Wat Rong Suea Ten
“The Blue Temple” of Chiang Rai
2½ kilometers North of Chiang Rai town
Wat Rong Suea Ten, better known as the Blue Temple, is a Buddhist temple that stands out from the others because of its sapphire blue color. It is not an active temple, no monks live here.
House of the dancing tiger
Wat Rong Suea Ten translates to “House of the dancing tiger”. The temple was named after the tigers that once roamed the area.
Main building
The main building is the viharn, the assembly hall. Huge Naga snakes guard its entrance. The richly adorned gable is in the traditional Lanna style with intricate floral motifs.
At the back of the building stands a large white image of the Buddha.
Interior
The building’s interior is at least as beautiful as its exterior.
Two rows of pillars are adorned with intricate motifs. Paintings on the walls depict scenes from the life of the Buddha. On the ceilings are ornaments in sapphire blue and violet with inlays of gold.
To the back wall seated on a pedestal is a large white Buddha image in subduing Mara or Calling the Earth to witness mudra.
Other structures on the grounds
Behind the main building stands a blue and gold chedi on a square blue base. Also on the grounds are a bell tower and several white images of the Buddha seated on blue pedestals.
Design
The Blue Temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, who created the famous White Temple nearby.
History of the Blue Temple
At the start of the 21st century Wat Rong Suea Ten had fallen into a very bad state of repair. It was decided to completely rebuild the temple. The works were completed in 2016.
Dress code
As in any temple in Thailand please dress respectfully, meaning no revealing clothes. Take off your shoes before going into the main building.
Do not climb on any of the buildings or on images of the Buddha.
Food, drinks & blue ice cream
Near the entrance gate is a number of food, drink and souvenir stands. You can also try blue colored ice cream in a coconut.
Location
The Blue Temple is located on Maekok road in the Rim Kok area of Chiang Rai. You will find it about 2½ kilometers North of the center of town, on the other side of the Kok river.
How to get to the Blue Temple
The easiest way to get there from Chiang Rai is by taxi or tuk tuk.
The Blue Temple is about 16 kilometers from the White Temple and 10 kilometers from the Black House. If you want to see all three, rent a car with driver for the day or book a tour.
Opening hours
The grounds are open during daylight hours from 6 am until 6 pm.
Entrance fee
Entrance is free.
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