A famous pink temple in Thailand with a dragon sculpture is full of hidden details — take a closer look

Melissa WellsAug 5, 2023, 16:22 IST

Wat Samphran Temple in Thailand.MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images

The Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, is an architectural marvel.
This 17-story cylindrical pink tower features a large dragon sculpture on the exterior.

While it may be off the beaten path, the extravagant Wat Samphran Temple — one of many marvels of Thai architecture — is worth a visit.

Just outside of Bangkok, the "Dragon Temple" is a popular destination visited by religious observers and tourists alike who come to see the large dragon sculpture curling itself around the pink cylindrical building.

Take a closer look insider.

The building is located about a 40-kilometer journey to the Nakhon Pathom province from Bangkok, or about an hour outside of the major city by train or car.

Wat Samphran Temple on Google Maps.Courtesy of Google Maps

Founded by Bhavana Buddho and established in 1985, the pink shrine is 17 stories high and known for its short five-year-long construction.

Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images

Made of iron and glass fiber, the dragon that circles the building is actually hollow. Inside, there's a tunnel and staircase leading to the top (although certain sections may be closed to the public).

Aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple and Buddhist building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images

Made of iron and glass fiber, the dragon that circles the building is actually hollow. Inside, there's a tunnel and staircase leading to the top (although certain sections may be closed to the public).

The head of the dragon rests just over the roof, supposedly to protect the Buddhist temple and its visitors.

Top of aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images

Also on the roof, there's a sculpture called "happiness." It is reportedly a gift from the monk who built the temple.

Aerial close-up of top floor of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images

The temple is 80 meters tall (262 feet tall), which corresponds to the age Buddha was when he died.

Aerial view of Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.tampatra/Getty Images

While admission is free, inside the temple are traditional Thai prayer pots for donations; it is said that those who toss a coin inside will receive love, wealth, and eternal happiness.

Interior first floor of Wat Samphran Temple building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images

While admission is free, inside the temple are traditional Thai prayer pots for donations; it is said that those who toss a coin inside will receive love, wealth, and eternal happiness.

The base of the temple is filled with statues and shrines.

Side view of Wat Samphran Temple building in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.Pierrick Lemaret/Getty Images

The five dragon claws of each foot scaling the building symbolize the 5 Moral Precepts of Buddhism, the Buddhist code of conduct.

Close-up of dragon claws on Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images

The shrine is open daily: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Side view of dragon from atop Wat Samphran Temple in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.MLADEN ANTONOV/Getty Images

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A famous pink temple in Thailand with a dragon sculpture is full of hidden details &mdash; take a closer look

The building is located about a 40-kilometer journey to the Nakhon Pathom province from Bangkok, or about an hour outside of the major city by train or car.

Founded by Bhavana Buddho and established in 1985, the pink shrine is 17 stories high and known for its short five-year-long construction.

Made of iron and glass fiber, the dragon that circles the building is actually hollow. Inside, there's a tunnel and staircase leading to the top (although certain sections may be closed to the public).

The head of the dragon rests just over the roof, supposedly to protect the Buddhist temple and its visitors.

Also on the roof, there's a sculpture called "happiness." It is reportedly a gift from the monk who built the temple.

The temple is 80 meters tall (262 feet tall), which corresponds to the age Buddha was when he died.

While admission is free, inside the temple are traditional Thai prayer pots for donations; it is said that those who toss a coin inside will receive love, wealth, and eternal happiness.

The base of the temple is filled with statues and shrines.

The five dragon claws of each foot scaling the building symbolize the 5 Moral Precepts of Buddhism, the Buddhist code of conduct.

The shrine is open daily: Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

A famous pink temple in Thailand with a dragon sculpture is full of hidden details — take a closer look