Thailand is famously known as the Land of Smiles — but it’s also one of the world’s most devoutly Buddhist countries. Everywhere you go, you’ll find countless temples and shrines, both big and small.

Right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling city center is one of its most important spiritual landmarks: the Erawan Shrine. It’s officially a shrine to Brahma — the Hindu god of creation — known in Thai as Phra Phrom (พระพรหม) — but locals often call it the Four-Faced Buddha because of its four-sided statue. Today, it’s one of Bangkok’s most visited places of worship, attracting not just locals but also countless visitors from around the world who come to pray and make offerings every single day.

On this Bangkok trip, there was no way we’d skip it! You’ve probably heard stories of the Erawan Shrine’s miracles — it’s said to be incredibly powerful and many celebrities and businesspeople come here to make vows or return to fulfill them. The incense never stops burning!

How to Get to Erawan Shrine

Getting to the Erawan Shrine is super easy. If you’re taking the BTS Skytrain, just ride to Chit Lom Station. From there, it’s barely a two-minute walk — you’ll spot vendors along the way selling flowers like orchids, marigolds, and little wooden elephants — all popular offerings for the Four-Faced Buddha.

If you’re not sure which stall to choose, don’t worry: inside the shrine area there’s an official booth where you can buy flower garlands or wooden carvings at standard prices — so you can feel confident about what you’re offering.

How to Pray at Erawan Shrine

So how do you actually pray here without offending the Four-Faced Buddha? We asked local friends to be sure! First — sincerity and respect in your heart are a must. Next, you should move in a clockwise direction, praying to each of the four faces one by one. It’s important that your wish is exactly the same for all four faces — repeat the same prayer each time. Don’t change your words for each face — otherwise, legend says your wish might not come true!

Also, when you make a wish, you should make a clear promise for how you’ll give thanks if it comes true. It’s said that the more special your offering or way of giving thanks, the more likely your wish will be granted. But don’t make promises you can’t keep — you really do need to come back and fulfill them. No one wants to risk offending the Four-Faced Buddha… I can’t even imagine!

Popular Ways to Give Thanks

If you don’t have a special idea for giving thanks, no problem — you can always offer flowers or a carved wooden elephant. Or one of the most beautiful ways is to sponsor a traditional Thai offering dance right at the shrine.

The Erawan Shrine’s offering dance is famous in itself. Almost any time of day, you’ll see devotees hiring the professional dance troupe inside the shrine to perform a thank-you dance on their behalf. They dance from morning until night, rarely taking a break — it’s amazing to watch!

These Thai classical dances are graceful, elegant, and the traditional costumes alone are worth seeing. It’s a truly beautiful part of Thailand’s living culture.

See the Erawan Shrine in Action

Finally, come along with us and check out this short travel clip of the Erawan Shrine — and don’t miss the lovely offering dance near the end!