Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

📍Address: 306 Moo 2, Mae Kok Road, Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100 🕰️Opening Hours: 07:00 AM - 08:00 PM Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, is a renowned landmark in Chiang Rai province. It stands out for its unique and stunning architecture, characterized by a blue and sky-blue color scheme contrasted with radiant gold accents. The name "Rong Suea Ten" (Dancing Tiger Canal) originates from the belief that around 80-100 years ago, tigers used to leap across the canals in this area, leading locals to name the place "Rong Suea Ten," which later became the name of the village and the temple. The temple was restored in 1994 by local villagers to serve as a spiritual center and a venue for religious ceremonies, as there was no temple available for such activities at the time. The main ordination hall (ubosot) was completed in 2016. Wat Rong Suea Ten was designed by Mr. Phuttha Kabkaew (Salanok), a local Chiang Rai artist and former student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the creator of Wat Rong Khun (White Temple). This connection imbues the Blue Temple with a contemporary Buddhist art style. The temple's striking blue color symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha spreading across the world, akin to the vast and clear sky. At the front of the ubosot, there are two magnificent large Naga sculptures, intricately designed with Lanna-style patterns. Inside the ubosot, the walls are adorned with murals depicting the life of the Buddha, and a large white Buddha statue in the "Stopping the Relatives" posture is enshrined at the back of the hall. Wat Rong Suea Ten is a must-visit destination in Chiang Rai, attracting both Thai and international tourists to admire its unique art and architecture.