Sang Tham Shrine: A Hidden Heritage in Phuket Old Town
There are places in Phuket Old Town that reveal themselves slowly. Sang Tham Shrine, also known as the Shrine of the Serene Light or Teng Kong Tong, is one of them.
Tucked away behind a small entrance connected to the historic fabric of Phuket Old Town, the shrine offers a quieter side of the city—one where architecture, faith and family history have remained closely intertwined for more than a century.
Built in 1891, during the reign of King Rama V, Sang Tham Shrine was originally known as Sin Jia Geng. It was established by descendants of the Tan Luan Jae family, a Hokkien Chinese family whose history was closely connected with Phuket. The shrine was created as a sacred place to worship the deities revered by the family and as a gathering place for relatives and members of the community. Historical records also recognise the important support of Luang Amnart Nararak (Tan Kuad), a senior government official of the period. Wheres Baldo
What makes Sang Tham Shrine particularly fascinating is its architecture. Unlike the colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses that define much of Phuket Old Town, the shrine is a compact, single-storey structure influenced by traditional Hokkien Chinese architecture. Its terracotta-tiled roof is decorated with elaborate dragons and auspicious figures, while intricate details, carved elements and historic murals reveal the craftsmanship and beliefs of the community that built it.
The shrine has also experienced periods of restoration and conservation. It received an Architectural Conservation Award from the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in 1997, recognising its cultural and architectural value. A major renovation was subsequently carried out, with the shrine continuing to be preserved as a living place of worship rather than simply a historic monument.
Perhaps the most charming part of visiting Sang Tham Shrine is the journey itself. Its entrance was once so discreet that the shrine could easily be missed while walking through Phuket Old Town. Today, that sense of discovery remains part of its character.
And this little passage has another story to tell.
The small entrance leading toward the shrine is also connected to the buildings of VELA Phuket Old Town, creating an unexpected meeting point between Phuket’s heritage and contemporary urban life. One moment you are walking through the everyday atmosphere of VELA; a few steps later, the city seems to slow down as the ornate roof, dragons, lanterns and quiet interior of Sang Tham Shrine come into view.
After exploring the shrine, take a moment to return through the passage and enjoy something a little lighter at Meltory. A refreshing ice cream makes a simple companion to a walk through Phuket Old Town—especially after spending time beneath the tropical afternoon sun.
This is perhaps what makes the area around VELA so distinctive: history does not sit separately from contemporary life. They exist side by side.
From a century-old Chinese shrine and the traditions of Phuket’s Chinese-Thai community to modern shops, food and lifestyle experiences, this small corner of Phuket Old Town offers a glimpse of the city through different generations.
During the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, Sang Tham Shrine becomes even more closely connected to Phuket’s living cultural heritage, as religious traditions and community activities bring the historic streets back to life.
For visitors exploring Phuket Old Town, Sang Tham Shrine is more than a hidden attraction. It is a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful stories are found just beyond a small doorway.
Discover the heritage. Walk through the old town. Then take a refreshing pause at VELA Phuket Old Town.
