The Blue Temple, or “Wat Rong Suea Ten”, is another artistic masterpiece of Chiang Rai - boasting sapphire-blue and gold details. The temple houses a stunning porcelain Buddha statue, with murals on the walls and ceiling that have a cosmic and almost psychedelic element to them. It’s just a short drive from the city center and what’s better: entry is completely free.

Opened in 2016, the Blue Temple was designed by local artist Phutta Kabkaew (known colloquially as Sala Nok) who was a student of the White Temple’s creator, Chalermchai Kositpipat. The name of the temple means “House of the Dancing Tiger”, a reference to the site’s location where a creek (rong) was supposedly once home to wild tigers (suea). Legend goes that the tigers would leap (ten) across the water, as if they were dancing.

The Blue Temple - Visitor Information — *The Blue Temple*

The Blue Temple - Wat Rong Suea Ten — *The Blue Temple*

The Blue Temple - White Porcelain Buddha Statue — *The Blue Temple*

What to See & Do at the Blue Temple

We visited the Blue Temple on our road trip to Chiang Rai and found it to be just as captivating as the White Temple. The main difference between the two (apart from the color and symbolism) is the size. The Blue Temple is much smaller but we liked its cozy atmosphere, nestled in the city by the Kok River. We also stopped for lunch at the nearby Chivit Thamma Da, which was the cherry on top of a wonderful little morning.

The Blue Temple - Lunch Spots — *Chivit Thamma Da*

Admire the Naga Serpents at the Entrance

The first thing that catches your eye, as you enter the temple grounds, are the two huge Naga serpents flanking the staircase up to the main hall. These mythical creatures are adorned with rich colors and incredible detail: sapphire scales, violet underbellies, red mouths and pearly white sharp fangs. Their tails twist up to the Ubosot (ordination hall) - a building that’s decorated in the most spectacular golden patterns you’re likely to see.

The Blue Temple - Naga Serpents — *Naga serpents*

Step Inside the Main Prayer Hall

On the walls and ceiling, you’ll see these otherworldly murals that depict important stages of the Buddha’s life - from his birth all the way up to his entry into Nirvana. These traditional Buddhist stories are told in a creative new way at the Blue Temple, using neon blue and deep purple colors as well as swirling cosmic patterns. And of course, you’ll get to observe local Thais praying peacefully below the magnificent porcelain Buddha statue.

The Blue Temple - Cosmic Murals — *Prayer Hall*

The Blue Temple - Prayer Hall — *Prayer Hall*

Marvel at the Porcelain Buddha Statue

The main Buddha image is officially called Phra Buddha Ratchamongkol Bodi Trilokanat and it’s even more impressive than the photos in real life. This porcelain white statue sits in the center of the hall and stands out brilliantly against the sapphire backdrop. It almost glows, thanks to the LED lights and natural daylight that filters through the windows.

The Blue Temple - Buddha — *Porcelain Buddha statue*

The Blue Temple - Travel Guide — *Porcelain Buddha statue*

See the Standing Buddha at the Back

If you wander behind the main hall, you’ll find a hidden gem of the Blue Temple: another white Buddha statue but this time it’s standing outside set against a royal blue and gold wall. A stairway leads to the statue, again flanked by mythical Naga serpents. The Buddha has its left hand raised softly, as if it’s offering protection or a blessing to those who walk up to it.

The Blue Temple - Standing Buddha — *Standing Buddha*

Try the Blue Coconut Ice Cream

There’s a few food stalls across from the main hall that offer snacks and drinks, one of which does blue coconut ice cream. You’ll be glad to know that the ice cream is dyed blue naturally, using butterfly pea flowers. Kat couldn’t help herself and decided to order an ice cream in the morning, taking those Instagram-worthy photos against the blue facades.

The Blue Temple - Blue and Gold Details — *Kat with blue ice cream*

The Blue Temple - Blue Ice Cream — *Blue ice cream vendor*

Have Lunch at Chivit Thamma Da

To cap off your morning visit to the Blue Temple, you can take a quick stroll around the corner to Chivit Thamma Da. This coffee house and bistro sits on the banks of the Kok River, and features vintage English-style decor and gardens. We had a fantastic lunch here - it was the perfect place to escape the heat and crowds that were starting to pour into the Blue Temple. Cam opted for a burger while Kat and her friends had smoothies and Thai food.

The Blue Temple - Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House — *Chivit Thamma Da*

The Blue Temple - Chivit Thamma Da — *Chivit Thamma Da*

Visitor Information for the Blue Temple

Opening Hours

The Blue Temple opens at 7:00 AM every day, which is pretty early for a Thai temple, but this just gives you the chance to beat the crowds in the morning. It also closes quite late at 8:00 PM. This means you can visit at night when the temple is lit up, the inside of the main hall has a more enchanting feel, and when monks come to pray, chant and make merit.

Entry Fee & Dress Code

Entry is totally free for the Blue Temple and this goes for foreigners as well as Thais. Like all temples in Thailand, you’re expected to cover your knees and shoulders. You could also wear an outfit that matches the color of the temple, something Kat did enthusiastically. You have to take off your shoes before entering the main hall, as it has blue carpet and rugs on the floor.

Blue Temple - When to Visit — *The Blue Temple*

How to Get There

It’s just a quick 10 minute ride from the city center to the Blue Temple by taxi, Grab or scooter and there’s plenty of parking outside the temple gates. If you want to go by tuk-tuk, it’s a slightly more expensive trip but this mode of transport is always fun wherever you are in Thailand. Another option is arriving by songthaew - you can head to Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 and jump in with the locals for no more than 20-40 THB each.

Final Thoughts on the Blue Temple

The Blue Temple is absolutely worth visiting in our opinion, just as much as the White Temple. You could easily combine them both into a day of temple hopping, perhaps including the Black House (Baan Dam Museum) as well. The temples of Chiang Rai are different from anything else you’ll see in Thailand (and the world for that matter) - created with such a profound level of detail and imagination that it’s hard to wrap your head around it.

The Blue Temple - White Temple — *The White Temple*

The Blue Temple: What to See & Do at Wat Rong Suea Ten