Chao Mae Tuptim Shrine: Bangkok's fertility shrine

Updated on October 5, 2026

The Chao Mae Tuptim shrine, on Witthayu Road (Wireless Road) in Pathumwan, is a small place of worship dedicated to a female tree spirit, where people come to pray for children. Its many phallus-shaped offerings, in wood or stone, large and small, often wrapped in colourful ribbons, have made it known as the "phallus shrine"; but for Thais it is above all a place of prayer. It stood behind the former Swissôtel Nai Lert Park hotel, which closed at the end of 2016; today it is visited in the area of the Nai Lert Park Heritage Home, a little further down the road.

Highlights

The shrine under the trees

The central altar, surrounded by offerings, is sheltered by tall trees. According to tradition, the tree spirit, Chao Mae Tuptim, helps couples conceive; a spirit house is linked to Nai Lert, the merchant who had his residence built on the same site around 1915.

The phallus-shaped offerings

Worshippers leave lingams (symbols of fertility of the Hindu god Shiva) in exchange for the pregnancy they hope for. The coloured ribbons and cloths tied around them are typical of Thai shrines. You will also see incense, jasmine flowers and small bottles.

The Nai Lert Park Heritage Home

Next door, Nai Lert's restored 1915 house is open on a limited basis (Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 to 16:30 according to unofficial sources, with a paid guided tour); its garden is free. Check the hours before you go.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Entry is free and no official opening hours are published: visit during the day. This is a working place of worship: speak softly, do not touch the offerings, do not pose mockingly in front of the altar and ask before photographing worshippers. Casual clothes are fine, but avoid very short garments. If you want to leave an offering, vendors sell incense and flowers. The shrine is small: the visit takes 15 to 30 minutes. To go further, see the Erawan Shrine, another heavily visited place of prayer, near Chit Lom station.

How to get there

Witthayu Road (Wireless Road), Lumphini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330. Chit Lom or Ploenchit BTS station, then about 10 to 15 minutes on foot along Witthayu Road. You can also arrive by Saen Saep canal boat, at Witthayu pier: see our guide to the Saen Saep canal boat.