Information
Landmark: Erawan ShrineCity: Bangkok
Country: Thailand
Continent: Asia
Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand, Asia
Overview
In the heart of Bangkok, the Erawan Shrine draws crowds daily, its golden statue gleaming in the sun as one of the city’s most beloved and respected sacred sites, equally important in the busy Ratchaprasong district, just steps from CentralWorld’s glass towers and Gaysorn Village’s polished marble floors, the shrine honors Phra Phrom, Thailand’s form of the Hindu god Brahma.Locals and tourists flock here, hoping for blessings of luck, success, and safety, some pausing to light incense that curls into the warm air, on top of that the Erawan Shrine was built in 1956, after a string of mishaps disrupted work on the nearby Erawan Hotel-now the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok-including scaffolding collapsing in the humid Bangkok heat.Astrologers advised putting up a shrine to Phra Phrom, hoping its golden figure would keep misfortune and gloomy spirits at bay, what’s more the shrine soon grew into a revered spiritual haven, drawing worshippers from across Thailand and even distant shores.In 2006, vandals smashed the original statue, but within days a perfect replica stood in its venue, as well as the shrine holds a golden, four-faced Phra Phrom statue, each face representing one of the four divine virtues-Metta (Compassion), Karuna (Kindness), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy), and Upekkha (Equanimity).It rests beneath an elegant pavilion, where the air is scented with incense and dazzling marigolds spill from baskets beside flickering candles, not only that many devotees buy luminous yellow marigold garlands, their petals warm and fragrant, believed to bring good luck.Visitors stop at each of Phra Phrom’s four faces, bowing in turn as they lay flowers, light candles, and let thin ribbons of incense smoke curl into the air, while some worshippers arrive carrying petite wooden elephants, a heartfelt gift to thank the spirits for wishes that came true.At the shrine, it’s common to spot graceful Thai dancers in radiant silk costumes, hired by worshippers to thank the deity for answered prayers, therefore business owners and everyday people alike come to the shrine, hoping for prosperity, a thriving career, and peace of mind, sometimes pausing to breathe in the faint scent of incense curling through the air, occasionally Visitor information: we’re open every day from 6:00 in the morning until 10:00 at night, when the lights click off, after that admission’s free, but you’ll need to chip in if you want to leave an offering or hire dancers-think of it like dropping a few coins in a drum.It’s on the corner of Ratchadamri and Ploenchit roads, just a short stroll from the Chit Lom BTS station where you can hear the trains humming overhead, meanwhile the best time to go is early morning, when the air’s still cool, or late evening, after the crowds have gone.CentralWorld, one of Thailand’s biggest shopping malls, sits right across the street, its glass front catching the afternoon sun, after that gaysorn Village is a sleek luxury mall where you can browse high-end fashion and lifestyle brands, from soft silk dresses to polished leather shoes.Siam Paragon and MBK Center are major shopping spots, just a short meander apart, with radiant window displays pulling you in from the street, meanwhile in the heart of Bangkok, the Erawan Shrine draws worshippers with its golden Brahma statue, blending Thai spiritual traditions with Hindu roots.Whether you come to pray, soak in the culture, or just satisfy your curiosity, this landmark-its stone steps warm in the afternoon sun-remains one of the city’s must‑witness sights.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-09-15
