In the heart of Samut Prakan, just outside Bangkok, stands a truly unforgettable landmark: the Erawan Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ช้างเอราวัณ). Famous for its gigantic three-headed elephant statue, this museum is not just a visual marvel—it’s a spiritual sanctuary, a cultural archive, and an architectural masterpiece all in one.
This blog will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting the Erawan Museum, from location and prayer rituals to transport options and nearby attractions.
📍 Location of Erawan Museum
- Address: 99/9 Moo 1, Sukhumvit Road, Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
- GPS Coordinates: [13.6302° N, 100.6018° E]
- Province: Samut Prakan (approximately 30–45 minutes from central Bangkok)
🕒 Opening Hours & Entry Fees
- Open daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee:
- Adults: 400 THB (foreigners)
- Children: 200 THB
- Thai residents: discounted rates with ID
- Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online.
🐘 The Iconic Three-Headed Elephant
The star attraction is the massive copper statue of the Hindu Airavata (Erawan) elephant, which weighs over 250 tons and stands 29 meters tall. This three-headed elephant rests on a circular pedestal that houses the museum’s main exhibition halls and shrines.
Inside the pedestal and the elephant itself, you’ll find three symbolic levels representing the Thai cosmological universe:
🛕 Exploring the Three Levels of the Museum
🌍 1. Suvarnabhumi (The Underworld – Basement Level)
- This level is dimly lit and calming.
- Contains rare religious antiques, ceramics, and ancient artifacts.
- Symbolizes the underground world and human origin.
🌈 2. Earthly Realm (Middle Level – Main Hall)
- Decorated in vibrant glass mosaics, with European-style columns.
- Represents Earth and everyday life.
- Features a shrine to Kuan Yin and other Buddhist and Hindu deities.
🌌 3. Tavatimsa Heaven (Top Level – Inside the Elephant’s Belly)
- Meant to represent the heavens—quiet, spiritual, and awe-inspiring.
- Located in the elephant’s head.
- Houses a glowing blue meditation chamber with relics and statues of the Buddha.
🙏 How to Pray at the Erawan Museum
The museum encourages respectful behavior and allows visitors to engage in cultural and religious rituals. Here’s how to pray like locals:
✨ Steps to Pray Respectfully:
- Dress modestly – No short skirts or sleeveless tops.
- Start at the shrine outside the museum under the elephant.
- Offer incense, candles, and lotus flowers.
- Pray to Ganesha (God of success) and Erawan (Airavata).
- Enter the museum and walk through each level clockwise.
- At the top heavenly level, sit quietly, meditate, or place your offerings at the Buddha shrine.
- Make a wish at the sacred points (marked by signage or floral offerings).
Offerings can be bought outside the museum or inside from designated kiosks.
🚆 How to Get to Erawan Museum from Bangkok
🚇 By BTS Skytrain
- Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Chang Erawan Station.
- From there, it’s a 5-minute walk or take a local taxi (30–50 THB).
🚕 By Taxi or Grab
- From central Bangkok: ~30–45 minutes
- Approximate cost: 200–300 THB depending on traffic
🚌 By Bus
- Bus lines: 511, 536, 145 stop nearby
- Not recommended for first-time tourists due to navigation difficulty
💡 Tip: BTS is the most convenient and reliable way to reach the museum.
🌟 Other Attractions Near the Erawan Museum
🏰 1. Ancient City (Muang Boran)
- A massive open-air museum showcasing scaled-down replicas of Thailand’s iconic monuments.
- Located just 15–20 minutes away from the Erawan Museum.
- Great for photos, bike rides, and cultural exploration.
🛍️ 2. Central Village Luxury Outlet
- High-end shopping destination just ~30 minutes away.
- Features international fashion brands and local designer outlets.
🐬 3. Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo
- One of the world’s largest crocodile farms.
- Fun for families, with daily animal shows and a freshwater aquarium.
🛳️ 4. Pak Nam Market & Ferry Pier
- A local riverside market with seafood and street snacks.
- Access point to catch a ferry to Phra Samut Chedi Pagoda.
📌 Important Tips for Visitors
- Best time to visit: Morning (less crowded) or late afternoon for softer lighting.
- Footwear: Remove shoes when entering inner shrine areas.
- Photography: Allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods may be restricted.
- Quiet zones: The upper level (inside the elephant’s head) is a meditation space—please be silent.
- Accessibility: Elevators available for those unable to use stairs.
The Erawan Museum is more than a photo spot—it’s a deeply spiritual, cultural, and artistic journey into Thai beliefs, cosmology, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned traveler, this place offers something unique: reflection, beauty, and connection.
From its massive elephant dome to its celestial shrines, it’s easy to see why Erawan Museum is one of Bangkok’s most iconic and unforgettable landmarks.
