The Ultimate Guide to Wat Sam Phran: The Dragon Temple in Bangkok

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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad

If you want to visit the Dragon Temple in Bangkok, keep reading!

The Dragon Temple, properly known as Wat Sam Phran, is a monumental Buddhist temple in Amphoe Sam Phran Nakhon Pathom province, about 40 km west of Bangkok. It’s known for its distinctive pink coloring and dragon that wraps around the outside of the 17-story temple.

This magical temple is a must when visiting Bangkok and it’s quite easy to get to. The best part is that there are very few tourists that visit! In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before visiting the dragon temple in Bangkok. I’ll let you know how to get here, the best time to visit, where to capture the perfect photos, and a map from Bangkok to Wat Sam Phran.

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This post is all about visiting Wat Samphran, The Dragon Temple in Bangkok.

Table of Contents

What is The Dragon Temple? Wat Sam Phran Facts

Wat Sam Phran is an architectural masterpiece built in the early 1980s. Construction of this pink 17-story temple took years to complete and inspiration for its design came from traditional Thai Buddhist architecture with a touch of Chinese influence.

The Dragon Temple in Bangkok serves as a place of worship and meditation for Buddhists. Inside you’ll find various shrines and religious artifacts where visitors can pay their respects.

Today, Wat Sam Phran is a mesmerizing cultural landmark for both locals and visitors to enjoy. For travelers seeking both history and art, visiting the Dragon Temple in Bangkok is a must to include on your itinerary.

Where is Wat Sam Phran Located?

Wat Sam Phran is located about 40 kilometers west of Bangkok’s city center in the province of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. Depending on Bangkok’s traffic, It will take anywhere from 40 minutes to 1 hour.

It’s actually quite easy to reach once you are on the highway. A Grab will take you straight there for a very affordable price. Grab is the most common ride-share app in Thailand.

What is the Dress Code for The Dragon Temple in Bangkok?

Buddhist temples require that both men and women have their shoulders and knees covered before entering temples. I suggest carrying a light scarf to cover up. You will also be asked to take off your shoes.

How to Get to the Dragon Temple in Bangkok?

I suggest taking a Grab. This is Thailand’s version of Uber and it’s easy and efficient to use. It’s the most commonly used ride-share app used in Southeast Asia. The ride will generally cost around 500 baht each way and you can ask your driver to wait for you while you explore the temple.

The drivers are usually happy to wait while you go and explore. This is what my driver did, and then he happily took us back into the city center afterward.

It’s helpful to have some cash on hand just in case – although you pay for Grab on your phone with a card, at times the drivers will ask to pay cash for the ride back.

How Much Does The Dragon Temple in Bangkok Cost?

Wat Sam Phran is free to enter, however, you are encouraged to leave a donation when you visit the temple. There are donation boxes situated throughout the temple. A small bit of money, around 50 to 150 baht, is plenty for your visit.

Dragon Temple in Bangkok Opening Hours

The opening hours of Wat Sam Phran are from 7 AM to 6 PM 7 days a week. Unlike other temples in Bangkok, you don’t need to worry about arriving right when they open. Even during the middle of the day, you’ll find few people here, making Wat Sam Phran enjoyable to visit at any time of day.

Climbing the Dragon Temple in Bangkok

To reach the top you’ll be walking up the actual dragon itself. It’s a massive tunnel that wraps around the building. The walk looks daunting from afar but it’s not that bad at all.

What to Expect Visiting Wat Sam Phran

The temple complex is quite large. There are all sorts of statues and offerings to see aside from the main Dragon temple itself. Once you arrive you will be asked to take off your shoes and there will be donation bins scattered around the temple.

Make sure your shoulders are covered, remove your shoes, leave a small donation, and head to the top of the temple first. You’ll walk through the tunnel up to the top. Once at the top, you can spend time taking in the incredible view of the surrounding area.

After you head down, there are various other structures around the property that you can explore. You can also go to the top of nearby buildings to get a better view of the Pink Dragon Temple in Bangkok from afar.

How Much Time Do You Need Here?

Allocate for an hour’s drive there and back and I’d spend at least 1 to 2 hours while you are there. Overall, I’d allocate about a half day spent here.

Temple Etiquette at Wat Samp Phran

Make sure to have your shoulders and knees covered. They aren’t as strict here as they are at other temples but it’s important to be respectful.

While you are visiting Thailand it’s essential to respect the local customs and culture. When visiting a temple you are required to dress modestly. Both men and women should have shoulders and knees covered.

For women, a maxi skirt and short-sleeved top that covers your shoulders will work perfectly. Temperatures can be extremely high in Thailand, so if you are wearing a tank top, bring a lightweight scarf in your bag to cover your shoulders.

There will be designated areas for shoes and various signs indicating to remove shoes. When you come across these signs while visiting temples in Thailand, do as you are asked and neatly remove your shoes before entering a temple.

Because temples are a place to worship, it’s polite to speak softly. Don’t yell or speak in a loud voice.

When it comes to photography, be mindful of when and where you are taking photos. Many temples in Thailand have no issue with photography but keep an eye out for signs that say otherwise.

Did you know that in Thailand it’s disrespectful to point your feet towards anything considered sacred? Avoid pointing your feet towards Buddha images, monks, or any other sacred objects.

Tips For Taking Photos at The Dragon Temple in Bangkok

The temple complex is pretty big so there are many different places to capture photos. Because the temple itself is massive, it can be hard to get a photo with the entire temple in the shot.

A photo right out in the front is nice and make sure to take a few up at the top of the temple. You can explore the top of nearby buildings on the complex to get a better shot with more of the temple in the frame.

There are also unique animal structures and other buildings aside from the pink dragon temple you should check out while you are visiting. And because there are relatively never crowds here, it makes taking photos much easier.

Is Wat Samphran Worth a Visit?

Yes! I’ve been twice and it’s still one of my favorite temples in Bangkok. Very few tourists visit, so you will likely have the place almost all to yourself. It’s the most amazing experience walking up the intricate pink dragon to reach the top of the temple and exploring the grounds nearby.

Don’t forget to check out my Bangkok itinerary for first time travelers here!

Bangkok to Wat Sam Phran Map

See below to find out how to get from Bangkok city center to Wat Sam Phran

Other Temples to Visit in Bangkok:

The Grand Palace
Wat Arun
Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Saket

Bangkok FAQs

When is The Best Time to Visit Bangkok

The best time to visit Bangkok is November through March when the weather is dry and somewhat cooler. The city’s pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring the Bangkok’s outdoor activities.

The rainy season falls between June to October, you’ll likely notice that there are short bursts of showers and thunderstorms during this time. Accommodation and activity prices will also likely be lower.

All and all, it’s up to you but I suggest visiting from November through March. I lived in Bangkok during this time and it didn’t rain once. I also visited in June and wow was it hot. Like really hot. It didn’t end up raining though!

Is Thailand a good place to study abroad? Find out here.

Where to Stay in Bangkok

Search for accommodation options in Bangkok here.

How to Get Around Bangkok

Bangkok’s traffic is insane. I don’t suggest renting a car, instead use a taxi or Grab. Grab is the most common ride-share app. Make sure to have Grab downloaded so you can easily book a car.

What is The Currency in Bangkok?

The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht. 1 USD is equal to about 36 Thai Baht.

Daily Budget in Bangkok

Bangkok is a very affordable destination to visit. If you are a backpacker on a budget, expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 USD per day. A more mid-range budget is about $50 to $100 per day.

Travel Insurance

Travel medical insurance is essential for every trip. This can save you time, money, and a lot of stress on the road. I love using SafetyWing for travel insurance. SafetyWing offers affordable and flexible travel medical insurance coverage. You can enter your details below for a free quote.

I hope you found this guide helpful for visiting the Dragon Temple in Bangkok. If you have any questions about traveling around Thailand, feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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