Erawan Shrine (Thao Maha Phrom)
8.5Friend Score / 10#3 of 19 Attractions in Bangkok
Known forerawan shrinefour-faced buddhabrahmaphra phrom
An open-air Hindu shrine to Thao Maha Phrom (Brahma) at the Ratchaprasong intersection — one of Bangkok's most genuinely revered spots, where locals commission live Thai classical dancers to fulfill vows. Free, open 6am–10pm, and right under the BTS skywalk. Real worship happens here amid the mall chaos; be respectful, not a spectacle-hunter.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 06:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | BTS Chit Lom (skywalk connects directly); BTS Siam is a short walk |
| Time needed | 20–30 minutes |
| Best time to go | Early morning for calm, or evening when incense and candlelight peak; weekdays are quieter |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.5/10- Value9.5
- iconic7.0
- Freshness9.2
- Crowd level4.5
- Authenticity9.0
- Accessibility9.5
Frequently asked questions
- How long do I need at the Erawan Shrine?
- It's a small corner plot — 20 to 30 minutes covers it, including watching the dancers if they're performing. It pairs naturally with shopping at CentralWorld or Gaysorn next door, or the other Ratchaprasong shrines within a five-minute walk.
- Can I take photos at the Erawan Shrine?
- Yes, photography is allowed, but be discreet — people around you are genuinely praying, sometimes tearfully. Don't point your camera in worshippers' faces, don't block the circumambulation path, and skip the tripod.
- What is the Erawan Shrine and why is it famous?
- It's a shrine to Thao Maha Phrom, the Thai form of the four-faced Hindu god Brahma, built in 1956 to counter bad luck during the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel's construction. Word spread that wishes made here come true, and it's been one of Bangkok's busiest worship spots ever since — for locals far more than tourists.
- When can I see the Thai dancers at Erawan Shrine?
- The resident dance troupe performs throughout the day whenever a worshipper commissions a performance to thank the god for a fulfilled vow — so there's no fixed schedule, but afternoons and early evenings are your best bet. It's live piphat music and full traditional costume, and it's genuinely moving.
- How do I pray at the Erawan Shrine properly?
- Worshippers circle clockwise and make offerings at all four faces of Brahma, each associated with different blessings — career, relationships, wealth, and wisdom. Light incense, place your garland, and wai (palms together, slight bow) at each face. Nobody expects perfection from visitors; sincerity and quiet respect are what matter.
- Is the Erawan Shrine free to visit?
- Yes, completely free and open daily 6am to 10pm. If you want to make an offering, vendors at the shrine sell incense, candles, and marigold garlands for a small sum — buy there rather than bringing your own.
- Is the Erawan Shrine safe to visit?
- Yes. The area is heavily trafficked and well-monitored — it's the heart of Bangkok's main shopping district. As anywhere crowded in Bangkok, watch your bag and ignore anyone offering to escort you to a 'better' temple or gem shop.
- Are there other shrines near Erawan?
- Yes — Ratchaprasong is a whole shrine circuit. Trimurti and Ganesha shrines sit outside CentralWorld (Trimurti draws people praying for love, especially Thursday nights), and Lakshmi and Indra shrines are nearby too. You can do the whole loop via the skywalk in under an hour.
Nearby in Ask Bangkok
- Paste BangkokRestaurant0.11 km · 1 min walk
- Brave RoastersCafé0.97 km · 12 min walk
- Talad Neon (Pratunam Night Market)Market1.03 km · 13 min walk
- Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)Museum1.13 km · 14 min walk
- Jim Thompson House MuseumMuseum1.42 km · 18 min walk
Where to stay near Erawan Shrine (Thao Maha Phrom)
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