Chinese Temple of Chao Por, Koh Chang

About the temple

According to legend, at the beginning of the XX century, a wandering hermit monk with the gift of healing settled on Chang Island. The locals turned to him for healing and advice. When the elder died, a temple complex was erected in his memory, naming it after the monk. Worshipping the statues of Chao Po, parishioners pray for health and fulfillment of desires.

Elephants are the symbol of the Temple. There is a special place behind Chao Po where people bring elephant figurines as an offering. The bigger the elephant, the more grateful you are for fulfilling a wish.

A long staircase with a railing leads to the Chinese temple, located on a hill. Upon rising, visitors will see a Chinese-style pagoda, a pavilion for offerings, a furnace for burning ritual items and a gong.

There is a small neat garden around the temple. There is a view of the sea from the top of the hill, but the panoramic view is hampered by the crowns of the trees. Candles, incense sticks, garlands of flowers and souvenirs can be purchased in souvenir shops under canopies.

How to get

Wat Chao Por Koh Chang Chinese Temple is located between White Sand Beach and Koh Chang Ferry Pier, from where you can take a ferry to Trat (to the mainland).

You can also get to Chao Por by songteo. Tuk-tuk drivers also work as taxi drivers, but there are not many taxi cars on the island. Renting a bike or scooter can also help you decide to visit the famous local shrine — Chao Por Temple on Koh Chang.