ศาลเจ้ากวนอู (คลองสาน) — Attraction in Somdet Chao Phraya Subdistrict

GONG WU SHRINE IS AN ANCIENT SHRINE AND HAS A HISTORY DATING BACK TO OVER 268 YEARS, IT IS LOCATED ON THE BANK OF THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER IN SOMDET YA (PRINCESS MOTHER) COMMUNITY NEAR BY SOMDET YA PARK, BEHIND WAT ANONG KHARAM IN KHLONG SAN AREA OF THONBURI SIDE ACCORDING TO THE LEGEND, IT IS TO BE SAID THAT IN THE CHINESE STYLED SHRINE THERE ARE ALTOGETHER THREE GONG WU STATUES.

THE SMALLEST STATUE WAS BROUGHT TO THAILAND AROUND THE YEAR 1736, WHICH WAS DURING THE TIME THAT EMPEROR CHEN LONG OF THE QING DYNASTY WAS REIGNING IN CHINA. THE HOKKIAN CHINESE BROUGHT IT BY SHIP FROM HOKKIAN PROVINCE AND ENSHRINED IT IN THE SHRINE WHICH WAS VERY SMALL AT THAT TIME. LATER ON IN 1802 DURING THE REIGN OF EMPEROR CHIA QING OF THE QING DYNASTY, THE MIDDLE GONG WU STATUE WAS BROUGHT TO THAILAND AS WELL, AND THE SHRINE WAS THEN NAMED GUANG DI GU MIAO.

THEN IN THE YEAR 1822 DURING THE REIGN OF EMPEROR TAO GUANG OF THE QING DYNASTY, THERE WAS A RICH CHINESE NAMED MR. KUNG SENG WHO RENOVATED THE SHRINE AND MADE IT BIGGER, AND HE BROUGHT THE THIRD STATUE TO ENSHRINE TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING ONES IN THE SHRINE, BESIDES HE ALSO BUILT A BELL FOR THE SHRINE.

CONSEQUENTLY, IN THE YEAR 1901 THE COMMITTEE AND DISCIPLES CONSIDERED TO REBUILD THE NEW SHRINE BECAUSE THE OLD ONE WAS DILAPIDATED, ONCE IT WAS COMPLETED THEY NAMED IT GUANG DI...

Utterly beautiful shrine sitting on the bank of the Chao Phraya River. I throughly recommend viewing the shrine from the Sky Park first as it looks super cute from a distance. From there walk across the Sky Park bridge and trust the Google maps directions, you will get there! There are flower garlands and incense sticks to buy if you wish and devotees and the staff who work in attendance in the shrine are friendly. Didn't seem to be any rules on taking pics or videos or removing shoes or ticket fees which I have encountered at other shrines or temples. This shrine provides a lot of picture opportunities due to being so pretty. It is possible to climb a few set of stairs to see a higher view of the river (please be careful!). Quiet around the 2/3pm mark and nice breeze makes it very calming. Doesn't seem very "touristy" probably because it takes a bit of effort to get to. Welcoming place due to the good design and lovely decoration and was able to meditate there. It is possible to sit down and get food and drink if required but not sure if there is a bathroom. In all this is a must visit place. Sit down and gaze at the shrine and beautiful river bend from Sky Park on...

Visiting the Guan Yu Shrine in Khlong San was one of those rare travel moments that stay with you. Hidden away from the tourist radar, this small shrine sits quietly in the middle of local life – no crowds, no signs in English, just authenticity.

We hesitated at first, unsure if we were even allowed to enter. But the locals welcomed us with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. One kind gentleman even gave us a brief history of the shrine and its importance in the community. Guan Yu, a legendary figure known for his loyalty and bravery, is deeply respected here – and you could feel that in every detail.

There was no entrance fee, no pressure to donate – just pure generosity. Of course, we placed a small amount in the donation box as a token of gratitude. If you're looking for a quiet, meaningful glimpse into everyday Bangkok and Chinese-Thai spiritual life, this is a beautiful place to pause...