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Opening Hours: 07:00–18:00

 

Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine, Rayong Province embodies deep faith, spiritual connection, and historical value that link people to the river and the sea. The shrine stands by the Prasae River in Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong, within an area of the Royal Thai Navy. It has become a center of devotion not only for local fishing communities but also for the public and travelers seeking calm, faith, and a sense of history. When people think of the Kromluang Chumphon Shrine, the first image that comes to mind is the life-sized statue of the Prince in full naval dress, enshrined with dignity at the heart of the sanctuary, surrounded by offerings that signal profound devotion—such as neatly arranged red roses, cigarettes lit in the belief that they were his preference, and beverages presented alongside heartfelt prayers.

 

Looking back at history, Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak was a son of King Rama V. He played a pivotal role in laying the foundation of the Royal Thai Navy. He was determined to advance naval education and training, established the Naval Academy, and improved curricula in navigation and maritime tactics to a modern standard. A visionary, he understood the strategic importance of waterborne routes for national security and devoted himself to building a strong naval foundation that could meet the demands of a rapidly changing era.

 

What earned him the people’s love was not only his official service but also his simplicity, approachability, and closeness to ordinary folk. He visited coastal communities, listened to their problems, and directly helped those who faced dangers at sea. It is no surprise that he is affectionately called “Sadet Tia”—a name that reflects intimacy and heartfelt respect. As a result, shrines to Kromluang Chumphon were built across the country, especially along the coasts, to serve as spiritual anchors for sailors and fishers. The shrine by the Prasae River is among the most significant and renowned in the eastern region.

 

The atmosphere around the riverside shrine is serene and sacred. Upon entering, you notice the fragrance of incense in the air; chants and prayers mingle with the soft sound of the river flowing toward the sea. The place offers both tranquility and reverence at once. Visitors often bring red roses to place at the altar, light incense, and offer cigarettes in the belief they were favored by the Prince. These gestures are more than ritual; they connect devotion and gratitude from one generation to the next.

 

The annual celebration on December 19 further reflects the bond between people and this shrine. Every year, locals and visitors gather in large numbers for the ceremony, which features rituals of worship, folk beliefs, and distinctive cultural performances. The mood is both respectful and festive, making this one of the most vibrant, faith-filled days at the shrine.

 

Getting there is straightforward. From Sukhumvit Road at kilometer marker 278, turn into Pak Nam Prasae and continue about 10 kilometers to the shrine. Driving is convenient, but those without a car can take vans or buses on the Bangkok–Klaeng–Prasae route. The journey is not only easy—it’s also a chance to enjoy rural scenery and the feel of a fishing community that preserves traditional ways of life.

 

The area around the shrine is rich with places to visit: the quiet, old wooden-house quarter of Pak Nam Prasae; the Ban Prasae Mangrove Conservation Center where visitors can learn about ecosystems and walk boardwalks among mangroves; the HTMS Prasae Memorial—now a maritime history site—and Laem Son Beach, a long, peaceful shoreline perfect for relaxation. These can be woven into an itinerary that lets travelers experience devotion and nature together.

 

The shrine’s value lies not only in worship but also in symbolizing enduring faith passed down through generations. Fishers still pay respects and make offerings before heading out to sea, reflecting a life tied to the ocean and a devotion to “Sadet Tia.” Even in an age of advanced navigation and modern fisheries, this belief remains and has become part of the community’s identity that never fades.

 

Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine in Rayong is thus more than a tourist spot or a sacred site. It fuses devotion, history, and local ways of life. A visit is not only a quest for blessings—it’s a lesson in national history, an understanding of long-cherished faith, and a chance to touch the identity of a riverside fishing community along the Prasae that proudly keeps its traditions alive.

 

 

A: It is by the Prasae River in Pak Nam Prasae Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong, within a Royal Thai Navy area.

 

A: It enshrines a life-sized statue of Somdet Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, the “Father of the Thai Navy,” and serves as a spiritual anchor for fishers and the public.

 

A: Yes. The annual celebration is held on December 19 to honor the Prince’s benevolence.

 

A: Popular offerings include red roses, cigarettes, and beverages, symbols of enduring public devotion.

 

A: From Sukhumvit Road (KM 278), turn into Pak Nam Prasae and continue about 10 kilometers to the shrine.