The Chinese Temple, Koh Phangan Eco Tour

As we found out very soon, the Eco-tour’s schedule had been extremely saturated. One minute later, we came down from the elephant’s and back to our guide’s jeep that took us to the next site – the Chinese temple.

The Chinese temple is located on the North West of Koh Phangan, on the road between Thong Sala and Chaloklum. The temple was built in 1992, based on contribution funds raised by its initiator and founder mrs Malawan. The woman visited Koh Phangan for the first time many years ago, when the island didn’t have any electricity yet. During the visit, she had a dream about the Chinese Buddha, Jaomae Kuanim, who asked her to build the lighthouse for the Chaloklum fishermen, endangering themselves while coming back home from the sea at dark.

To fulfill Budda’s request, Mrs. Malawan started raising the funds necessary to lighthouse’s foundation. Due to the religious significance of her mission, the fortune smiled on her and she raised enough money to build the entire Chinese temple, shining at night at the Chaloklum bay. The temple is extremely popular among the Thai and Chinese people. They come from all over the country to meditate, have vegetarian meals and worship the Chinese Buddha. At January, May and August, three main festivals are held in the temple.

The Chinese temple and the “Lucky Buddha” statue are believed to bring the visitors a good luck. To ensure that, one should knock three times on the barrel that located on the yard with a wooden golden fish. Try this patent – what have you got to lose, ah?  

The Chinese Temple is open from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.