear day, neighbouring Koh Tao can be seen in the distance! Unfortunately, it was too hazy to see when I visited.
Other things to note
The Chinese Temple is a place of worship and therefore it’s important to both dress and act respectfully.
Women should make sure to cover their shoulders and knees. Men can wear shorts but must cover their shoulders with a t-shirt (no vests).
Final Thoughts
No visit to Thailand is complete without visiting at least a couple of the country’s spectacular temples. And the Chinese Temple on Koh Phangan is my top pick of those on the island.
It’s definitely a must-visit if Koh Phangan is on your Thailand itinerary!
Let me know if you have any questions in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
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