Guan Yu Shrine

Located at Hua Thanon village, South of Koh Samui, Guan Yu Shrine has been recently a popular destination to tourists from all around the globe, due to its distinctive style in architecture and the possible link with the Chinese community here.

Built-in 2016 by the Chinese in Koh Samui, Guan Yu Shrine features a giant statue of Guan Yu, an extremely big fish in Chinese history who in the past had a significant contribution in paving the way for people to live together in harmony. The statue itself is 16 meters and constitutes the largest in Thailand. Far from being cast in grey or white marble, Guan Yu Statue is a wondrous, multi-colored affair that appears totally life-like. In addition, behind the statue stands the actual shrine room that can be reached by concrete ramps and steps. The room features a typical Chinese style in architecture with ceramic tiles, wood pillars, brushed concrete, and all sorts of lantern plus banners. In the shrine room, there are also images of Guan Yu, Yuchi Jingde, Qin Shuabao (two other important figures in Chinese history), and many framed portraits of influential Chinese-Thai residents of Koh Samui. 

Guan Yu Shrine - Koh Samui 

khôngWith all the features, Guan Yu Shrine can totally be a worth visiting place during your vacation in Koh Samui. On coming here, you can have a chance to take some excellent photos for your travel collection, get yourself the peace of mind, plus wish for luck and happiness.

History of Guan Yu Shrine

Though recently built, Guan Yu Shrine was rapidly known to be linked to one of the most important figures in the long-standing Chinese history.

Guan Yu was a famous military general who served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. In the past, he himself played a vital role in the Chinese civil war that gave rise to the demise of Han and the beginning of the Three Kingdoms period. Now, the image of Guan Yu has been firmly attached to loyalty, righteousness, bravery, and honesty by the Chinese, particularly in Southern China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and even among some Chinese communities overseas including one that came to Koh Samui a century or more ago.

At first, Guan Yu Shrine was built by the Chinese community here as a way to show love and respect to Guan Yu plus to remind descendants of where they are from. Gradually, due to the shrine's distinctive style and its outstanding Guan Yu statue, Guan Yu Shrine has become a must-see destination in Koh Samui, and thus attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Things to do in Guan Yu Shrine

In Guan Yu Shrine, a wide range of fascinating activities is offered, which promise to bring you the best experience during your vacation in Koh Samui.

• Take some excellent pictures

With the distinctive style in architecture and the colorful giant statue, Guan Yu Shrine could be an ideal place where you can have a chance to go sightseeing and take some pictures of the stunning scenery. As taking photos is allowed here, snap as much as you can to have yourself reminded of the trip later.

Guan Yu Shrine will give you some perfect shots

• Get yourself the peace of mind

Guan Yu Shrine has been long considered as a sacred place to all the Chinese in Koh Samui; therefore, the shrine is quite tranquil and peaceful. On coming to Guan Yu Shrine, you can get a sense of peace that is usually overdone during the urban life. Also, you can wish for luck and happiness to come to you and your family.

You can get yourself the peace of mind in in Guan Yu Shrine 

• Explore the Chinese culture, history, and language

Besides, on coming to Guan Yu Shrine, you can explore more about Chinese culture and history plus language. If you come with a tour guide. you will certainly be explained about the shrine, and thus has a basic insight into the Chinese culture plus history. Perhaps, you can also pick up some Chinese, which is also a great experience.

You can explore the Chinese culture, history, and language

• Enjoy the Thai-Chinese's cuisine

If you are hungry and want something to eat during your trip to Guan Yu Shrine, some small restaurants clustered around the shrine are highly recommended. Here, you can enjoy all the delicious food such as Hainanese Chicken Rice, coconut ice-cream, or tea and coffee, especially at a reasonable price.

Usually, Guan Yu Shrine is open for tourists to come from 9 am to 5 pm every day in the week so you can choose to visit the shrine anytime during the day. It will cost you nothing for a visit to Guan Yu Shrine; however, you can leave some money for donations voluntarily.

In addition, there is a fishing port of Ban Hua Thanon nearby so, during your trip to Guan Yu Shrine, you can take some time to drop by the port to admire its traditional beauty.

How to get to Guan Yu Shrine

On arriving at Koh Samui, you can easily get to Guan Yu Shrine, as the shrine lies off the inland side of the ring road in Hua Thanon village.

From your place, you can hop on a taxi to get to Guan Yu Shrine at a reasonable price. Alternatively, private cars are available so you can hire one to reach Guan Yu Shrine comfortably, which is highly recommended when you come in a small group. If you want to thoroughly enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery of the island, you can go on a trek to Guan Yu Shrine. On your way to the shrine, you may come across some beautiful scenes perfect to take some excellent pictures.

A visit to Guan Yu Shrine could be an unforgettable experience during your trip to the pretty island of Koh Samui. If you have a plan to come to Koh Samui, Guan Yu Shrine will be definitely in your must-see destinations.