ERAWAN SHRINE

Nestled in the heart of Bangkok's bustling Ratchaprasong, the Erawan Shrine is a symbol of serenity. Here you can find the golden Phra Phrom statue, which pays tribute to the Hindu god Brahma. It is a quiet place amidst the city's hustle and bustle. The shrine also attracts both locals and tourists, who offer their prayers and seek blessings here. Its vibrant surroundings contrast the tranquillity and spiritual allure within, making it a remarkable attraction to explore.

The Erawan Shrine sits in the heart of Bangkok and is essential to visit on any Thailand trip, which is a symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. It is located at the Ratchaprasong intersection near luxurious shopping malls and markets. This sacred shrine is dedicated to Phra Phrom, the Thai form of Lord Brahma who is the Hindu god of creation. You can still see evident influences of Thai and Hindu cultures in its design and representation.

The golden statue of the four-faced Brahma, known as Phra Phrom in Thai, is the main attraction here. The shrine as well as the statue stand out for its intricate Thai and Hindu architectural designs, making it a fascinating spot for both devout visitors and curious tourists. It is surrounded by vibrant offerings and traditional Thai dancers performing in gratitude for their answered prayers.

This shrine was built back in 1956 because of facing problems while building the Erawan Hotel. It was thought to bring good luck and get rid of bad spirits. Despite being hit by a bomb in 2015, it is still a key spot for both locals and visitors. They come to ask for blessings, enjoy a peaceful break from the busy city, and gain insight into the Thai culture and traditions. The Erawan Shrine shows how faith is a big part of life in Bangkok and gives everyone a peek into Thailand's spiritual side.

Highlights

• Explore the Erawan Shrine, which displays the blend of Thai culture with Hindu influences.
• Witness traditional Thai dance performances, which symbolise thanking the gods for granting the wishes of the devotees.
• Admire the four-faced statue of Phra Phrom, the adaptation of the Hindu god of creation that represents different aspects of life and fortune.
• Experience the local tradition of making merit with garlands, symbolising prayers, and hopes.
• Learn about the shrine's enduring legacy, a symbol of strength and faith, right from its 1956 construction to the 2015 bombing.

How To Reach

1. By Air: The nearest major airport to the Erawan Shrine is Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok), located approximately 33.3 kilometres away. Once you arrive at the airport, you can opt for a taxi directly to the shrine, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

2. By BTS Skytrain: The BTS Skytrain offers the most straightforward route to the Erawan Shrine. From any location within the city, board the Sukhumvit Line and get off at Chit Lom Station (E1), Exit 2. It is 2.7 kilometres away from the shrine. From there, walk on the BTS Skywalk for around 15 minutes, and you will be able to reach the shrine. You can also get off at the Siam Station, which is 550 metres away from Erawan Shrine. From there, the shrine is a mere 2 to 5-minute walk away.

3. By Road: For those opting to drive or take a taxi, the shrine is accessible via Ratchadamri Road. From central Bangkok, you can expect a journey of 15 to 30 minutes. The total distance from the city centre to the shrine is 5.5 kilometres. 

4. By Bus: Bangkok’s public bus system also offers routes that pass near the Erawan Shrine. Several bus lines, including 15, 40, 48, 54, and 187, have stops within walking distance of the shrine. The time taken to reach depends on your starting location and traffic conditions. However, you can expect the journey to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour if you are coming from other parts of Bangkok.

5. By Walk: If you are staying in a hotel or accommodation near the Siam Square or Chidlom area, walking to the Erawan Shrine is a pleasant option. It is a great way to see the bustling city life of Bangkok up close. A walk from these areas takes anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your location.

Best Time To Visit

Erawan Shrine is a great place to visit any time of the year, with its spiritual and cultural offerings blessing the tourists all year round. The best time to visit Erawan Shrine is during the early morning hours, at around 06:00 a.m. The shrine is less crowded during these early hours, allowing for a more personal and peaceful experience.

Other Essential Information

1. Visit early morning or late evening to avoid crowds and experience a serene atmosphere.

2. Dress modestly and cover your knees and shoulders to respect the shrine's spiritual significance.

3. Remove shoes before praying, showing respect and humility towards this sacred site.

4. You can present things like flowers, incense, and candles before the statue as they signify respect and offerings for spiritual blessings.

5. Try visiting on Thursdays after 07:00 p.m., which are considered to be good times for prayers according to Thai traditions.

6. Capture the moment without disrupting others' visits and click pictures only outside the main shrine area.

7. Honour the customs by not consuming food or drinks within the shrine's premises.