Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 07:00–17:00

 

Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine, commonly known as Pueng Tao Ma Shrine or Chao Pho-Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine, is an important Chinese shrine in Nakhon Sawan. Located on Kosi Road by the western bank of the Ping River, about 2 km north of Pak Nam Pho Market, the shrine is known for its riverside cliff-like rock formation, which gives the place its name “Na Pha”, meaning cliff face.

 

This shrine is one of the meaningful Thai-Chinese spiritual landmarks of Pak Nam Pho. Nakhon Sawan has long been a river trading town and a meeting point of communities, especially Chinese immigrants who settled along the waterways. Their belief in guardian deities became an important part of local life, and Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine continues to reflect that history of faith, trade, migration, and riverside living.

 

Inside the shrine, Pueng Tao Ma is enshrined as the principal deity together with Pueng Tao Kong, a guardian deity modeled after Chao Pho Thepharak. In Chinese overseas communities, Pueng Tao Kong and Pueng Tao Ma are respected as protective deities who watch over people living within their area. Their role can be compared with the Thai belief in a guardian spirit of the land, making the shrine an important place for prayers for safety, prosperity, family harmony, and good fortune.

 

The atmosphere of Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine is distinctive because of its location beside the Ping River. The riverbank around the shrine features steep rock formations, creating a sense of strength and serenity. Visitors can pay respect inside the shrine and also experience a quieter riverside view of Nakhon Sawan, away from the busier market area of Pak Nam Pho.

 

The shrine is also connected with Chinese religious traditions in Nakhon Sawan, especially the Vegetarian Festival. Religious ceremonies and vegetarian merit-making activities are held here during the festival period. It is also part of a wider spiritual route in Pak Nam Pho, together with other shrines such as Chao Pho Thepharak-Chao Mae Thapthim Shrine and other riverside Chinese shrines in the city.

 

For worship, visitors usually begin by paying respect to Pueng Tao Ma and Pueng Tao Kong, the principal deities of the shrine. They are revered for protection, peace, and community well-being. Visitors should dress politely, speak quietly, and respect those who come for religious practice, especially during festival periods when the shrine is busier than usual.

 

Getting There is convenient from Pak Nam Pho Market. Take Kosi Road north for about 2 km along the Ping River. The shrine is located on the western side of the river. Traveling by private car is the easiest option. During Chinese New Year and the Vegetarian Festival, visitors should allow extra time because the shrine area and nearby roads may be busier.

 

Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine is therefore more than a local place of worship. It is a cultural attraction where visitors can understand the Thai-Chinese heritage of Nakhon Sawan, the spiritual meaning of guardian deities, and the riverside identity of Pak Nam Pho. It can be visited together with Pak Nam Pho Market, Pasan, Wat Woranat Banphot, Wat Khiriwong, and other cultural landmarks in the city.

 

 

A: It is located on Kosi Road by the Ping River in Pak Nam Pho Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, about 2 km from Pak Nam Pho Market.

 

A: It is commonly known as Pueng Tao Ma Shrine or Chao Pho-Chao Mae Na Pha Shrine.

 

A: Pueng Tao Ma is the principal deity, enshrined together with Pueng Tao Kong and other Chinese deities.

 

A: The shrine is open daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

 

A: No. Admission is free for visitors who want to pay respect or enjoy the riverside atmosphere.

 

A: They are guardian deities respected by overseas Chinese communities, believed to protect people living within their area.

 

A: The shrine can be visited year-round. The Vegetarian Festival is a meaningful time for visitors who want to experience local Thai-Chinese religious traditions.