“Worship the statue of the Prince in a commanding posture on a simulated warship deck, while enjoying panoramic views of the confluence of the Tha Chin River and the Gulf of Thailand.”
Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine is located in Tha Chalom Subdistrict, Samut Sakhon Province. It is a highly revered sacred site among fishermen, naval personnel, and Buddhist devotees, as it stands at a strategic point near the mouth of the Tha Chin River, which serves as a main maritime route leading to the Gulf of Thailand. The shrine was built to commemorate the great benevolence of Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Prince of Chumphon Khet Udomsak, respectfully known as “Sadet Tia,” who is honored as the Father of the Royal Thai Navy and a spiritual anchor for seafarers for generations.
The most striking and majestic feature of the shrine is the bronze statue of Sadet Tia in a naval uniform, standing gracefully on a base designed to resemble the deck of a warship. The statue faces the open sea, symbolizing his eternal protection over sailors and fishermen. The shrine itself is designed to be grand, open, and airy, allowing sea breezes to flow through at all times. The surrounding area is decorated with replica cannons, Royal Thai Navy flags, and naval elements, creating a powerful atmosphere that reflects the honor and strength of the Royal Thai Navy.
The atmosphere around the shrine is refreshing and deeply relaxing, as it is located at the very tip of Laem Tha Chalom. Visitors can enjoy wide panoramic views of the water and observe the lively maritime lifestyle, with fishing boats and vessels constantly moving in and out of the estuary. In the late afternoon, the area becomes especially pleasant and is regarded as one of the most beautiful sunset viewpoints in Samut Sakhon. As a result, the shrine is not only a place of worship but also an ideal destination for spiritual relaxation.
For photography lovers, the viewpoint from the simulated warship deck where the statue stands is a must-visit spot. It offers stunning compositions of the statue set against the horizon and the sea. Families can bring children to explore warship models and learn about the history of the Royal Thai Navy, while couples and those seeking tranquility can enjoy a peaceful walk, sea breezes, and the serene atmosphere of the estuary.
Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine in Tha Chalom perfectly combines faith, history, and natural scenery. Visitors are invited to pay respects to Sadet Tia, pray for safe journeys and success, and experience the enduring spiritual power of the Tha Chalom seafaring community that continues to thrive to this day.
How to Get There
Private Car:
- From Bangkok, take Rama 2 Road, cross the Tha Chin River, and enter Tha Chalom. Drive to the end of the peninsula following signs; the shrine is near Wat Chong Lom.
By Train:
- Disembark at Mahachai Station, walk to the Mahachai-Tha Chalom ferry. After crossing, take a traditional tricycle or motorcycle taxi to the shrine.
By Boat:
- Charter a sightseeing boat along the Tha Chin estuary and disembark directly at the pier near the shrine.
Travel Tips
Best Season:
- Early morning for the first light or late afternoon (16:30 - 18:30) for a spectacular sunset view over the gulf.
Attire:
- As it is a site of national respect, please dress politely (avoid flip-flops and very short clothing when approaching the statue).
Photography:
- Taking photos from the front of the shrine facing the sea captures the grandeur and the wide skyline perfectly.
Recommended Activity:
- After visiting the shrine, take a short walk to see the "Seagull Pavilion" at the nearby Wat Chong Lom.
Admission Fee
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Local visitors: Free
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Foreign visitors: Free
Opening Hours
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Open Daily: 07:00 – 18:30
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Special note: The outer viewpoint area may remain accessible until twilight.