A small Chinese shrine where locals honk for good luck on Patong Hill
Pun Tuao Kong Shrine (San Chao Phra Pun Tao Kong) is a small Chinese shrine sitting quietly on the edge of the road at the top of Patong Hill. Many people drive past it without noticing, but locals know it well. As they go up or down the hill between Patong Beach and Phuket Town, they often honk their horns as they pass. Itโs a habit more than a ruleโa quick way to show respect and ask for safe travels.
The shrine was built around 1980 by members of Phuketโs Chinese community. Back then, tin mining was still active, and many Chinese families were working in the area. Like many shrines on the island, this one is dedicated to a guardian spirit known as Pun Tao Kong. Heโs not as widely known as the big Chinese gods, but for those who live nearby, heโs a protector, especially for drivers and travellers.
Itโs not a big place. The building is small, with just enough space for a few people to light incense and leave offerings. The design is typical of a Hokkien Chinese shrine, with red lanterns, gold decorations, and stone figures standing outside. The atmosphere is quiet, and people come and go quickly. Thereโs no parking area, so most visitors stop for just a minute or two.
Weโve passed this shrine many times over the years, and it still catches our attention. Not because of how it looks, but because of the way people treat it. Taxi drivers, local workers, and even tourists in rental cars sometimes give a short honk as they pass. Itโs not something anyone tells you to doโitโs just something people here grow up with.
During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival or other Chinese holidays, you might see more activity. Families sometimes bring food, candles, or joss sticks. But most days, the shrine remains quiet. Thereโs no staff, no souvenir stalls, and nothing commercial about it. It simply sits there, looking over the road like it has for decades.
If youโre driving over the hill, you might not feel the need to stopโbut itโs worth knowing why people honk their horns at that curve. Itโs not impatience or a traffic warning. Itโs a habit rooted in belief and local custom. Just a small part of everyday life in Phuket, easy to miss but still meaningful to those who know itโs there.
For those wishing to make offerings to the Tiger God, please follow these guidelines (per person, per time):
- Oranges or tangerines (no more than 3 kg or about 1 tray)
- Apples or similar fruits (no more than 3 kg, all types combined)
- Chicken or duck (no more than 3 kg or about 3 pieces)
- Do not bring pork, as it is not suitable for offerings at this shrine.
- Please refrain from bringing other items or foods that are not mentioned above.
If you have any questions, please ask the staff. The staff are volunteers and do not charge any fees. If someone asks you for money, please inform the staff immediately.
Pun Tao Kong Shrine Photos
Pun Tao Kong Shrine Info
Location: near Patong Beach
Address: XXX
Hours: 11 am โ 10 pm
Phone: XXX
Facebook: Click here
Pun Tao Kong Shrine Map
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