San Ya Nak — Attraction in On Nut Subdistrict

During my recent visit to Thailand, I had the unique experience of visiting the Mae Nak Shrine, located in the Phra Khanong district of Bangkok. This shrine is dedicated to Mae Nak, a legendary figure in Thai folklore known for her undying love and tragic story.

The lore of Mae Nak is both fascinating and eerie. According to the legend, Mae Nak was a beautiful young woman who lived along the Phra Khanong canal. While her husband, Mak, was away at war, Mae Nak and their child tragically died during childbirth. However, when Mak returned, he found his wife and child seemingly alive and well. It wasn’t until later that he realized he was living with their ghosts. The story goes that Mae Nak’s spirit, driven by love and sorrow, continued to haunt the area until a powerful monk finally captured her spirit.

The shrine itself is an interesting place, filled with offerings and portraits of Mae Nak. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially those seeking blessings for easy childbirth, avoiding military drafts, or even lucky lottery numbers2. The atmosphere is both serene and slightly spooky, adding to the overall charm of the visit.

One of the highlights of my visit was the area near the river. Here, you can buy stale bread to feed the fish. The market is bustling with vendors selling various offerings and snacks, making it a vibrant and lively spot to explore.

Overall, my visit to the Mae Nak Shrine was a memorable experience. The combination of rich folklore, cultural significance, and the lively market area makes it a must-visit location in Bangkok. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Thai culture...

Interesting temple with interesting story! Anek Nawikamul, a Thai historian, researched the story and found an article in the Siam Praphet newspaper written by K.S.R. Kulap, dated March 10, 1899. Kulap claimed the story of Mae Nak was based on the life of Amdaeng Nak (อำแดงนาก, 'Mrs Nak'), daughter of a Tambon Phra Khanong leader named Khun Si. Amdaeng Nak died while she was pregnant. Her son, worried that his father might remarry and his inheritance shared with his step-mother, invented the ghost story. He dressed in women's clothing and threw rocks at passing boats to make people think it was Nak's ghost. Kulap also suggested that Nak's husband was...

Nestled deep inside Wat Mahabut is Mae Nak's shrine. Instructions on how to pray are hung up on the pillar, but will require Google translate. Many items for worship can be bought at a counter inside the shrine. There's also a counter dealing with Mae Nak's amulet at the shrine's entrance. Please...