Wat Samphran, Dragon Temple

Thailand is a nation of countless wonders, both natural and cultural. Among the many Buddhist sanctuaries that dot the country, Wat Samphran, or the Dragon Temple, is undoubtedly one of the most unusual. Located about forty kilometers from Bangkok in Nakhon Pathom province, this temple is a true masterpiece, both majestic and mysterious.

A brief history

Wat Samphran was built by a monk named Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. He was a self-taught artist and architect who began constructing the temple in 1978 after a vision during a meditation retreat.

Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat aimed to create a sanctuary that was both a place of worship and a work of art. He chose the dragon as the temple's symbol, considering its significance in Thai culture.

An 80-meter-high dragon

The dragon at Wat Samphran is one of the main attractions of the temple. It is made of glass, metal, and ceramic, adorned with Buddhist and Chinese motifs. The statue is sculpted from concrete and glass, painted green and gold, with its eyes made from Murano glass.

The dragon wraps around the cylindrical tower of the sanctuary and is hollow inside. Visitors can climb a spiral staircase to explore the dragon, discovering small chapels on each floor for meditation and contemplation.

Impressive and symbolic architecture

As an active place of worship, this Buddhist temple is renowned for its majestic 17-story pink tower, wrapped by an imposing dragon. The number 17 corresponds to the Buddha's previous lives, while the dragon symbolizes wisdom and protection.

The pink tower, dominating the landscape, is adorned with floral patterns and Buddha statues. It houses several prayer and meditation rooms, as well as a museum dedicated to the temple's history. At the top of the tower sits a giant reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing the Buddha's entry into nirvana.

The temple also features other remarkable buildings, such as a circular seven-story pagoda representing the seven levels of Buddhist heaven, and an artificial cave adorned with sculptures of fantastic animals.

Useful information for your visit

Entrance fee and opening hours

Entry to Wat Samphran is free, but donations to support the upkeep of the sanctuary are customary. The temple is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to get to the temple

Wat Samphran is approximately 40 kilometers west of Bangkok. You can reach it by taxi from central Bangkok or by using local public transportation. Make sure to plan your journey in advance to avoid any confusion.

Visitor etiquette

During your visit, respect the tranquility of the place by avoiding excessive noise and not disturbing ongoing religious practices. It's also essential to dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees.

Additional tips

Allow plenty of time to explore the temple, as there is much to see and do.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll need to walk a bit to visit the temple.

Bring a water bottle, as it can get hot in the region.

Other highlights in the region

Wat Samphran is not the only must-visit site in the vicinity. You can also enjoy exploring other interesting places, such as:

• The Great Buddha of Nakhon Pathom: near Wat Samphran is the famous Great Buddha of Nakhon Pathom, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. It's a must-see for enthusiasts of Buddhist art.
• Sanam Chandra Palace: this royal palace in Nakhon Pathom is an architectural and historical gem. Explore its beautiful gardens and learn about the history of the Thai monarchy.
• Damnoen Saduak floating market: one of Thailand's most famous and lively floating markets. Here, you can see vendors selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, and typical dishes from their boats. Take a boat ride along the canals and admire the traditional way of life.
• Erawan National Park: a natural park featuring tropical forests, diverse wildlife, and a spectacular waterfall. Erawan Waterfall has seven levels, forming natural pools where you can swim. You can also hike in the park and observe monkeys, birds, and butterflies.

Wat Samphran offers not only a spiritual experience but also a glimpse into Thailand's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.