Phra Khanong, a district in Bangkok, is a place where modernity meets history. Amidst the bustling streets and towering buildings, there’s a tale that has haunted the area for centuries—a story of love so fierce, it defied death itself. This is the legend of Mae Nak Phra Khanong, a ghost whose undying devotion to her husband has become one of Thailand’s most enduring folklore.
It all began during the reign of King Rama IV. Nak, a beautiful and devoted wife, lived with her husband, Nai Maak, in a small village by the Phra Khanong canal. Their love was the kind poets wrote about—pure, unyielding, and full of promise. But fate had other plans. When Nai Maak was conscripted into the army and sent to war, Nak was left behind, pregnant and alone. Tragically, she died during childbirth, her soul unable to rest without her beloved husband by her side.
Image Source: Tripadvisor
When Nai Maak returned, he was overjoyed to find Nak and their newborn child waiting for him. Life seemed to return to normal, but strange occurrences began to unsettle the neighbors. Food in their home rotted overnight, and eerie whispers echoed through the village. One day, Nak dropped a lime while cooking and stretched her arm impossibly long to retrieve it. Terrified, Nai Maak realized the horrifying truth—his wife and child were ghosts.
Nai Maak fled in terror, seeking refuge in Wat Mahabut, a temple where Nak’s spirit could not follow. Enraged by his abandonment, Nak unleashed her wrath on the villagers, blaming them for driving her husband away. The chaos only ended when a powerful shaman captured her spirit and sealed it in an earthen jar, which was then thrown into the Phra Khanong canal. Yet, even confined, Nak’s love and rage refused to fade.
Image Source: Coconuts
Today, her shrine at Wat Mahabut stands as a testament to her story. Devotees visit to seek blessings, especially women praying for safe childbirth or husbands hoping to avoid military conscription. Offerings of cloth, fruit, and incense fill the shrine, while live fish are released into the canal as acts of merit. Mae Nak’s spirit is believed to linger, a haunting reminder of a love that transcended life and death.
Image Source: Tour Bangkok Legacies
The legend of Mae Nak is more than just a ghost story—it’s a reflection of love’s power, even in the face of tragedy. Her tale continues to captivate, reminding us that some bonds are too strong to be broken, even by death itself. If you ever find yourself in Phra Khanong, visit Wat Mahabut. Feel the weight of her story, and perhaps, you’ll sense her presence, still waiting for her beloved Nai Maak.
Image Source: Alamy
Horror Level:
4 / 5
References:
Wat Mahabut Temple (Mae Nak Shrine) – link
Mae Nak: Visiting the Weird & Wonderful Shrine Dedicated to Thailand’s Famous Ghost – link
Wat Mahabut – The Legend of Mae Nak – link
Mae Nak Shrine at Wat Mahabut – link
Mae Nak Phra Khanong: The Legend of Thailand’s Most Famous Ghost – link
Categories: Folklore, Ghost Stories, Ghost Stories, Travel
Tags: Bangkok, ghost stories, Mae Nak, Paranormal, Thai folklore, Wat Mahabut
Religion: Buddhism
Country of Origin: Thailand
Topic: Ghost Stories
Ethnicity: Thai
