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Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Erawan Shrine Summary
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Thailand – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
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| Currency: |
Thai Baht (THB) £1 ≈ THB 44.95 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in Thailand, especially in major cities. Mobile payments such as Line Pay, GrabPay, and Apple Pay are common.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not mandatory in Thailand, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, leaving 10% is common. Taxi fares are rounded up, and small tips for hotel staff are encouraged. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in Thailand, though alcohol is available in licensed venues like bars and restaurants. Laws around drinking in public can be strictly enforced in some areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including shopping centres and restaurants, but designated smoking areas are common. |
| Songkran (13–15 April) |
Thai New Year celebrated with water fights |
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| Father's Day (King Bhumibol Memorial Day) (5 December) |
Honours the late King Bhumibol, with ceremonies across the country |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 191 (Police), 1155 (Tourist Police), 1669 (Ambulance), 199 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | Grab, Bolt |
| Other: | Thailand is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and rich history. Popular activities include visiting temples, experiencing the vibrant nightlife, and enjoying the country’s diverse cuisine. |
Best times to travel
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Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Erawan Shrine, Thailand
Open daily from early morning to late evening; traditional dancers perform for worshippers throughout the day
Don't miss
- 🙏 Make offerings to the Four-Faced Buddha for blessings
- 💃 Watch traditional Thai dance performances as thanks
- 🌺 Buy fragrant flower garlands from local vendors
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! The Erawan Shrine, also known as the Thao Maha Phrom Shrine, was founded in 1956 to appease spirits interrupting the construction of the nearby Erawan Hotel. Since then, it has become a beloved spiritual landmark where both locals and tourists gather to pray for good luck and blessings.
Despite being situated at one of Bangkok's busiest road intersections, the shrine radiates a peaceful, almost magical calm. The gilded statue of the four-faced Brahma, symbolizing kindness, mercy, sympathy and impartiality, attracts worshippers who bring offerings such as flowers, incense and fruit or hire traditional dancers to perform as thanks for granted wishes.
While the atmosphere is festive and colorful, the shrine’s urban location means it can get crowded and noisy, especially during peak hours and festivals. Visitors should also be mindful to dress respectfully – covering shoulders and knees – and behave calmly, respecting the sacred nature of the site. Beware of pickpockets in the busy surrounding streets.
The shrine beautifully exemplifies the blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions prevalent in Thailand and offers a fascinating glimpse into how spirituality thrives in a modern metropolis.
Why travel to Erawan Shrine?
🏯Places worth seeing
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Traditional Thai Dance Ceremonies
Knowledge before you go
- Dress modestly; cover shoulders and knees respectfully.
- Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and witness Thai dancers performing thanksgiving rituals.
- Walk clockwise around golden four-faced Brahma statue three times while making silent prayers.
- Built in 1956 to dispel curses during nearby Erawan Hotel construction; powerful luck-bringing Hindu-Buddhist shrine.
How to travel to Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine is easily accessible in Bangkok’s Pathum Wan district, near the BTS Skytrain Chit Lom Station, which connects directly to many parts of the city. Visitors arriving from abroad typically land at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang airports, then take a taxi or the Airport Rail Link to central Bangkok before switching to the BTS Skytrain.
Access summary
- From Suvarnabhumi (BKK): Airport Rail Link + BTS to Chit Lom (~40–50 min).
- From central Bangkok: BTS Skytrain to Chit Lom or Siam, then short walk.
- From Don Mueang (DMK): Airport train/bus or taxi into Siam area (~40–70 min).
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay near Erawan Shrine
The area around Erawan Shrine, including Pathum Wan, offers a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to mid-range and budget options, making it convenient for visitors to explore central Bangkok easily.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
Packing recommendations for Erawan Shrine
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
📷
Camera
👟
Comfortable walking shoes
🚰
Reusable water bottle
🧣
Scarf
👛
Cash in small denominations
🧕
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees
🔋
Power bank
🩴
Slip-on shoes
🧦
Warm socks
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
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To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in the region are around 54% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend a lot less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to THB) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine is generally safe, with heavy tourist traffic and visible security patrols. Petty theft can occur in crowded areas; keep valuables secure. Avoid isolated streets after dark, stay on main roads and follow local advice for a hassle‑free visit.
Accessibility
Erawan Shrine in Bangkok offers basic accessibility: wide, flat steps and ramps lead to the main altar, but crowds can be dense and some pathways are narrow. Elevators are limited, so visitors with mobility aids should plan for short walks and peak‑time crowds.
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