Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, is a relatively new and unique temple that has quickly become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Built-in 2016 by local artist and painter, Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate details, and vibrant blue color scheme.

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Discover the Mesmerizing Beauty of Wat Rong Suea Ten – Chiang Rai’s Blue Temple

Highlights:

Wat Rong Suea Ten is open after 6 pm, making it a great option for visitors with limited time.
The temple’s blue and gold stupa is unique and blends Burmese and Nepalese temple forms.
The temple is beautifully decorated both inside and out, with lots of space to sit and relax.
It’s free to enter and easy to get to without a tour guide, making it a budget-friendly option.
The ongoing construction adds an interesting element to the visit.

Drawbacks:

Some visitors felt that the interior was being used too much for selfies, which detracted from the temple’s reverence.
While some found the temple’s blue color scheme beautiful, others found it less impressive compared to other temples in the area.
The temple is small and busy, so visitors may not need a lot of time to explore.

The Design and Architecture of Wat Rong Suea Ten

The design of Wat Rong Suea Ten is unique compared to other temples in Thailand. Unlike traditional temples, which are often adorned with gold and red colors, the Blue Temple is painted in shades of blue and features intricate details in silver and gold.

The temple’s interior is equally stunning, with intricate murals and sculptures adorning the walls and ceilings. One of the most impressive features of the temple is the magnificent Buddha statue, which is coated in gold leaf and stands tall at the center of the main hall.

The Significance and Symbolism of the Blue Temple

The Blue Temple is rich in symbolism and significance. The blue color scheme represents the purity and wisdom of the Buddha, while the intricate details symbolize the path to enlightenment. The temple’s name, Wat Rong Suea Ten, translates to “temple of the dancing tiger,” which represents strength and power.

Visitors can also find other important Buddhist symbols throughout the temple, such as the lotus flower, which represents purity and enlightenment, and the Naga, a mythical serpent believed to protect Buddhist temples.

A Brief History of Wat Rong Suen Ten

If you’re curious about the history behind Wat Rong Suen Ten, you’re not alone. This temple, also known as the Blue Temple, was actually built quite recently, with construction beginning in 2005. The temple was designed by local Chiang Rai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who also created the well-known White Temple in the same province.

The Blue Temple was built to serve as a center of worship and meditation for the local community and was designed to blend traditional Buddhist elements with modern artistic styles. The temple’s stunning blue facade is meant to symbolize the importance of meditation and inner peace, and many of the temple’s intricate details are intended to inspire a sense of awe and wonder in visitors.

Tips for Visiting Wat Rong Suea Ten

If you’re planning to visit the Blue Temple, here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:

Dress appropriately: As with all Buddhist temples, visitors are expected to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees and avoiding revealing clothing.
Be respectful: Remember that the Blue Temple is a place of worship, so be respectful of the sacred space and the people around you.
Visit early: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit the temple early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Take your time: There’s a lot to see and appreciate in the Blue Temple, so take your time and enjoy the stunning architecture and intricate details.

How to Get to Wat Rong Suea Ten

The Blue Temple is located in Chiang Rai, approximately 13 kilometers southwest of the city center. You can easily get to the temple by taxi or tuk-tuk, which are readily available in the city. If you’re driving, there is parking available at the temple.

While the Blue Temple is still relatively new, it has already become a beloved landmark in Chiang Rai and a popular destination for travelers from all over the world. Whether you’re a devout Buddhist or simply appreciate beautiful art and architecture, a visit to Wat Rong Suen Ten is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Reviews from TripAdvisor:

pianocello
Open at night
Mar 2023 • Family
The majority of Chiang Rai’s tourist attractions close at 6 p.m. After that, this one is still open. It is truly beautiful, and there appears to be more construction by the sides, so check back in a year.

Phayao13
If you don’t read it, it’s easy to think it’s old and storied (completed 2016)
Feb 2023
Despite its different color scheme, Wat Rong Seur Ten shares some design elements with Chiang Rai’s more well-known White Temple.
A blue and gold stupa can also be found at Wat Rong Seur Ten. Aside from the color scheme, the stupa’s shape is also unusual, combining Burmese and Nepalese temple forms in an unusual way.