Chiang Rai’s Blue Temple - Wat Rong Suea Ten

The Blue Temple, also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, is a striking Buddhist temple, renowned for its stunning blue and gold color scheme. Built in 2005 on the site of an ancient abandoned shrine, it is a relatively new addition to Chiang Rai’s historical landscape and was funded by a local artist named Phuttha Kabkaew, who had a strong vision of fusing the beauty of traditional Buddhist art in the contemporary world.

The name “Rong Suea Ten” translates to “The Temple of the Dancing Tiger,” a title rooted in a local legend that has been passed down through generations. According to the folklore, the land where the temple now stands was once frequented by a mystical tiger known for its powerful leaps across the nearby river and its graceful, dance-like movements along the riverbanks. The tiger symbolises untamed power and freedom. This symbolism aligns closely with the temple’s purpose as a sacred space dedicated to deep meditation, self-discovery and spiritual reflection.

The blue figures sitting outside Rong Suea Ten are stylised statues of monks or celestial beings, often referred to as Thewada or Devas. These beings are common in Buddhist temple design and serve as attendants to the Buddha.  They embody spiritual reverence and act as intermediaries between the human and divine realms. The blue colour scheme represents the purity and wisdom of Buddha, while the intricate details symbolise the path to enlightenment.

The main hall of Rong Suea Ten is richly decorated with vibrant murals that immerse visitors in the visual storytelling of Buddhist cosmology. These elaborate scenes illustrate the cycle of life, death and rebirth, a core concept in Buddhism known as "samsara". Beyond the teachings of Buddhism, the artwork also draws heavily from Thai folklore, blending spiritual doctrine with cultural mythology. The walls feature a range of mythical creatures alongside celestial beings, commonly found in Buddhist and Hindu teachings.

Inside the main hall of the Blue Temple, or ubosot, you’ll find this 6 metre white Buddha statue named Rajamongkol Bodhi Trilokanat. This smiling figure radiates peace and transcendence, contrasting strikingly against the vivid sapphire and gold backdrop that surrounds it. The Buddha’s right hand gently reaches down toward the earth in a gesture known as the Bhumisparsha Mudra or the "Earth Witness Gesture". This pose is deeply symbolic. It represents the pivotal moment in Siddhartha Gautama’s spiritual journey, when, seated beneath the Bodhi tree, he called upon the Earth to bear witness to his attainment of awakening. According to legend, it was then that Phra Mae Thorani, the Earth Goddess, rose from the ground and wrung torrents of water from her hair to drown the demon Mara’s army of distractions and fears.

Wat Rong Suea Ten reflects the rich history of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Kingdom, which once ruled northern Thailand). The combination of traditional Buddhist values with modern artistic expression speaks to the evolving nature of Thai culture. The temple’s vivid design and intricate artwork are not just for admiration, they invite visitors to contemplate the deeper spiritual teachings of Buddhism. The temple also emphasizes the importance of community, as a place where locals come together for worship and visitors from around the world find peace and tranquillity.

Location : 306 Moo 2, Maekok Road, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Thailand

How to get there : The Blue Temple is located approximately 13 kilometres southwest of the city centre and is easy to reach via taxi or tuk-tuk. It is usually included in a Chang Rai temple day tour.

Attraction Info : It is open between 7am - 8pm daily and has no entrance fee. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering. The temple is quite small and will only take half an hour to wander through.

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