Wat Samphran, often referred to as the “Dragon Temple Bangkok,” has become increasingly popular over the past few years and it’s an unusual and unique destination that stands out among the numerous temples in Thailand. It’s located around 40km west of Bangkok in the Sam Phran district of Nakhon Pathom province. Wat Samphran is a remarkable temple most famous for its enormous dragon sculpture that coils around a 17-story pink cylindrical building, which is a pretty surreal sight of a ‘dragon temple’ that has become very popular with Instagrammers in the past few years.
The Creation of Wat Samphran
Wat Samphran was founded in 1985 by Phra Khru Phaiboon Prapitak. The temple was constructed with the intention of creating a place for meditation and spiritual growth, that also provides a unique architectural landmark to attract visitors and devotees. The dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good fortune in Chinese and Thai cultures and it was chosen as the centrepiece to embody these attributes and protect the temple.
The 80m long dragon sculpture that wraps around the building is not just for show; visitors can actually walk through parts of the dragon, which is really fun. The temple’s construction is a blend of traditional Thai religious architecture and imaginative modern design, symbolizing the fusion of the old and the new.
Despite being so close to Bangkok and becoming very popular on social media, when I visited the taxi driver couldn’t believe his eyes and was so excited to visit!
How to get to Wat Samphran: Hours and Accessibility
Wat Samphran is open to visitors every day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I’d advise trying to visit the temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds. Having said that, it’s actually less busy than a lot of the more famous temples in Bangkok.
Getting to Wat Samphran from Bangkok can be a bit of an adventure, but it is well worth the effort if you’re in Thailand for a while and have more than one day in Bangkok. Here are some options:
- By Car: Driving to Wat Samphran is the most convenient option. The journey takes about an hour from central Bangkok. Head west on Phetkasem Road (Highway 4) and follow the signs to Sam Phran. There’s plenty of parking space available on site and on nearby roads.
- By Taxi: Taking a taxi is a comfortable and relatively affordable option, especially if you are traveling with a group. Ensure that the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand. Uber isn’t available in Bangkok anymore but there is an alternative called Grab. The price on Grab when I checked was around 500 Baht one way but I managed to negotiate deal based on this price with a driver outside my hostel. He agreed for 900 baht to drive both ways and wait while I was looking around the temple.
- By Bus: You can get a bus but it’s not ideal. Public buses to Sam Phran leave from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai). Look for buses heading towards Nakhon Pathom and ask the driver to drop you off near Wat Samphran. From the bus stop, you may need to take a short taxi ride or a motorbike taxi to reach the temple.
- By Tour: There are some tours that go from Bangkok to the temple, also stopping at the floating market.
Click here to book your tour to the Dragon Temple.
Going inside Wat Samphran: Can you climb the Dragon Temple Bangkok?
When I visited, then it was only possible to climb to the top of Wat Samphran on a Sunday although it looks like this has changed.
To get to the top you have to first walk inside the temple and then you actually walk on the concrete lined inside of the dragon itself! The picture below shows what it looks like inside the dragon. It’s not a particularly hard walk although if you have mobility issues you won’t be able to reach the top as there are a few sets of stairs and a couple of narrows passes.
The 17-story building that the dragon wraps around houses various shrines, prayer rooms, and monk quarters. Each floor has different statues and religious artefacts. When you reach the top floor you’ll get a panoramic view of the surrounding area. When I reached the top it was very busy and there was a religious ceremony happening with a large group praying.
Practical Tips for Visitors to the Dragon Temple Bangkok
When visiting Wat Samphran, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience:
- Dress Modestly: As with any religious site in Thailand, it is important to dress modestly. Ensure your shoulders, knees & chest are covered. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. I wore long loose trousers and a t shirt with a scarf.
- Respect the Space: Wat Samphran is an active place of worship. Be mindful of the monks and devotees. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid touching or disturbing religious artifacts.
- Photography: Photography is generally allowed, but avoid taking photos of being praying and any specific religious ceremonies. Equally when it’s busy be careful with tripods and selfie sticks that you aren’t getting in people’s way.
- Hydrate and Wear Comfortable Shoes: The temple grounds are expansive, and the climb through the dragon can get pretty warm. Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes and make sure to carry water.
- Donations: While there is no entrance fee, donations are appreciated. These contributions help maintain the temple and support its charitable activities.
What is there to do near Wat Samphran?
The dragon temple itself is not the only thing on site. Next door to the dragon temple is a further temple with a large golden seated Buddha. It’s possible to enter inside and is free but a suggested donation is 20 baht. There’s also a huge tortoise that you can go inside to visit a small shrine and there’s a full size elephant statue and a huge decorative peacock that forms the side of the white temple. The temple grounds of Wat Samphran include beautifully landscaped gardens and several smaller temples and shrines.
There are a number of small food stalls near the temple selling egg fried rice, pad thai, shrimp fried rice & a variety of juices and soft drinks. There are free toilets on site.
The Symbolism and Myths of Wat Samphran
In many cultures, dragons are considered powerful and benevolent creatures. In Thai and Chinese mythology, dragons are often seen as guardians of treasures, waterways, and natural elements. The dragon at Wat Samphran, with its colourful scales and dynamic posture, is believed to protect the temple and its visitors.
A popular myth associated with Wat Samphran is that climbing through the dragon’s body can cleanse your soul of impurities and lead to spiritual enlightenment. Hopefully that was the case for me! The spiral ascent within the dragon’s body is metaphorical for the journey towards enlightenment, emphasizing perseverance and inner growth.
Wat Samphran, the Dragon Temple Bangkok, is still a relatively hidden gem that makes a fun day visit from Bangkok. It’s a unique place and definitely worth the trip from the city.
