Erawan Shrine

The Erawan Shrine sits on the corner of the Ratchaprasong intersection, under the BTS skywalk and surrounded by malls. It houses a gilded statue of Phra Phrom, the Thai form of the Hindu god Brahma, and from early morning until late at night it is busy with people praying, making offerings and giving thanks.

It's small — you can see it in fifteen minutes — but it's one of the most vivid places in central Bangkok to see everyday religious life.

Why it's here

The shrine was built in 1956 during construction of the original Erawan Hotel, after a series of setbacks led to the advice that a shrine to Brahma would protect the site. The hotel took its name, Erawan, from the three-headed elephant ridden by the Hindu god Indra. The hotel was later replaced by the Grand Hyatt Erawan, but the shrine stayed — and it became one of the best-known shrines in the country.

Phra Phrom is the Thai form of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation. Thai Buddhism has long absorbed Hindu deities, so the people praying here are mostly Buddhists; nobody sees a contradiction.

The shrine was the site of a bomb attack in August 2015 that killed 20 people. It reopened within days, and there is a small memorial nearby.

What happens here

• Offerings: worshippers bring garlands of marigolds and jasmine, incense, candles and small wooden elephants, and walk around the statue praying at each of its four faces.
• Dancers: in one corner, a troupe of dancers in traditional costume performs with live musicians. The dances are paid for by worshippers — usually as thanks for a wish that came true — so performances happen throughout the day, whenever someone hires them, rather than as a scheduled show.
• Busiest times: evenings and weekends, and particularly on auspicious days.

Making an offering

If you'd like to take part, the stalls at the entrance sell offering sets.

1. Buy a set — usually incense sticks, a candle and a flower garland.
2. Light the candle and incense at the lighting stand.
3. Walk around the statue clockwise, stopping to pray at each of the four faces, starting at the front. Place some incense at each.
4. Leave the garland at the shrine. Staff regularly clear offerings so the space doesn't overflow.

Visiting respectfully

The shrine is free and open to everyone, roughly 6am to 11pm daily.

• You can buy an offering set from the stalls at the entrance if you want to take part; it's fine just to watch.
• Photography is generally accepted, but don't block worshippers or film people praying up close.
• Dress modestly. There is no strict dress code as at the big temples, but shorts and vests stand out.
• Don't climb on the railings or the statue.

Getting there

• BTS Chit Lom (Sukhumvit Line) — the skywalk from the station passes right above the shrine.
• BTS Ratchadamri (Silom Line) — a short walk south.

Nearby

The shrine is in the middle of Bangkok's main shopping district: CentralWorld, Gaysorn and the Siam malls are all within a few minutes' walk along the skywalk. There are several other shrines around the Ratchaprasong intersection too, each attached to a different mall or hotel.

• Siam, BangkokSiam is the centre of modern Bangkok and the point where the city's two BTS lines meet. It is convenient rather than characterful — which, for a first trip, is often exactly right.
• Best Things to Do in BangkokThirty-plus experiences, grouped the way you will actually plan them: by what they are and where they are. Each one says who it suits, how long it takes and what to pair it with.