Nathon · Cultural Sites
Nathon Hainan Shrine
Hainan Temple
The old Chinese shrine of Nathon, Koh Samui's capital, built by 19th-century Hainanese immigrants. Red-and-gold facade with golden lion statues, dedicated to Jao Mae Tubtim (Mazu), Goddess of the Sea. Free entry; centre of the island's Chinese New Year celebrations.
- Free
- Nathon
- under an hour
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Walk from the ferry pier: cross the seafront road, go one block inland, turn right and look for the red facade.
- Combine with Nathon's local markets and old shophouses.
- If visiting during Chinese New Year, expect firecrackers and crowds - festive but loud.
The story
The Nathon Hainan Shrine is a small but historically important Chinese shrine in the centre of Nathon, Koh Samui's capital and ferry port, a short walk from the piers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, immigrants from Hainan island, China, settled in Nathon because its deep-water harbour could receive trading ships, and they made the town the island's first commercial centre. The shrine was built as their spiritual home, a place to honour ancestors and pray for protection before dangerous sea journeys.
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Its primary deity is Jao Mae Tubtim - the Goddess of the Sea, also known as Mazu - the protector of sailors and travellers. The shrine is easy to spot: a bright red and gold facade guarded by golden lion statues, one street back from the seafront road. It remains the heart of the local Chinese-Thai community, and during Chinese New Year it becomes the centre of island celebrations with lion dances, firecrackers and community feasts.
For visitors it offers a glimpse of the 'old Samui' that existed long before tourism. Entry is free; small donations help the community maintain the artwork. Note: this is a different, older and smaller shrine than the Guan Yu Shrine at Hua Thanon in the south.
Good to know
- Generally open in daylight hours.
- Free
- under an hour
- Daytime for a quiet look; Chinese New Year (January/February) for lion dances and festivities.
- Hardly affected by weather
- Family friendly: Yes
- Good for couples: Yes
Plan a visit
Free route: you go by your own scooter, car or on foot and we work out the order. Private tour: a local driver picks you up and takes you.
Checked 25 Sept 2026 · 4 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 4 other references and local research.
