Erawan Museum

Of the many museums Bangkok has to offer, the Erawan Museum is one of the most eclectic. But don’t count it out just because it’s lesser known than the biggies — this museum boasts its own unique brand of charm. Located on sophisticated Sukhumvit Road, it’s fairly easy to spot the Erawan’s immense 3-headed elephant made of copper, weighing around 250 tonnes!

This remarkable museum is divided into 3 interior parts: the bottom-most basement, middle area, and the elephant’s belly. The belly of the elephant is the most impressive, with its ceiling painted as a celestial skyscape. Reaching this upper region involves trekking up a spiral staircase or taking the more convenient elevator. A courtyard of lovely green gardens with colourful flowers and pretty ponds surrounds the museum. If you think you’ve already seen all that Thai temples have to offer, this is the perfect place to visit — as it will undoubtedly prove you wrong! While the 400 THB admission fee is a little steep by most temple standards, travellers on a budget can still get some great photos of the temple’s exterior from afar.