What is the Erawan Museum?
A huge bronze sculpture of Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology, about 29 m tall and standing on a pink building that houses a museum of antiques. Inside the elephant's belly is a shrine. The middle floor, with its stained-glass ceiling and spiral staircases, is the most photographed space. It was created by Thai art collector Lek Viriyaphant, who also founded the Ancient City (Muang Boran).
Tickets
Prices quoted by different sources vary (some older guides list ฿400), so check at the gate or online. Resellers may include transport.
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How busy is it?
Crowds by day and time
From the typical weekly visitor pattern for The Erawan Museum, based on Google’s popular-times data.
Least busy time
Monday, 9-11 am
Busiest time
Sunday, 9 am-6 pm
Tips
- Dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered. Sarongs may be available.
- Photography may be restricted in the shrine inside the elephant.
- Explore the gardens: they're peaceful and often overlooked.
- Combine with the Ancient City (Muang Boran), by the same founder, further along the BTS line.
Getting there
Take the BTS Sukhumvit Line to Chang Erawan station, then a short walk. It's about 45 minutes from central Bangkok.
What to see
The Erawan Museum, in Samut Prakan on Bangkok's southern edge, is built inside a giant bronze sculpture of Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology. The statue, about 29 m tall and weighing around 250 tonnes, stands on a pedestal shaped like a dome.
The basement
The underworld level displays the founder's collection of antiques: Chinese porcelain, Ming and Qing ceramics, and Thai artefacts.
The middle floor
The earth level is the highlight: a dazzling round hall with a stained-glass ceiling showing a map of the world, intricate stucco, painted columns and a winding staircase.
Inside the elephant
A spiral staircase leads up through the elephant's leg to a dark, shrine-like room in its belly, with Buddha images, representing heaven.
The gardens
Gardens with mythological statues, ponds and lotus plants surround the building.
History
The museum was created by Lek Viriyaphant, a Thai businessman and collector who also founded the Ancient City (Muang Boran) and the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. He wanted a place to house his collection and preserve Thai heritage. Building took years, and the museum opened in 2003.
Combining it with the Ancient City
The Ancient City (Muang Boran), created by the same founder, is about 30 minutes away by taxi. It's a huge open-air park with replicas of Thailand's temples and palaces, best explored by bicycle or golf cart. Together they make a full day out of central Bangkok. Leave in the morning to avoid the heat and traffic.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't wear shorts or sleeveless tops: shoulders and knees must be covered, and sarongs aren't always available. Don't arrive late, as last admission is about an hour before closing. And don't try to photograph the top shrine, where photography is not allowed.
With children
Children enjoy the giant elephant and the climb up its legs, though the dark top shrine and steep stairs need care. The gardens are pleasant for a break. Children's tickets are about half price. It's a calm, uncrowded visit compared with Bangkok's big temples.
Is the Erawan Museum worth it?
Yes: it's one of Bangkok's most striking sights, easy to reach by BTS, and far less crowded than the Grand Palace.
FAQs
How much is the Erawan Museum?
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About ฿500 for foreign adults and ฿250 for children.
What are the opening hours?
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Daily, around 9 am-6 pm, with last admission around 5 pm.
How do I get to the Erawan Museum?
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BTS Sukhumvit Line to Chang Erawan station.
Is there a dress code?
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Yes, cover your shoulders and knees.
What's the best time to visit?
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Opening or after 3 pm on a weekday. Check our live crowd tracker for your date.
How big is the Erawan elephant?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
