
Erawan Museum Bangkok
A breathtaking cultural landmark in Samut Prakan, famous for its colossal three-headed elephant statue and intricate Thai artistry.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Erawan Museum Bangkok
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking cultural landmark in Samut Prakan, famous for its colossal three-headed elephant statue and intricate Thai artistry.
"The Erawan Museum is a 'hidden gem' and 'definitely worth a visit' for its unique architecture and stunning details."

🎯 Take the BTS to Chang Erawan
It's the most convenient way to get there. A short walk or Grab from the station gets you to the museum.
💰 Check for Discounts
Foreigners pay 400 THB, but if you have a Thai work permit, you might get a discount. Ask at the ticket counter!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three-Headed Elephant
Exterior
An awe-inspiring, hand-carved masterpiece that dominates the skyline. A true symbol of the museum.

Inside the Elephant's Head
Interior
Ascend via stairs or lift to a breathtaking chapel adorned with celestial murals and intricate details.

The Museum Grounds
Exterior
Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and smaller structures that complement the main elephant statue.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Plan Your Journey
Tickets & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Take the BTS to Chang Erawan
It's the most convenient way to get there. A short walk or Grab from the station gets you to the museum.
💰 Check for Discounts
Foreigners pay 400 THB, but if you have a Thai work permit, you might get a discount. Ask at the ticket counter!
⬆️ Climb to the Chapel
The chapel inside the elephant's head is stunning. Take the staircase for a more fun experience!
☀️ Beat the Heat
Bangkok sun can be intense. Go early or late, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Take the BTS to Chang Erawan
It's the most convenient way to get there. A short walk or Grab from the station gets you to the museum.
💰 Check for Discounts
Foreigners pay 400 THB, but if you have a Thai work permit, you might get a discount. Ask at the ticket counter!
⬆️ Climb to the Chapel
The chapel inside the elephant's head is stunning. Take the staircase for a more fun experience!
☀️ Beat the Heat
Bangkok sun can be intense. Go early or late, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing.
📸 Capture the Pink
The entire museum is a vibrant pink. It's a photographer's dream, especially during golden hour.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Erawan Museum is consistently praised as a unique and breathtaking 'hidden gem' in Bangkok, largely due to its iconic three-headed elephant sculpture. Visitors are captivated by its intricate design, vibrant pink exterior, and the serene chapel within. While it requires a bit of travel from the city center, the experience is widely considered well worth the journey.
"Visiting The Erawan Museum in Samut Prakan felt like stepping into a magical fusion of art, history, and spirituality all wrapped inside a gigantic three-headed elephant. From the moment I saw the towering statue from afar, I was struck by the sheer scale and intricate artistry. Up close, every detail sparkled—the glass mosaics catching the sunlight in dazzling patterns that seemed almost alive.
Inside, the experience was surprisingly intimate and contemplative. The museum is designed with three symbolic floors that tell a story of the universe according to Thai lore. Walking through, I could feel a real sense of reverence and calm, especially in the upper floors housed inside the elephant’s heads where gilded relics and sacred artifacts are displayed. The craftmanship here is unlike anything I’ve seen—each corner filled with vibrant colors and intricate designs that invite you to slow down and appreciate the devotion behind the work.
What I loved most was how the museum combines a cultural lesson with a sensory experience—you hear the subtle sounds of bells, see golden statues bathed in natural light, and even get a glimpse of the founder’s vision in preserving Thai heritage. Yes, some parts were warm and less ventilated, but that just made it feel more authentic, like stepping into another era.
The grounds themselves are peaceful, perfect for a slow walk after taking in all the art inside. I also appreciated the practicalities: signs in English that explain the symbolism, and a small café nearby to reflect on the visit. If you are interested in something deeply Thai, beyond the usual tourist spots, The Erawan Museum is worth a half-day trip.
I left feeling both awestruck and grounded, carrying a richer understanding of Thai myths and artistry, wrapped in one unforgettable experience. It’s not just a museum; it’s a story told through stone, glass, and spirit that lingers with you long after visiting. If you appreciate cultural beauty and spiritual depth, add this to your itinerary. It’s a rare gem that feels genuinely heartfelt and inspiring."
Lucas Santana
"The place is clean, well-kept, the museum itself not big and not very interesting unless you have specific goals to pray which provided outside the museum, but still in the proximity (cause I saw quite many devoted pilgrimage here). You can get beautiful pictures here. The museum divided into 3 section, accessible by stairs (there's lift but only to go up, not down .. maybe for elderly/handicap visitor must request staff to operate the lift for going up & down, but no one near the lift to ask for). Plenty of toilet and clean. There's cafe and air-conditioned rest area here as well. The museum provide shuttle (tuk-tuk) to nearest BTS station with THB20/PAX but do not operate when it is raining."
Dia T
"A less popular tourist spot in Bangkok because it is a little further away from all the usual spots. But it's still a marvel of architecture. A brilliant museum that you can spend atleast half a day. Recommended to head there after lunch to avoid the heat and apparently the sunset is stunning. The gardens outside is just as magnificent as the three headed elephant. The middle floor had a lot of mythology that you can spend an hour or more reading if you're a mythology nerd. Thank goodness it's not as popular as the grand palace because it was a beautiful visit. The heat made the outside exploration more difficult but still worth it."
Leah Jacob
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the BTS Skytrain to the Chang Erawan station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk or a quick Grab ride to the museum. Some travelers have mentioned taking the Yellow line to Samrong and then transferring to the Sukhumvit line to Chang Erawan as an alternative route.
It takes about 30 minutes on the BTS from Asok to Chang Erawan station. After that, you'll have a short walk or can grab a ride.
Yes, it's about a half-mile walk from the Chang Erawan BTS station to the museum. However, given the Bangkok heat, many opt for a short Grab ride.
From Livotel at Hua Mak, you can take the BTS to Chang Erawan station. Alternatively, you could explore routes involving the Yellow line and then transferring to the Sukhumvit line.
Yes, Grab is readily available in Bangkok. You might experience a short wait for a Grab, especially during peak times or if you're arriving at a less busy hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The standard entry fee for foreigners is 400 THB. However, if you have a Thai work permit, you can often get a discounted rate. It's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter.
Yes, discounts are typically offered to individuals holding a Thai work permit. Be sure to have your permit with you when purchasing tickets.
While online booking options might exist, many visitors purchase tickets directly at the museum. The entry fee is clearly displayed, and staff can assist with any queries.
Your ticket grants you access to the entire museum complex, including the grounds and the interior of the three-headed elephant, which houses a chapel.
The museum is generally open daily from morning until early evening. It's advisable to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
It's most famous for its colossal, three-headed elephant statue, which is the largest hand-carved sculpture of its kind in the world. The museum also houses a significant collection of Thai art, culture, and religious artifacts.
Inside the elephant, you'll find a stunning, exquisite chapel. It's accessed via a beautiful curving staircase or a lift, offering a unique spiritual and artistic experience.
While it has strong cultural and religious significance, it's technically a museum. It's a breathtaking cultural landmark that showcases Thai heritage and artistry, rather than a traditional active temple.
Absolutely! Travelers consistently describe it as a 'hidden gem' and 'definitely worth a visit.' Its unique architecture and intricate details make it a standout attraction in Bangkok.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum and its grounds. This allows ample time to admire the elephant, explore the interior chapel, and appreciate the surrounding gardens.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of the museum, including the exterior of the elephant and the grounds. However, it's always best to check for any specific restrictions inside the chapel or exhibition rooms.
The late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful lighting that enhances the pink hues of the museum and the elephant. Early mornings are also great for fewer crowds and softer light.
The entire museum is incredibly photogenic! The massive three-headed elephant is the main subject, but the intricate details of the architecture and the vibrant pink color provide endless photo opportunities.
The exterior of the elephant, especially from different angles, is a must. The interior chapel with its celestial murals and the beautifully landscaped gardens also make for stunning shots.
For casual visitor photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on conducting a professional photoshoot, it's advisable to contact the museum administration in advance to inquire about their policies.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit