Practical information
- Location
- Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom · 13.73500, 100.21500
- Dress code
- Dress politely: long sleeves, trousers or a knee-length skirt; no sleeveless, crop, tight or revealing tops. Take off your shoes before entering the chapel or other buildings. (source: thailand.go.th)
- Period
- Registered as a temple in 1985
Opening hours and entrance fee: no reliable source found, so not listed. Ask on site or check the official website.
About Wat Samphran
Wat Samphran, often called the Dragon Temple, lies about 40 kilometres west of Bangkok and is one of Thailand's most surprising buildings. A pink cylindrical tower of 17 storeys is wrapped from bottom to top by a giant red-and-green dragon sculpture. Inside the dragon a spiral staircase climbs towards the roof, though parts are in poor condition and access can be restricted. The grounds also hold large Buddha statues and animal sculptures. It is an unusual photo stop on the way to Nakhon Pathom or the floating markets.
Highlights
- Dragon tower A huge dragon coils around a 17-storey pink tower.
- Spiral stairs A staircase runs inside the dragon's body.
- Statue garden Buddha images and animal sculptures in the grounds.
Tips for Wat Samphran
- Cover your shoulders and knees and take off your shoes before you enter a temple building.
- Combine your visit with Phra Pathom Chedi, about 19 km away as the crow flies.
More photos of Wat Samphran
Dragon wrapped around the tower, Wat Samphran Photo: DiverDave · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons 
Golden Buddha statue seen through foliage, Wat Samphran Photo: Bankthongluan789 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Wat Samphran on the map
Pinch to zoom; tap a point for more info. Open circles: approximate location.
Frequently asked questions about Wat Samphran
Where is Wat Samphran?
Wat Samphran is in Sam Phran, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom province, in central Thailand.
What is Wat Samphran known for?
Wat Samphran, often called the Dragon Temple, lies about 40 kilometres west of Bangkok and is one of Thailand's most surprising buildings. Highlights include Dragon tower, Spiral stairs and Statue garden.
How old is Wat Samphran?
Registered as a temple in 1985.