🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
The Kromluang Chumphon Shrine is a memorial to Admiral His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, who laid the foundations of the modern Royal Thai Navy and is honored as the Father of the Thai Navy. That legacy is also where the name Sadet Tia comes from — the affectionate, respectful name sailors gave him. Sai Ree Beach is where he passed away, so the people of Chumphon built the shrine right here for everyone to come and pay respects — not just navy sailors, but ordinary visitors who travel here from all over the country.
Something many people don't know is that, beyond his naval work, he also studied traditional Thai medicine until he could genuinely treat the sick, and he tended to villagers under the name Mor Phon (Doctor Phon) without charging a baht. That's why the belief in praying here for good health is tied to a real part of his life, rather than being something made up.
Highlight: the HTMS Phra Ruang replica warship
What makes the Kromluang Chumphon Shrine stand out from other shrines is that it sits on a large replica of the warship HTMS Phra Ruang, its bow facing out over the waters of Sai Ree Bay. HTMS Phra Ruang was the very ship that Kromluang Chumphon personally sailed back from England, so building this replica here means more than just decoration. Walk up onto the ship and you'll get an open view across the bay with a cool sea breeze — it's the spot where people tend to linger and take photos longer than anywhere else.
- The shrine on the ship — climb up to pay your respects to Sadet Tia at the top, with the sea spread out in front of you
- Bow pointing seaward — the most popular photo angle, especially in the morning and evening when the light is soft
- The deck around the ship — walk the whole way around, with shaded spots to sit and views down the long sweep of Sai Ree Beach
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What can you pray for here?
Most people who come to pay respects to Sadet Tia pray about their careers, promotions, exams and studies. People in government service, the military and the police, or anyone preparing for entrance exams to various agencies, especially come to ask for advancement. Health is another blessing people often ask for, since it's tied to his past as Mor Phon, the doctor who healed people. On top of that, sailors and anyone who travels by sea often come to ask for safe journeys on the water.
To be honest, how much you believe in all this comes down to the individual — but the atmosphere here leaves most visitors feeling calm and genuinely intent on their prayers, rather than just passing through.
Offerings and how to pay respects
The offerings people like to give Sadet Tia have a distinct character. If you haven't brought any, there are stalls selling offerings near the path up to the shrine, so it's easy to buy them on the spot.
- Red roses — the flower people offer Sadet Tia most of all; you can buy them right in front of the shrine
- Jasmine garlands — fresh garlands to hang as part of paying respects
- Betel nut and cigarettes — traditional offerings that people bring to him according to old beliefs
- Incense and candles — lit at the points the shrine has set aside for it
- Firecrackers — some people set off firecrackers as an offering when fulfilling a vow or when a wish has come true
How to pay your respects properly
Dress modestly, as this is a sacred place that people hold in high regard. Settle your mind before you say your prayer, and state your full name and exactly what you're asking for clearly. If you intend to fulfill a vow, say so when you make the wish — mention what you'll bring back as an offering, so you can return and do it right. And please help keep the area around the shrine clean.
Opening hours, entry fee and the best time to go
- Opening hours — daily, roughly 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
- Entry fee — free, no admission charge
- Best time — morning (8:00–10:00 AM) when it's still cool and quiet, or late afternoon when the sun softens and the sea-and-ship view looks its best
- Avoid the peak — Saturdays, Sundays and long weekends get busy, especially around midday when the sun is harsh and the car park fills up fast
Every year, 19 May marks the anniversary of Kromluang Chumphon's passing, and especially large crowds come to pay respects. If your visit falls around then, allow extra time and expect it to be busier than usual.
Getting to the Kromluang Chumphon Shrine
The shrine is in Hat Sai Ree subdistrict, Mueang Chumphon, about 20 km from Chumphon town. Drive along Highway 4001 toward Sai Ree Beach; it takes around 30–40 minutes. The road is easy to drive, with clear signs along the way.
- Private car / rental car — the most convenient option, with parking by the shrine; ideal for pairing with Sai Ree Beach and Pak Nam in one day
- Rented motorbike — easy to rent in town, the route isn't complicated, good for solo travelers or couples
- Chartered car / taxi — if you're not driving, you can charter a car from town for the round trip; agree on the price before you set off
- Pair it with Pak Nam Chumphon — on the way up to the shrine you'll pass through the Pak Nam area with its seafood restaurants, perfect for a lunch stop
What else is worth doing nearby
Sai Ree Beach
A white-sand beach with clear water right next to the shrine — easy for a stroll along the shore, photos, or relaxing at a beachfront restaurant. A natural follow-on after you've finished at the shrine.
On the wayPak Nam Chumphon
A harbor district full of seafood restaurants that sits along the route — stop for fresh seafood, or catch a boat out to the islands.
Where to eatSeaside seafood restaurants
Both the Pak Nam area and Sai Ree Beach have seafood restaurants where locals actually eat — known for sour curry with crab roe and grilled prawns.
Plan to make the trip worth it
Since the shrine is about 20 km out of town, it's best to do this whole zone in one go: head up to the shrine in the morning while it's still quiet, follow it with a walk along Sai Ree Beach, then finish with a seafood meal in the Pak Nam area on the way back. That way you avoid driving in and out of town several times.
Plan your whole Chumphon trip the easy way
See the Chumphon travel guide →