Thailand is famously known as the Land of Smiles — but it is also one of the world’s most devoutly Buddhist countries. Everywhere you go, you will find countless temples and shrines, both large and small.
Right in the heart of Bangkok’s bustling city center stands one of its most important spiritual landmarks: the Erawan Shrine. It is officially a shrine dedicated to Brahma — the Hindu god of creation — known in Thai as Phra Phrom (พระพรหม). Locals often refer to it as the Four-Faced Buddha because of its four-sided statue. Today, it is one of Bangkok’s most visited places of worship, attracting both locals and visitors from around the world who come to pray and make offerings every single day.
On this trip to Bangkok, there was no way we were going to skip it. You have probably heard stories of the Erawan Shrine’s miracles — it is said to be incredibly powerful, and many celebrities and businesspeople come here to make vows or return to fulfill them. Incense burns here continuously throughout the day.
How to Get to Erawan Shrine
Getting to the Erawan Shrine is very easy. If you are taking the BTS Skytrain, simply ride to Chit Lom Station.
Helpful tip: Take Exit 2 and follow the elevated skywalk toward the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. This is the most straightforward route and helps you avoid getting lost in the surrounding skywalk system.
From there, it is barely a two-minute walk — you will spot vendors along the way selling orchids, marigolds, and small wooden elephants, all popular offerings for the Four-Faced Buddha.
If you are not sure which stall to choose, do not worry. Inside the shrine area, there is an official booth where you can purchase flower garlands or wooden carvings at standard prices, so you can feel confident about what you are offering.
Opening hours: The Erawan Shrine is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How to Pray at Erawan Shrine
So how do you pray here without offending the Four-Faced Buddha? We asked local friends to be sure. First, sincerity and respect in your heart are essential. Next, move in a clockwise direction, praying to each of the four faces one by one. It is important that your wish remains exactly the same for all four faces — repeat the same prayer each time. Do not change your wording for each face, as legend says doing so may prevent your wish from coming true.
When making a wish, you should also clearly promise how you will give thanks if it comes true. It is said that the more thoughtful or meaningful your offering, the more likely your wish will be granted. However, do not make promises you cannot keep — you truly need to return and fulfill them. Few people would want to risk offending the Four-Faced Buddha.
Popular Ways to Give Thanks
If you do not have a special idea for giving thanks, offering flowers or a carved wooden elephant is always appropriate. One of the most beautiful options is to sponsor a traditional Thai offering dance performed right at the shrine.
The Erawan Shrine’s offering dance is well known in its own right. At almost any time of day, devotees hire the professional dance troupe inside the shrine to perform a thank-you dance on their behalf. They dance from morning until night, with very few breaks, creating a constant and captivating scene.
These classical Thai dances are graceful and elegant, and the traditional costumes alone are worth seeing. They are a living expression of Thailand’s cultural heritage.
See the Erawan Shrine in Action
Finally, come along with us and watch this short travel clip of the Erawan Shrine — and be sure not to miss the beautiful offering dance near the end.