A Peaceful Riverside Visit to an Iconic Pagoda
Che Chin Khor Temple is a small but beautiful Chinese-Thai temple located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. It is easy to recognise because of its colourful and detailed Chinese pagoda that rises over the river. The temple is peaceful, and not many tourists visit it, which makes it a pleasant stop if they are exploring the riverside area.
The main highlight is the 8-storey pagoda, called Phra Phothisat Kuan Im Chedi. It is built in a traditional Chinese style, covered with red, gold, and green tiles. The pagoda is dedicated to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, who is very important in Chinese Buddhism. Unfortunately, visitors are usually not allowed to climb the pagoda, but they can admire it from the outside and enjoy the quiet temple grounds.
Inside the temple, they will find statues of Guan Yin, Buddha images, and many traditional Chinese decorations. There is also a shrine room with incense offerings. Near the river, a small pier allows them to enjoy nice views of the Chao Phraya.
Che Chin Khor is often used for religious activities, charity work, and sometimes for traditional Chinese ceremonies. It is a good place to stop when visiting other attractions nearby, like Wat Kalayanamit, Santa Cruz Church, or the nearby riverside communities.
Short History of Che Chin Khor Temple (วัดจีจินเกาะ)
Che Chin Khor Temple was established in 1952 by a Chinese monk named Phra Khru Sophon Thamma Kosol. The temple was built to support the Chinese-Thai Buddhist community in Bangkok and to serve as a place for meditation, learning, and charity. Over the years, the temple expanded its activities, focusing on helping the local community through free education, medical services, and religious ceremonies. The tall pagoda, officially named Phra Phothisat Kuan Im Chedi, was completed later and became a symbol of the temple’s dedication to Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. Today, Che Chin Khor continues to support cultural and religious traditions quietly along the river.
