Located on the northwestern part of the Phangan Island, the Chinese Temple is dedicated to Buddha. There is an interesting story that revolves around the temple. Somewhere before 1990, Mrs. Malawan came to the Chinese Sangthom Temple on Koh Pha-Ngan from Bangkok for the ceremony of presenting the robes to the priests (Todkathin). One night, as she was sleeping outside with friends, Mrs. Malawan dreamt about the Chinese Buddha, Jaomae Kuanim. The Buddha asked her to build firelight for the people. With this mystic revelation, Mrs. Malawan returned to Bangkok to raise the funds necessary to build the firelight.

The temple today is host to the Chinese festivals and a number of people who visit this temple in order to ask blessings from Buddha. The temple is made up of seven different buildings –and as you enter inside, you shall find:

• An impressive ‘dragon drum’.
• Vividly colored pagodas.
• A large golden Buddha image and wind chimes throughout.
• Inside, The Kuan Yin, or Guanyin ‘Goddess of Mercy’ image has its origins in Chinese Taoism. 

Although the site was originally meant to be a lighthouse to help the fishermen, the building of temple entailed it as a result of the generous donations which were received for it.

There are certain temple’s etiquettes which you need to observe:

• Remove your hat and shoes before entering the temple.
• Show respect – Speak quietly and appropriately, don’t smoke, don’t chew gum, and turn your mobile off.
• Cover yourself – Shoulders should be covered and long trousers worn.
• Respect the Buddha statue – Never climb, touch or sit near a Buddha.
• Get permission before taking photos and never take photos during worship.
• Don’t point with your finger at anything or sit with your feet facing a person or Buddha, this is considered extremely rude.
• Stand up if you are already sitting when monks enter the room. Allow them to acknowledge you before you sit again.

• You can hire a motorbike or a cab to reach here.

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