8 Best Things To Do in Chidlom

Erawan Shrine, founded in the 1950s, is one of the most popular Hindu shrines in downtown Bangkok. It’s in front of Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel, at the corner of Ploenchit and Ratchadamri Road. Throughout the day (and night), you'll often see crowds paying their respects, presenting flowers and incense sticks to a gold sculpture of Brahma God, Than Tao Mahaprom. If their wishes are granted, worshippers are expected to return to the shrine and pay for a troop of Thai dancers to perform and entertain the spirit.

Trimurti Shine sits right outside CentralWorld Mall in the Siam area of Bangkok. It’s also known as ‘the lover’s shrine’ for its ability to bring worshipers luck in love. They pay their respects to Trimurti, the god of love, with offerings of 9 candles, 9 incense sticks, or 9 roses – all in the hope that they'll meet their partner. For a contrast of old-age Buddhist rituals against the backdrop of a 21st-century city, Trimutri Shine is well worth a visit.

The Rink Ice Arena sits in an open atrium on the 2nd floor of CentralWorld Shopping Mall in Bangkok. The rink occupies what used to be an exhibition area, surrounded by brand-name clothing shops. ‘Practice penguins’ are available for young learners to help them stay balanced and feel supported throughout the experience. If you want to learn from the pros, you can join their Elite Learn to Skate course, which includes 10 classes for 5 weeks.

Pathum Wanaram Temple was built by King Rama IV in 1857 as a place of worship near his Sa Pathum Palace. During your visit, check out the carvings on the crematorium that demonstrate rare examples of ancient craftsmanship featuring ornate stencils and lacquered sculptures. Located between Central World Plaza and Siam Paragon Mall, Pathum Wanaram is even more striking due to the incongruous sight of 2 huge shopping malls bearing down on this temple from both sides – strangely symbolic of modern Bangkok.

The Holy Redeemer Church in Bangkok resembles a Thai-Buddhist-style temple from the outside, but if you enter you’ll find a parish chapel, with a fine golden statue of Lord Jesus Christ. The impressive church dates back to 1954, holding daily mass in English (7am, 8am, and 5.30pm) and Thai (6.30am). The church is located in Soi Ruamrudee, around 1 km south of the Phloen Chit BTS Skytrain Station.

Ganesha Shrine is adjacent to Trimurti Shrine at CentralWorld Shopping Mall. Unsuspecting visitors may think that they're part of the same monument, but Ganesha is dedicated for Hindu worshippers. As he is considered a master of intellect and wisdom, devotees come here to be blessed with artistic success and accomplishment. The shrine depicts the Hindu God's famous and most recognisable elements, such as his elephant head, large belly, numerous arms, and various depictions of serpents.