Located on the popular Thalang Road in the heart of Phuket Old Town, the Hainan Shrine is more than just a place of worship. Built in 1910, this beautiful shrine has been a cultural and spiritual centre for over a century, especially for the Hainanese community in Phuket.
Housed in a striking red Sino-Colonial shophouse (known locally as “Tiem Chu”), the shrine stands out with its vibrant colour, symbolizing good fortune. Step inside, and you’ll be surrounded by antiques that reflect the rich heritage of Hainanese culture — from the ornate altar table to the revered statue of the Goddess of the Sea.
The shrine’s history is fascinating. Over 180 first-generation Hainanese immigrants pooled their resources to purchase the building, originally intended as a shelter for new arrivals from China. As one of the shrine’s caretakers explained, “The first generation came with just a mat — they had nothing. This shrine was their refuge.”
As the Hainanese community grew and prospered, they renovated the shrine, turning it into a centre of faith. Today, it’s a peaceful haven where locals gather to pay respects to the Goddess of Mercy. Every November, the shrine celebrates the Goddess’s birthday with a unique goat worship ceremony, where the goats are cooked and shared with attendees after the rituals.
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Phuket 101
Phuket 101 Blog shares 30 years of Phuket exploration and thousands of photos, tips and secrets. This travel guide is written from our real experiences: we tried and visited every place, and we paid for almost everything, which allows us to keep our honest opinions. Phuket 101 was born in January 2011.View Author posts
