Rating: 4/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM

 

Rayong City Pillar Shrine is a sacred landmark and the spiritual center of Rayong. Located on Lak Mueang Road in Tha Pradu Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, it has been an integral part of the province since the reign of King Rama V. Visitors come here to pay respect and seek blessings for good fortune, especially during the Songkran Festival when an annual celebration is held.

 

The first city pillar of Rayong was established in 1895 (2438 BE) during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) as the “spiritual axis” of the city. In ancient belief, every city must have its own pillar to represent stability and prosperity. The original shrine was a small wooden building, but it deteriorated over time and was damaged during World War II. It was later restored several times, with a major renovation in 1991 (2534 BE) to build a new four-gabled mandapa (pavilion) housing a new pillar. In 1993 (2536 BE), a ceremony was held to enshrine the pillar’s finial inside the pavilion — on that day, a halo appeared around the sun, a phenomenon seen as an auspicious sign for Rayong.

 

The current shrine is a masonry building combining Thai and Chinese architectural styles. The roof is in the form of a four-gabled mandapa with entrances on all four sides — north, south, east, and west — allowing worshippers to access the central pillar from any direction. Inside, the wooden pillar is entirely gilded, standing on a white marble base and surrounded by colorful glass mosaics. Stone reliefs depicting the city’s history adorn the walls. On the east side stands a small Chinese shrine dedicated to the “Chao Pho Lak Mueang” – the Guardian Spirit of the City – reflecting Rayong’s cultural blend of Thai and Chinese beliefs.

 

The surrounding area is peaceful and neatly arranged with granite paving and shady trees. In front of the pavilion, the original city pillar remains for visitors to pay homage. Devotees often bring offerings and pray for stability, career success, and prosperity. During Chinese New Year and Songkran, the shrine becomes especially lively. The annual City Pillar Festival takes place every April and includes merit-making, water-pouring rituals, traditional performances, and colorful processions by local residents in traditional attire — a tradition passed down through generations.

 

Symbolically, the pillar represents the “heart of the city.” Locals believe that paying respect here brings protection, harmony, and growth. It is no surprise that the Rayong City Pillar Shrine remains one of the most revered sites for both residents and travelers, especially during New Year festivities or other auspicious ceremonies organized by the province.

 

Getting There — The shrine is easy to reach, located about 700 meters from the Rayong City Hall in the town center. By car, take Sukhumvit Road and turn into Nakhon Rayong 62 Alley or Lak Mueang Road; the shrine will be on the right. Parking is available nearby. Public transportation options include local songthaew (pickup trucks) on the Rayong–Ban Phe route or motorcycle taxis from downtown areas.

 

Nearby attractions include Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon (about 0.6 km away) and Suan Sri Muang Park (about 1 km away), both within walking distance. Travelers can conveniently visit the shrine together with these sites in one day, making it not only a sacred place but also a cultural and historical gateway to Rayong City.

 

Today, the Rayong City Pillar Shrine remains a serene and spiritually charged place where younger generations come to learn about local history and experience the atmosphere of devotion that has endured for more than a century. Whether locals seeking blessings or visitors passing through, everyone feels the same quiet reverence toward this enduring “pillar of prosperity.”

 

 

A: It is on Lak Mueang Road in Tha Pradu Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, about 700 meters from Rayong City Hall, beside a small Chinese shrine dedicated to the guardian spirit of the city.

 

A: Open daily from 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM.

 

A: Inside stands a gilded wooden pillar surrounded by colorful glass mosaics and stone reliefs depicting Rayong’s history. There is also a Chinese shrine honoring the Guardian Spirit of the City.

 

A: Yes. The Rayong City Pillar Festival is held every April during Songkran and features water-pouring rituals, cultural performances, and local parades.

 

A: By car, take Sukhumvit Road and turn into Nakhon Rayong 62 Alley or Lak Mueang Road. Public options include songthaew on the Rayong–Ban Phe route or motorcycle taxis from downtown.

 

A: It serves as the spiritual heart of the city, symbolizing peace and prosperity. It is a venue for major ceremonies and a living heritage site preserving local beliefs and history.

 

A: Yes. Wat Lum Mahachai Chumphon Temple, Suan Sri Muang Park, and Ban Phe Market are popular spots located within short distance.