In the Samut Prakan province of Thailand lies the Erawan Museum, which was conceptualised and set up by the Thai Millionaire Lek Viryapanth. This museum was one of Lek’s grand schemes to preserve ancient art and artefacts. The entire three-storey building is based on a colossal bronze statue of Erawan, the three-headed elephant steed of the Hindu god Indra. The first floor represents the underworld, the second floor depicts the Earth, and these two floors are inside the pedestal. The third floor represents heaven and is inside the belly of the giant Erawan.
Quick Details About Erawan Museum
Height: 145 Feet
Erawan Museum Address: JHHQ+CH, Tambon Bang Muang Mai, Amphoe Mueang Samut Prakan, ChangWat Samut Prakan 10270, Thailand
Where To stay: Riverfront Bangkok, At S115 Residence, Warilla Hotel, Marsi Hotel Bangkok, CASA Grand Hotel, Marigold Sukhumvit Hotel
Where To Eat: Hong Ki restaurant, Saemaeul Sikdang, Krua A Nan Thong Nai, 99 Pub, Caffe D’Oro, Pho Aroi Bangna, Black Canyon
Erawan Museum Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: All round the year especially in the morning
Location
Photo: Hamm / Wikimedia Commons
The Erawan Museum is located in the Samut Prakan province of Thailand. It is about 22 Km from the Bangkok railway station. The museum is situated in Tambon Bang Muang Mai in the Mueang Samut Prakan District. It lies close to other tourist spots like Ancient Siam and Sukhumvit and is reachable by car and bus.
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How To Reach
Photo: mohigan / Wikimedia Commons
By Tram: If you want the cheapest route to reach the Erawan Museum from Bangkok, then you will need to take advantage of a tram service. It will take you around 45 to 55 minutes to reach your destination. The tram service can be availed from the BTS Ratchathewi. You will get a tram almost every 10 minutes.
By Bus: To go by road, you can hail a cab directly from Bangkok to the museum or go by bus. Several buses will take you to your destination like the AC buses 102, 507, or 536 or non-AC buses like 25,142 or 365. It takes around 45 minutes to reach the destination after departure.
By Taxi: You can book a one-way taxi from Khaosan Road to Erawan. Taxis will cost you around ₹ 480 – ₹ 600 and will take you to your destination in less than 20 minutes.
By Metro: You can go by BTS to the Pu Chao BTS Station, or you can go to the Chang Erawan BTS Station, which is on the way to Kheha. Thereafter, you can cover the rest of the distance by foot, which will be about 1 Km from Pu Chao BTS Station and approximately 709 metres from Chang Erawan BTS Station.
Places To Visit Around Erawan Museum
1. Ancient Siam
Photo: Mr.Sivakrit Saravit / Wikimedia Commons
Located about 11 Km away from the Erawan Museum, this place is yet another brilliant contribution of Lek Viryapanth. Spanning a staggering area of 316 hectares, it is the largest outdoor museum in the world. Also known as the Muang Boran, this Museum features 116 of Thailand’s most significant architectural marvels and tries to preserve the way traditional Thais used to live. Notably, the place features a replica of the royal palace of Ayutthaya, the Phimai Sanctuary of Nakhon Ratchasima, and the Wat Khao Phra Viharn.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM but the ticket counter closes at 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: For foreign nationals (Indian), it is ₹ 1,624 for adults and ₹ 812 for children of the age between 6 to 14
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Thailand With Family
2. Wat Arun
Photo: KOSIN SUKHUM / Wikimedia Commons
The Wat Arun, about 23 Km from Erawan Museum, located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, is a temple dedicated to Arun, the Hindu God of Dawn. Also known as the Wat Chaeng or the Temple of Dawn, this 300-year-old temple is an architectural marvel and has been extensively modified through the centuries. There are two large statues of the mythical demons Thotsakan and Sahatsadecha, who are believed to guard the eastern gate of the temple.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 232
3. The Grand Palace Of Bangkok
Photo: Gosling / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Phra Borom Maha Ratcha Wang in Thai, the grand palace of Bangkok is one of the most important tourist spots that is located within 23 Km of Erawan Museum. The palace was the residence of the kings of Siam from 1782 to 1925. Within this complex, you can visit the Wat Phra Kaew or the temple of Emerald Buddha, the county’s holiest Buddha temple. Apart from that, you can also visit the Vimanmek Palace and Abhisek Dusit Throne Hall.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 3:30 AM
Entry fees: ₹ 1,160
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4. Sanctuary Of Truth
Photo: Marlinjuice / Wikimedia Commons
The Sanctuary of Truth is an unfinished museum that is open to the public to conserve the heritage and culture of Thailand. This 105-meter tall, 3200 square kilometers area structure is entirely made of wood. The sanctuary houses several sculptures, carvings, religious figurines, and shrines. Located along the sea line of Laem Ratchawat of North Pattaya, this building is a mixture of the architecture of a castle and a temple based on the Ayutthaya Kingdom.
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹ 1,160 for adults and ₹ 580 for kids
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ddalbiez / Wikimedia Commons
While taking into account the cost of travel and the entry fee to the Museum, the average cost of the trip will amount to around ₹ 1,001 per adult. This is, however, excluding the cost of food and lodging.
Suggested Read: The Ultimate List Of The Top Things To Do In Thailand
The Erawan Museum is a beautiful sanctuary for the conservation of ancient art and heritage. Visiting here will not only help you gain historical insight but also help you gain access to ancient Thai wisdom. If you are planning a visit, choose TripXL for your trip to this museum of Thailand and create some great memories along the way.
Cover Photo: Ddalbiez / Shutterstock