Imagine a 17-storey red building, surrounded by a giant dragon that looks like it came straight out of a fantasy movie. I promise it’s not AI—it’s Wat Sam Phran, or the Dragon Temple, and it’s just a short distance from Bangkok.
For me, visiting it was one of those experiences that remind you why it’s worth stepping away from the typical tourist spots. It’s not the most famous or well-maintained temple, but it’s definitely one of the most original and photogenic I’ve seen in Thailand. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to visit it.
Practical tips for visiting Wat Sam Phran
Location: Sam Phran District, Nakhon Pathom. Quite close to Bangkok (perfect for a half-day trip).
Opening hours: Open from 7 am to 6 pm, but don’t arrive too early, as the monks take their time to open.
Dress code: Although it might seem like a museum, it’s still a temple, and you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees to enter. Sheer clothing isn’t allowed either. I’d also recommend something easy to slip on and off your feet, as you’ll be walking barefoot around the grounds.
Photography tip: All the photos you’ve seen online of the pink building are old. The temple was recently repainted and now has a vibrant red colour. The best spot I found to capture the entire dragon is from the Buddha.
Oh, and if you have a drone, bring it! Just in case, we asked the temple staff and they showed us where it’s allowed to fly. The view is stunning.
-> You can easily save all the info from this Instagram post.
Is it worth visiting the Dragon Temple in Bangkok?
If you have a bit more than three days in Bangkok or it’s your second visit, definitely go. This place offers a completely different energy and invites you to explore less-visited areas of Thailand. Don’t expect luxury or flawless restorations: the appeal of Wat Sam Phran is surreal and unique.
How to get to the Dragon Temple (Wat Sam Phran)?
The temple is about 40 km from central Bangkok, in Nakhon Pathom Province. It’s not a place you can reach on foot from the metro, which makes it even more special: there are hardly any tourists.
There are several ways to get there:
- Taxi or Grab: Easy and convenient. From central Bangkok, the trip costs between 400 and 600 THB (~10 to 16 EUR). The journey usually takes around 90 minutes, but it depends a lot on the time of day and traffic.
- Rental motorbike: It gives you greater flexibility and allows you to visit nearby areas without waiting times. You can find bikes from 300 THB (~8 EUR), but it’s really only recommended if you have a lot of experience. Bangkok traffic is chaotic, and motorbikes weave through everywhere.
- Bus + Grab: A budget-friendly option! From the BTS (metro) station at Lak Song, you can take bus 84 for just 30 THB (~0.8 EUR) to the last stop. From there, grab a Grab (try to go early, as there aren’t many in that area) and reach the temple for around 60–70 THB (~1.7 EUR).
We used this last option! Lak Song is also quite far from the city centre, so we took the BTS all the way there. In total, including getting there and visiting the temple, we spent about half a day. It takes more time, but we spent less than 5 EUR per person for a round trip.
How much it cost to visit the temple?
I read somewhere that it was free and only ran on donations; however, we were asked to pay 80 THB (~€2.11) to enter the temple.
As soon as you arrive at the grounds, they invite you (almost insistently) to fill out a red ribbon with the name of your family and the people you want to pray for during your visit. They also give you a small flower garland to accompany your wish. At that point, there’s a little donation box waiting for you.
Be aware that there are countless other moments when you’ll feel a bit pressured to leave some money — even before you actually reach the place where you buy the ticket.
Can I go up in the dragon?
Yes! The most amazing part is that you can actually walk inside the dragon (you literally walk through its belly haha). The structure is like a tunnel spiralling around the building all the way up to the top floors. From up there, you’ll get spectacular panoramic views of the area.
The entrance fee you pay is exactly for that. There are plenty of people working there who explain the traditions, how to visit respectfully, and even guide you through part of the walk.
What else you can see in the Dragon's Temple?
Although the building with the giant dragon is the star of the place, within the same grounds you’ll also find:
- Giant elephant sculptures set in a peaceful park — perfect for a short walk and some great photos.
- A temple featuring a huge golden Buddha, creating a striking contrast with the dragon tower.
- Murals and quirky graffiti — some modern, others more spiritual — that give the place a unique and distinctive vibe.
The best part is that everything’s included in the same visit — no need to pay extra. It’s a great plan to spend at least a couple of hours and enjoy it without rushing.
Extra tip to optimized your visit to Nakhon Pathom
If you have time, you can use your trip to the Dragon Temple to discover some of the most beautiful cafés in the area.
Very close to Wat Sam Phran, there are cafés and restaurants that seem made for lingering for hours: with riverside terraces, gardens, and super photogenic décor. I have two favourites that I think are absolutely spectacular:
Both are a dream for taking photos and relaxing after exploring the temple, but the truth is, you’ll find plenty more. Most of them make the most of the river and its outlets to create a magical atmosphere.
-> If you’re planning to go, try to visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds, because on weekends it gets packed with locals who are also there for photos. You might even have to queue.
As an additional attraction, and if you want to relax but see a lot in Bangkok, you can choose this Boat Canal Cruise in the afternoon and enjoy the city’s most iconic temples and corners from the water.
Conclusion
Visiting Wat Sam Phran was one of those experiences that remind me why I love travelling: hidden places, full of magic, that almost nobody knows about. If you’re in Bangkok and want to get off the beaten track, this dragon temple will blow your mind!
If you enjoyed this article, I invite you to read more about my adventures in Thailand!
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Guadi.
