Erawan Museum Bangkok: Why the Three Headed Elephant Is One of Thailand’s Most Unique Attractions

Erawan Museum Three Headed Elephant, A Place That Truly Stopped Me in My Tracks

Bangkok has no shortage of temples. Grand, golden, breathtaking temples that most visitors rush to see and tick off their list. I have visited many of them over the years and love them all in different ways. But this week we discovered somewhere that felt completely different. Somewhere that made me slow down, look up, and genuinely feel something.

The Erawan Museum is one of those places.

And I have to admit, it made me feel a little silly that I had not been here sooner. I have lived in Bangkok for over a year and visited many times before that, yet somehow this extraordinary place slipped under our radar. Now that I have experienced it, I can say with confidence that it is one of the most unique and memorable cultural experiences in Bangkok.

Why I loved this place so much

From the moment you arrive, the three headed elephant commands your attention. It is impossible to miss and impossible to truly grasp until you are standing beneath it. The scale alone is awe inspiring, but what makes the Erawan Museum special goes far beyond its size.

This is not just a museum or a photo stop. It is a space designed around meaning. The entire structure represents the three realms of Theravada Buddhist cosmology the underworld, the human world, and the heavens. As you move through the museum, you are not just walking through rooms, you are moving through a story.

Stepping inside was the moment it really got me. The interior is layered with millions of ceramic mosaic pieces and detailed stained glass that filters light in the most beautiful way. It felt calming and grounding, almost as if the space naturally asked you to slow down and be present.

Yes, it is incredibly photogenic and there are endless spots for photos both inside and in the gardens. But it never feels like it was created for Instagram. It feels intentional, spiritual, and quietly powerful.

The story behind the three headed elephant

The Erawan Museum is best known for its giant three headed elephant sculpture, which is the largest hand carved elephant sculpture in the world. Construction began in 1994 and the museum opened to the public in 2003.

The entire structure stands 43.6 metres high, roughly the height of a fourteen storey building. The elephant itself is monumental, measuring 39 metres long and 12 metres wide. The body weighs approximately 150 tons, with the head weighing around 100 tons.

What fascinated me most was the craftsmanship. The elephant is covered in more than one hundred thousand individual copper sheets, each just 1.2 millimetres thick. Every sheet was handcrafted and carefully placed. Knowing this makes standing beneath it feel even more humbling.

The name Erawan comes from Hindu mythology. Erawan is the sacred white elephant and the vehicle of the god Indra. While legend describes Erawan as having 33 heads, artistic representations typically show three heads for balance and harmony.

Erawan symbolises abundance, protection, and wellbeing. It is believed to move freely between earth and heaven, bringing nourishment and protection to humanity. Understanding this symbolism adds so much depth to the experience of walking through the museum.

Walking through the three realms

The interior of the museum is divided into three levels, each representing a different realm of the universe.

Suvarnabhumi The Underworld: The lowest level represents the underworld and houses artefacts from the personal collection of the museum’s founder, Lek Viriyaphant. Here you will find Ming and Qing Dynasty ceramics, vases, bowls, and rare objects from across Asia. A striking sculpture of a mythical half Naga half human guardian watches over the space, symbolising protection of hidden treasures.

Earth The Human World: The second level represents the human realm. This space features Thai ceramics, European pottery, and stunning stained glass artwork. It feels warm and alive, a beautiful blend of cultures and creativity that reflects everyday human experience.

Cosmos Heaven: The top level, located inside the belly of the elephant, represents heaven and Mount Meru in Buddhist cosmology. This is the most sacred part of the museum. Ancient Buddha relics and statues from different eras sit beneath cosmic themed artwork painted by a German master artist.

Many Thai visitors come here to pay respect to Indra and the three headed elephant. One ritual involves floating lotus flowers on water, believed to offer protection and support a fulfilling life. This space felt especially quiet and reflective, the kind of place that naturally invites stillness.

Erawan Museum roof

Erawan Museum inside

Erawan Museum staircase

Erawan Museum top level

Erawan Museum gardens

Erawan Museum outside

Practical details for visiting

Location: Erawan Museum99/9 Moo 1 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Mueang Mai Amphoe Mueang, Samut Prakan 10270

Google map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BKYEMNKsMZDerJJt5

How to get there: Take the BTS Green Line and get off at Chang Erawan Station. From there it is a short walk back along the footpath near the expressway.

Opening hours: Open daily from 9.00am to 6.00pmThe ticket office closes at 5.00pm so arrive before then if you want to explore inside.

Entry fee: 500 THB per person, It is more expensive than many Bangkok temples, but in my opinion completely worth it.

Dress code: Modest attire is required. No sleeveless tops and no skirts or shorts above the knee.

Is the Erawan Museum worth it

If you love unique architecture, detailed craftsmanship, meaningful cultural experiences, or places that make you slow down and feel grounded, then yes, the Erawan Museum is absolutely worth visiting. It is a place that gently reminded me of the power of art, belief, and human creativity. If you live in Bangkok or even just visiting, do not overlook this one, we almost did, and we are glad we made the mission out to see this beautiful place. Much love, 

Mi-Ree 💜

Enjoy life every day!