Erawan Shrine Bangkok

Built in 1956 to ensure prosperity during the Erawan Hotel's construction, the shrine houses a golden four-faced Phra Phrom statue symbolising blessings for career (front), wealth (right), love (back), and health (left).  The first Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, is also known as Phra Phrom Shrine or Zlatý Chrám.  It houses a golden four-faced statue of Phra Phrom, symbolising loving-kindness, compassion, sympathy, and impartiality.

The offering and worship at the shrine go on all day, and the deities are paid their respect through the presentation of garlands, candles, incense, and wooden elephants by the locals, monks, and tourists. Also, it is an occasion for Thai traditional dance performers to perform as the offering and the blessing coincide.  The shrine was rebuilt after a tragic 2015 incident and continues to operate with security measures in place.

Fun Fact: The shrine received large quantities of flower garlands, which were collected daily and respectfully recycled.

Read more: Bangkok Travel guide

• Four-Faced Brahma Statue: A powerful spiritual symbol worshipped by millions.
• Traditional Thai Dance Performances: Cultural offerings performed to honour answered prayers.
• Daily Rituals: Worshippers offer incense, garlands, candles, and wooden elephants as part of Brahmanical rituals conducted by shrine caretakers.
• Central Location: Surrounded by Bangkok’s premium shopping and lifestyle district.
• Peaceful Ambience: A calm spiritual escape amidst the energy of central Bangkok.

• Location: Situated at one of the busiest intersections in Bangkok, the shrine sits beside the Erawan Hotel and faces the Ratchaprasong district — making it one of the most accessible and iconic city attractions.
• Suggested Visit Duration: 15–45 minutes, depending on offerings, prayers, or watching performances.

• CentralWorld – One of Asia’s largest lifestyle malls
• Gaysorn Village – Luxury shopping and café hub
• Big C Supercenter – Popular for souvenirs and food items
• Siam Paragon & Siam Discovery – Stylish malls just one BTS stop away
• Ratchaprasong Skywalk – A scenic walkway connecting major landmarks

Travel Tip: Combine your shrine visit with a shopping and dining experience along the Ratchaprasong Skywalk for a full cultural + modern Bangkok day.

1. Make Offerings to Phra Phrom: Purchase incense, candles, flowers, and wooden elephants from the official offering stalls. Each item carries a symbolic spiritual meaning. Visitors walk around the statue offering prayers to each of the four faces for different blessings.

2. Watch Traditional Thai Dance Performances: The shrine has live classical Thai dance performances several times a day. These shows are often sponsored by locals who make vows to thank the deity after prayers are answered.

3. Experience Local Spiritual Culture Up Close: Visitors can observe long-standing Thai-Brahman traditions that continue daily at the shrine.

4. Capture the Atmosphere Through Photography: The shrine offers excellent photography opportunities, from the golden statue to the dancers and flourishing garlands, but it is always respectful to communicate with worshippers.

5. Explore the Surrounding Lifestyle District: When you finish at the shrine, go to the nearby first-rate shopping centres, coffee shops, and street vendors.
Read more: Top Things to do in Bangkok

• Morning (7 AM–10 AM): calm, cooler weather, fewer crowds.
• Afternoon: Busy but culturally vibrant with constant visitors.
• Evening (6 PM–9 PM): Cooler and beautifully lit — perfect for photography.
• Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends and public holidays.
• Peak Season: November–February offers the best weather for outdoor sightseeing in Bangkok.

Tips: Avoid the 5-7 PM weekday rush for calmer vibes.

• BTS Skytrain: Get down at Chit Lom or Siam Station and walk using the connected skywalk.
• Taxi / Tuk-Tuk: Easily accessible from anywhere in central Bangkok.
• On Foot: Walkable from many popular shopping districts in the area.

• Dress modestly out of respect for the holy site (shoulders and knees covered preferred).
• Photography is allowed, but avoid obstructing worshippers.
• Avoid bringing outside food — this is a sacred space.
• Buy offerings only from official shrine counters.
• If you’d like a Thai dance performance fulfilled for your blessing, you can request it at the counter.
• Early morning visits offer a peaceful spiritual environment.

• Street Food Stalls: Authentic Thai snacks and fresh fruit nearby.
• Mall Food Courts: CentralWorld and Gaysorn Village have excellent Thai and international choices.
• Cafés: Trendy cafés line the area, perfect for coffee and cakes.
• Fine Dining: The Ratchaprasong district also features upscale dining experiences.

Morning Visit:

• Arrive at 8 AM for a peaceful shrine experience
• Make offerings and watch a live blessing dance performance
• Walk to CentralWorld for breakfast

Afternoon Combo:

• Explore nearby malls (Gaysorn / Paragon)
• Enjoy Thai lunch at a local restaurant
• Shop or relax at a café

Evening Visit:

• Return for evening prayers and beautifully lit photography
• Take a stroll along the Ratchaprasong Skywalk for city views

• It’s one of Bangkok’s most significant urban spiritual landmarks.
• Offers an authentic glimpse into Thai religious rituals and traditions.
• Easily accessible and ideal for a short yet meaningful cultural stop.
• Located in the heart of Bangkok’s premier lifestyle district, perfect for combining culture and city exploration.

Erawan Shrine Bangkok remains one of the city’s most meaningful cultural landmarks, offering visitors a place to seek blessings, experience traditional rituals, or simply pause for a moment of peace amid the city’s fast pace. Its accessibility and spiritual significance make it a popular stop included in many Bangkok tour packages, ensuring travellers get a blend of culture, devotion, and authentic local experiences. Whether you visit for faith or curiosity, the shrine leaves a lasting impression on every traveller.