The Blue Temple of Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Seua Ten) is located in Rong Suea Ten in the Rimkok district, a few kilometers outside of Chiang Rai. Although the main hall is already completed, the temple is still under construction. Its magnificent blue interior, featuring a large white Buddha symbolizing the spirits, is particularly impressive. The paintings are reminiscent of the style of the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). The large standing Buddha, also white, in front of it is another striking feature. With the White Temple, the Black House, and the Blue Temple, Chiang Rai is undoubtedly the city of colorful temples! "Suea Ten" literally means "dancing tiger." Tigers once roamed the area, leaping across the river. This is the origin of the name of the village of Rong Seua Ten. The site of the present temple was once occupied by the ruins of a temple abandoned 80 to 100 years ago. In 1996, the villagers decided to build a new temple here. Construction began in October 2005, the White Buddha was completed in 2008, but the main hall wasn't finished until January 22, 2016. The Blue Temple of Chiang Rai is not yet very well known among tourists, as it was only recently completed, but it will undoubtedly become increasingly famous and attract more and more visitors in the coming years.

Entry is free. This is a stop I recommend on your way to or from the Black House (Baan Dam); it's conveniently located along the route.

To my knowledge, there is no public transport to Wat Rong Seua Ten. You will need a tuk-tuk or your own vehicle. The Blue Temple is quite easy to reach by car, scooter, motorbike, or even bicycle. From the King Mengrai Monument, take Route 1 out of town, cross the Kok River, and less than a kilometer past the river, you will see a sign on the left pointing to the temple.

Wat Rong Suea Ten – the Blue Temple – is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do I get to Wat Rong Suea Ten – the Blue Temple? As far as I know, there is no public transport to Wat Rong Suea Ten. You will need a tuk-tuk or your own vehicle. The Blue Temple is quite easy to reach by car, scooter, motorbike, or even bicycle. From the King Mengrai Monument, take Route 1 out of town, cross the Kok River, and less than a kilometer past the river, you will see a sign on the left pointing to the temple.