Kian Un Keng Shrine on the West bank of the Chao Phraya river, Bangkok
Kian Un Keng Shrine
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.

Gold coated Guanyin image in the Kian Un Keng shrine
Guanyin at Kian Un Keng Shrine
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.


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