A light emitting element includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) chips. The transparent substrate has a support surface and a second main surface disposed opposite to each other. At least some of the LED chips are disposed on the support surface and form a first main surface where light emitted from with a part of the support surface without the LED chips. Each of the LED chips includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Light emitted from at least one of the LED chips passes through the transparent substrate and emerges from the second main surface. An illumination device includes the light emitting element and a supporting base. The light emitting element is disposed on the supporting base, and an angle is formed between the light emitting element and the supporting base.