What to Wear and Bring to Erawan Shrine: 7 tips for Visitors
A visit to the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok is a spiritually enriching experience. To make your visit respectful and meaningful, you need to dress appropriately, bring suitable offerings, and follow local customs. Here’s all you need to know before you go.
Dress Code: What to Wear When Visiting Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is a sacred place, and visitors are expected to dress modestly. Below is a guide to appropriate attire:
Appropriate Attire for Men:
A collared shirt or T-shirt with sleeves Long pants or knee-length shorts Closed-toe shoes or sandals (excluding flip-flops)
Appropriate Attire for Women:
A blouse or T-shirt with sleeves Long skirts or pants Comfortable footwear
Do NOT Wear:
Sleeveless tops, tank tops, crop tops Short shorts, mini skirts Ripped jeans, flip-flops
Tip: If you arrive in improper attire, you may need to buy a shawl or scarf from vendors outside the shrine to cover up before entering.
Offerings to Bring to Erawan Shrine
Many visitors bring offerings for good luck and blessings. The most suitable offerings include:
✔ Marigold Flowers – The most common offering, available as garlands from vendors near the shrine.
✔ Incense Sticks – Typically burned in sets of nine as part of the prayer ritual.
✔ Candles – Lit along with incense sticks as a symbolic offering.
✔ Wooden Elephant Statues – Often brought by devotees as a token of gratitude for granted wishes.
✔ Fruits and Sweets – Less common but still accepted as a form of offering.
Where to Buy? These offerings are available from stalls around the shrine at reasonable prices.
What NOT to Bring to Erawan Shrine
To maintain a respectful atmosphere, avoid bringing:
❌ Irrelevant Items – Anything unrelated to worship should be left out.
❌ Large Baggage – The shrine is often crowded, and big bags block pathways.
❌ Food for Personal Consumption – Eating inside the shrine is discouraged.
❌ Loud Electronics – Avoid playing loud music or talking loudly on the phone, as it disrupts worshippers.
Respecting Local Customs and Traditions
To show respect during your visit to Erawan Shrine, keep these cultural etiquette tips in mind:
✔ Bow and Pay Respects Properly – Upon arrival, bow slightly towards the shrine as a sign of reverence.
✔ Offer with Your Right Hand – In Thai culture, the right hand is considered more respectful for making offerings.
✔ Do NOT Point Your Feet at the Statue – Feet are the lowest part of the body and should not face sacred objects.
✔ Avoid Disturbing Worshippers – Be mindful when taking photos and do not block pathways.
✔ Watch the Traditional Dancers – If a big wish is granted, hiring Thai dancers is a way of showing gratitude.
Additional Tips for Visiting Erawan Shrine
Best Time to Visit:
Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and Bangkok’s heat.
How to Get There:
Take the BTS Skytrain to Chit Lom Station. The shrine is located at the Ratchaprasong intersection, just a short walk away.
BTS Skytrain Guide – Bangkok BTS Official Website
Entrance Fees:
There are no entrance fees, but donations are welcome.
Photography Rules:
You can take pictures, but avoid using flash and be respectful towards worshippers.
How to Make Your Visit to Erawan Shrine Special
Whether you visit Erawan Shrine to make a wish, give thanks, or experience Thai culture, preparing in advance will make your experience more meaningful and respectful.
➡️ For more details on Erawan Shrine, check out our related article:
👉 How to Pray at Erawan Shrine