Ten places where singles pay homage in search of love (Location 8: Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine)

     Another popular place where people pray for love is Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine, in Chonburi Province, a sacred site where a legend tells of the unrequited love story of a woman named Sam Muk and a young man named Saen. Legend has it that Saen’s father once tried to make him marry the lucky Mali, but instead he fell in love with Sam Muk and vowed that their relationship would last forever. In the event that they were unhappy in their partnership, they would commit suicide by jumping off this cliff. When Saen’s father knew this, he blocked him and hurried to arrange a wedding with Mali without Saen having the opportunity to tell Sam Muk the truth. Sam Muk’s heart was broken and she decided to leap to her death from the cliff. When Saen learned the news, his sorrow was so great that he also jumped, to follow the promise that he had made.

     Subsequently, the Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine was built as a memorial to both of them.

     Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine is a Chinese structure more than 100 years old, located in Khao Sam Muk, Saen Suk Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chonburi Province. Tourists worldwide come to pay homage and ask for blessings to receive fortune, good health, a better career, and true love, which is what most people come in search of.

     Most of the offerings are fruit and spring rolls. If anyone’s wishes come true, they come back to pay the vows with firecrackers or buy pearl necklaces to offer. Before setting out to go fishing, villagers in the vicinity often bring firecrackers to ask for help in making their living and avoid all dangers.

     Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine is also one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Chonburi and is home to many monkeys. The villagers believe that the monkeys are followers of Chao Mae Sam Muk. If someone bullies or captures a monkey, it often causes misfortune or illness, and troubles the whole family.

     In order to reach the Chao Mae Khao Sam Muk Shrine by car, you must first travel to Chonburi, then continue on to the town of Bangsaen, and finally follow the beach road that leads to Laem Thaen.