Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine: A Sacred Site on the Island

The Bear Team 6 min read

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Are you planning to go on a beach holiday? If you go to a beautiful beach place like Koh Chang, Trat, you should try to drop by and visit the Chao Pho Koh Chang Shrine. 

It is located at Tambon, a Sub-District of Koh Chang District in Trat Province. More importantly, it is a sacred shrine that the villagers of Koh Chang greatly respect and believe in. It has been respected since ancient times.

People believed that praying for the Godfather of Koh Chang in helping to remove obstacles in life, asking for help out of misfortune, or relaxing from heavy to light is often effective and results in success.

So, if you want to learn more about this sacred place, join us on our visit to the Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine.

 Fun Fact!

Moving from Centerpoint pier to Koh Chang's west coast beaches, you will see Chao Po Koh Chang Chinese temple on the right side.

Paying Respects at the Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine

Chao Po Koh Chang Shrine is one of the island's oldest and most respected spiritual centers, both for locals and visitors to Koh Chang. The name of the Chinese shrine in Ao Sapparod means "Holy Father Koh Chang" in literary translation. Moving from Centerpoint pier to Koh Chang's west coast beaches, you will see Chao Po & Chao Mae Koh Chang Chinese temple on the right side.

Within the past few generations, "The Holy Father Koh Chang" was the savior of Khon Kard - the population of Trat province. In the past, when sailing depended solely on the reliability of sails and boats, the fishermen going out to sea during strong monsoon winds, in desperation, sought faith and support from Chao Po Koh Chang. Moreover, there are amazing stories after the people began to pray to Chao Po Koh Chang in times of poor harvest, disease, and other calamities.

 Trivia

Currently, many people visit there to pray for good health and well-being. Some of them bring medicinal drugs from the local shops and ask for God's blessings before using drugs. 

Exploring Key Tourist Attractions Near the Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine

White Sand Beach

White Sand Beach is usually split into north and south, with most of the beach at the northern end. The southern section starts when the sand gives way to rocks and cliffs. What was once a small village is now a bustling tourist town with one huge luxury resort, other mid-range hotels and resorts, smaller bungalow operations, motels, and backpacker rooms. 

Zip N Zorb Adventure Park

Suppose you are tired of all the sightseeing in Thailand and want to indulge in a fun yet relaxing activity. Then try out Zorbing when you come to Koh Chang. In this game, guests get to keep rolling in an inflatable ball, which provides unlimited fun and entertainment to people of all ages. Zip 'N' Zorb Adventure Park is a place known as the zorbing destination of Koh Chang. As people keep rolling downhill with the ball, there are shouts of joy.

Klong Prao Beach

Klong Prao Beach is the name given to the central area of the west coast. It is a prevalent part of the island, offering everyone from lone travelers to couples to families something that suits them. The beach is split into two sections by inland waterways; the klongs is a long sweep of fine sand and calm waters, with tracks and better-paved streets linking back to the road.

Khlong Phlu Waterfall

Khlong Phlu waterfall on the west coast of Koh Chang is a famous spot to spend a morning or afternoon. It is signposted from the main road and easily accessible. From the entrance, where foreign adults pay 200 baht and children 100 baht, it is a 600-meter walk along a shady riverside path to the waterfall, which does look pretty spectacular. 

Mu Koh Chang National Park

Mu Koh Chang National Park covers an extensive area of 650 square kilometers and encompasses 52 islands in Laem Ngop District, Mueang District, and Khlong Yai District. In addition to the largest and most prominent island, Koh Chang, the park includes other islands such as Koh Klum, Koh Lao Ya Nai, Koh Ngam, Koh Mai Si Yai, Koh Wai, and Koh Rang, each of which retains its pristine natural beauty. The National Park Office is situated east of Koh Chang, near Khlong Than Mayom.

Nor Nou Kaibae Hut Speed 

Kai Bae Hut's island-hopping speed boats have been running between the islands for over 10 years, and it started almost 20 years ago. Nor Nou Kai Bae Hut Speedboat is the longest-established speedboat company in Koh Chang and the largest. They offer a fast, reliable way to get from Koh Chang to nearby islands. You can buy speedboat tickets at your hotel or any island tour agent. 

Why Visit Chao Po Koh Chang Shrine?

Chao Po Koh Chang shrine is one of the island's oldest and most respected spiritual centers. From Koh Chang's main road, the place is a little different from most Chinese temples you first see in Thailand. Places of religious worship are stone steps. Red, blue, and yellow colors are used in the basis, and animals such as dragons and elephants are also important symbols in the architecture of the Chao Po Koh Chang shrine.

Chao Po Shrine's main building underwent several reconstructions, ending with an attractive exterior and interior with one large altar. The statue of the main deity Chao Po Koh Chang, the Holy Father, the patron of fishermen, sailors, and farmers, is set in the center of the room in the background with an elephant picture. 

The other statues of Chinese deities make the place more attractive. It adds more to Chao Po Koh Chang Shrine ritual items, including a couple of elephants guarding the entrance and baking for paper talismans. Other exciting features are paintings inside and outside the sanctuary, which tell the story of 'Holy Father Ko Chang.' Currently, most islanders believe this temple is the most sacred place of worship in Koh Chang.

How to Visit Chao Por Koh Chang Shrine?

Heading up a steep road on the west coast to Ao Sapparot, not far from the ferry's pier. The shrine of Chao Po is located on your right-hand side.

  Did you know?

The temple is free of charge; however, donations are accepted to support the shrines and charitable causes.

Maps & More Information 

Chao Po Koh Chang Shrine is one of the island's oldest and most respected spiritual centers, both for locals and visitors to Koh Chang. The name of the Chinese shrine located in Ao Sapparod means, in literary translation, "Holy Father Koh Chang." Moving from Centerpoint pier to Koh Chang's west coast beaches, you will see Chao Po & Chao Mae Koh Chang Chinese temple on the right side.