Chang Erawan Photography | Lukfoto - Bangkok Photographer

Discover the Magnificent Three-Headed Elephant Museum in Bangkok

Dreaming of photos that will make your friends go “wow”? The Erawan Museum with its giant three-headed elephant statue delivers exactly that! This amazing spot combines cool architecture, rich culture, and artistic beauty all in one place, not far from The Ancient City.

You’ll find this gem in Samut Prakan province, just a short drive from central Bangkok. This cultural landmark (also known as the Elephant Museum) has become a photographer’s favorite in the area. The massive bronze elephant stands 29 meters tall and weighs a whopping 250 tons. And it’s not just the outside that’s worth capturing – the inside spaces are just as amazing.

As professional photographers in Bangkok, we’ve found that this unique attraction provides diverse settings for all types of photography sessions, from individual portraits to family and group photos and couple shots. The combination of traditional Thai elements with unique artistic vision creates a magical atmosphere for truly memorable images.

The Story Behind Erawan Museum: A Cultural Icon

Ever wondered who created this amazing place? This iconic landmark was the brainchild of Thai millionaire Lek Viriyaphant, who wanted to save Thailand’s cultural treasures. They started building it in the mid-1990s and opened the doors in 2003. Now it’s a hot spot for visitors and photographers looking to capture stunning family and group photos.

Viriyaphant also created other cool landmarks like the Sanctuary of Truth in Pattaya. His love for Thai art and tradition shines through in every corner of this magnificent structure.

The name “Erawan” comes from Hindu mythology – it’s the elephant that carries Indra, the god of rain. Thai people picture Erawan with three heads, each representing different parts of the universe. This backstory adds an extra layer of meaning to your photos, connecting them to ancient tales and symbols.

Here are the main reasons why the Erawan Museum makes for an outstanding photoshoot location:

• The distinctive three-headed elephant statue creates a dramatic focal point
• The ornate interior designs offer rich, colorful backgrounds
• The surrounding gardens provide natural, lush settings
• The unique lighting conditions inside the structure create atmospheric portraits
• The various levels and architectural elements offer diverse composition options

Inside Chang Erawan: A Journey Through Three Worlds

What makes this Bangkok 3 headed elephant temple so cool for photos? It’s built in three levels, each representing a different world in Buddhist belief. And guess what – they offer traditional Thai costume rentals if you want your photos to have that authentic Thai look!

The bottom floor is the Underworld, filled with amazing antiques like fancy porcelain, pottery, and religious items that remind visitors of Ayutthaya’s golden era. The soft lighting creates a mysterious vibe that’s perfect for moody portraits and candid snaps.

The middle floor is Earth (our human world). Here you’ll find beautiful stairways covered in colorful porcelain, intricate designs on the walls, and a stunning stained-glass ceiling showing a map of the world. This area gives you rich, colorful backdrops for eye-catching photos.

Our photo packages come at different prices depending on what you need. We offer everything from quick one-hour sessions to half-day or full-day photoshoots covering multiple spots in this musée. Every package includes professional editing and a set of high-quality digital images. We know everyone has different needs, so we’re always happy to create a custom package just for you. To check the details please click below.

The Architectural Marvel of Thailand’s Elephant Temple

This isn’t just any museum – it’s an architectural wonder that’s perfect for family and group photos! The huge Erawan elephant sits on a 15-meter high base, making the whole thing as tall as a 14-story building. Located in Samut Prakan, just an hour away from Suvarnabhumi Airport, this three-headed elephant Bangkok attraction is truly a photographer’s dream.

Inside, you can climb up a spiral staircase that winds through one of the elephant’s legs – talk about a unique photo op! The round building that supports the elephant blends Eastern and Western designs with incredible attention to detail.

If you love architectural photography, you’ll go crazy for the mix of traditional Thai elements and modern design that creates such interesting visual combinations. The craftsmanship throughout the building shows off Thailand’s artistic skills and makes for powerful images that will stand out in your collection.

When planning your visit to the Erawan Museum for a photoshoot, consider following these steps for the best experience:

1. Book your photography session with us at least three days in advance
2. Choose appropriate attire that respects the dress code (covered shoulders and knees)
3. Consider arriving in the afternoon for optimal lighting conditions
4. Bring any special props or accessories you’d like to include
5. Keep hydrated, as exploring the museum can take time

Beyond the Statue: The Beautiful Gardens of Erawan Museum

While the giant elephant is definitely the star of the show, don’t miss the gorgeous gardens around this location – they’re perfect for making nice reels! Lush tropical plants, pretty ponds, and small shrines create a peaceful setting for outdoor portraits.

Throughout the gardens, you’ll spot mythological figures and decorative elements that add interest to your photo backgrounds. The water features reflect the main building, giving you chances for creative shots with reflections. After your photo session, you might want to explore the nearby Black Market, the night market in the area that offers fantastic street food and shopping.

The afternoon sunlight streams through the trees, creating natural spotlights that are perfect for portrait photography. The contrast between the green gardens and the impressive architecture lets you play with different photo styles all in one location. For even more variety, nearby attractions like Wat Dhammakatanyu and Suan Luang Rama IX Park offer additional settings for extended photoshoots.

So many visitors tell us that the gardens feel so peaceful compared to the grand main building – this mix of calm and wow-factor gives you tons of options for dynamic photos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entrance fee?

The Erawan Museum ticket costs 400 baht for adult foreign visitors and 200 baht for children. Thai nationals pay a reduced rate. These fees include access to all three levels and the surrounding gardens. When booking a photoshoot with us, we’ll handle your entrance tickets as part of our service package.

What other attractions are nearby for additional photoshoot locations?

Several interesting sites are located nearby that make for excellent complementary photoshoot locations. The Ancient City (Muang Boran) is just a short drive away and offers replicas of Thailand’s most famous monuments. Wat Asokaram temple provides authentic Buddhist architecture, while Ceramic Coffee Cafe offers artistic settings with unique pottery backdrops. Sailom Bang Pu restaurant features scenic waterfront views for sunset photos.

How much time should I allocate for a complete photoshoot?

One hour is optimal for a focused photoshoot at this location. This timeframe allows us to capture quality images at the key spots – including the exterior with the three-headed elephant, the stunning stained-glass ceiling area, and select garden spots. For more comprehensive coverage or multiple outfit changes, we recommend extending to a 90-minute session. Our experience shows that the one-hour timeframe provides the perfect balance between variety and quality.

Is it suitable for family photoshoots with children?

This elephant temple is excellent for family photoshoots with children. The gardens provide open spaces where kids can move around comfortably, while the colorful architecture captures their imagination. The multiple levels and varied settings keep children engaged throughout the session.

There’s also a dress code to be aware of – modest attire is required as this is also a religious site, with shoulders and knees covered. Our photographers can help guide you on appropriate attire that still looks great in photos.

Our photographers are experienced in working with families and know how to time shots between visitor groups to ensure clear backgrounds. We recommend afternoon sessions for family shoots, when children are typically more alert.