The dragon's body is reinforced with steel and fiberglass, containing a staircase and ventilation shafts for visitors to climb inside.
The height of the building (80 meters) was specifically chosen to represent the age of the Buddha at the time of his passing.
The temple was founded in 1985 by Phra Kru Bhavana Buddhakun.
The dragon's claws are visible gripping the exterior of the tower, providing structural support points.
The temple grounds contain a large tortoise-shaped building and a rabbit statue, reflecting traditional Buddhist metaphors for persistence and humility.
Wat Sam Phran is a 17-story cylindrical Buddhist temple famously wrapped by a giant, hollow red-and-green dragon sculpture. The building stands 80 meters tall, reflecting the number of years the Buddha lived. Visitors can walk through the dragon's interior tunnel, which winds upward to the top of the tower. The complex includes various religious statues, including a large golden Buddha and a diverse collection of animal sculptures in the surrounding gardens. It is located in the Sam Phran District of Nakhon Pathom, roughly 40 kilometers west of Bangkok. The temple is an active place of worship that balances architectural eccentricity with traditional Buddhist practices.
The parking lot area directly in front of the temple provides the best vertical angle to capture the entire dragon's length.
The interior of the dragon tunnel can get very humid and warm, so carry water and prepare for a workout.
Many of the upper floors are currently under renovation or restricted; check with local monks about current access points before climbing.
Bring a hat and sunscreen as the outer temple gardens have limited natural shade.
Do not attempt to climb the dragon's exterior or touch the scales; stay strictly within the designated interior stairwell.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering any shrine or temple hall.
