Wat Chakrawat: The Crocodile Temple of Chinatown

Updated on October 9, 2026

Wat Chakrawat Rachawat Woramahawihan, also called Wat Sam Pluem, is a royal temple in the Chinatown district of Samphanthawong, between the river and Yaowarat Road. It is known as "the crocodile temple": a small pond on the site holds a few live crocodiles, and a display case shows a stuffed crocodile that local legend says attacked a young monk. According to the travel guides consulted in October 2026, entry is free and the temple is open during the day, roughly 8 am to 5 or 6 pm. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. The temple is mainly a curious, unpretentious stop to combine with Chinatown, its lanes and its markets: it is not worth a trip on its own.

Highlights

The crocodile pond

The crocodiles rest in a pool in the heart of the temple. Watch them from a distance: they are mostly motionless, and the pond is modest.

The prayer hall

The main sanctuary, in Thai style, is an active place of worship: worshippers come to leave offerings and light incense.

The stuffed crocodile display

A stuffed crocodile is shown, along with the story told to visitors; take it as a local anecdote rather than established fact.

The neighbouring lanes

Around the temple, small streets lined with stalls and old houses lead to Sampeng Lane and the heart of Chinatown.

Practical info

Tips

Cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off to enter the halls; see our guide to the dress code for temples. Do not feed the crocodiles or throw anything into the pond, and do not buy bait if it is offered to you. Keep a sensible distance from the edge of the pool. If the animals' living conditions bother you, give it a miss: the pond is small. For the area, combine the visit with Wat Mangkon Kamalawat.

How to get there

Chakkrawat Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100. Chao Phraya Express boat to Ratchawong pier (N5), then about 10 minutes on foot up Ratchawong Road and through the lanes (follow the signs or your map app). Blue line MRT, Wat Mangkon station, then a quarter of an hour's walk; or taxi and Grab, easier in the hot hours.