The Erawan Museum is another important tourist destination in Samut Prakan Province of Thailand. It is the home of the giant three-headed elephant sculpture that is made of copper, cement and steel. With a height of 29 metres standing on a 15-meter high pedestal, it is considered the tallest and largest elephant structure on earth. The weight (both body and head) is 250 tons.
The museum is one of the projects of the late millionaire Lek Viriyaphant and his wife Praphai. Along with the Ancient City and the Sanctuary of Truth in Chonburi province, the Erawan Museum is now under the management of Ancient City Group.
Inside the circular building that holds the colossal elephant sculpture are three divisions: underworld, earth, and heaven. The steep climb to heaven using wooden stairs mimics the sacrifice that one must undergo to reach nirvana.
Outside, you see lots of colorful elephant structures and if you walk beneath them, you would hear different elephant sounds.
The whole area is a fascinating display of Thai arts and crafts. There are shrines of Hindu gods, Buddha images in his different postures, and mythical figures. If you need to rest, there are benches all around where you can sit and admire the surrounding garden.
Of course, the souvenir shop cannot be missed. It is located along the exit on purpose.
Important Information
Address: 1 99/9 Bang Mueang Mai, Mueang District, Samut Prakan, Thailand 10270 (see map below for exact location.)
Telephone: 02 371 3135
Hours Open: 8 am – 5 pm
Admission Fee: 150 for Thais, 400 THB for Foreigners
How to go there:
1. From Bangkok, take the BTS and drop by Samrong or Bering then take any public vehicle (bus, van, or songteaw) going to Paknam. Alight at the bus stop in front of the museum.
2. Coming from the southeast e.g. Paknam, take any public vehicle going to Bangna or any BTS station, alight at the bus stop where there is a footbridge (overpass) approaching the museum.
3. Take a taxi to bring you there.
See also:
Ancient City in Samut Prakan;
What to see and do in Samut Prakan