San Pho Ta Hin Chang Shrine is one of the most spiritually significant landmarks for those traveling along Phetkasem Road, the main route connecting to Southern Thailand. It is especially popular among truck drivers and long-distance bus operators who frequently stop by to light firecrackers and pay homage for safe travels. The shrine’s sacred reputation traces back to an old legend during the construction of Phetkasem Road around fifty years ago. The project repeatedly faced unexpected accidents, worker injuries, and various obstacles that delayed progress. Eventually, a shrine was built to honor the spirit believed to reside in a large stone shaped like an elephant. Known as Pho Ta Hin Chang, or Chao Pho Sri Rit Mongkol, this guardian spirit was believed to bring protection, allowing the road construction to be completed smoothly thereafter.

The primary sacred object at the shrine is the elephant-shaped stone itself. Some stories claim that the stone resembles an 11-headed elephant, while others associate it with an incarnation of Lord Shiva in the form of Erawan. Over the years, worshipping the shrine has become a long-standing tradition among travelers, who come to pray for safety, good fortune, and success. Those whose wishes are fulfilled often return to repay their vows by setting off loud firecrackers or offering elephant statues of various sizes, creating an iconic scene familiar to visitors.

Beyond its religious importance, the area around San Pho Ta Hin Chang has developed into a major rest stop and community marketplace. The highlight product is the famous Kluai Leb Mu Nang (Lady Finger Banana), a signature fruit of Chumphon. The market extends for over 1,500 meters and is lined with numerous shops selling fresh bananas, dried banana snacks, seasonal fruits, and other OTOP goods from the region. This makes the shrine not only a spiritual landmark but also an ideal location to rest, refresh, and purchase local souvenirs before continuing your journey.

• By private car: From Bangkok, drive south along Phetkasem Road (Highway 4). After passing through Tha Sae District, the shrine is located at kilometer markers 453–454 on the right-hand side (southbound). The area provides spacious parking for both private vehicles and large trucks.

• By public bus: Travelers can take any Southern route bus departing from Bangkok or other central/eastern provinces heading to destinations such as Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, or Phuket. Inform the driver or staff that you wish to get off at “San Pho Ta Hin Chang.” Since the shrine is located directly along the main road, buses can conveniently stop to drop passengers off.

• Most visitors pray for safe travels, good fortune, and business success. Firecrackers and elephant statues are common offerings for vows and blessings.

• Don’t miss the wide selection of local products, especially dried bananas, banana chips, butter-roasted bananas, and seasonal fruits.

• The shrine is open 24 hours, but the marketplace operates mainly during the daytime (about 08:00–18:00), which is the best time for shopping and resting.

• It is an ideal stop to stretch your legs during a long highway drive.

Entrance Fee:

• Free admission.

Opening Hours:

• Open 24 hours for the shrine (shops and market open during the day).