Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
Chiang Rai's spectacular free blue temple — cobalt nagas, gold details, and an incredible mandala ceiling with far fewer crowds than the White Temple.
About this Place
While less famous than the White Temple, the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten — Temple of the Dancing Tiger) is a stunning and vibrant counterpart that many visitors prefer for its free entry, striking cobalt blue exterior, and less-crowded atmosphere. Completed in 2016, the temple was designed by artist Phuththa Kabkaew as a disciple of Kositpipat. The electric blue facade with gold accents and intricate dragon-serpent nagas frame a giant white Buddha seated inside. The interior ceiling features a mandala-like blue and gold mural of unprecedented intricacy. Significantly fewer tour buses than the White Temple. Located 4km east of Chiang Rai town centre — easily combined in a city temple circuit. Free entry. Visit at dusk when the temple illuminates dramatically against a dark sky.
Location
19.9058, 99.8399
More Nearby Locations
National Artist Thawan Duchanee's provocative compound — 40 black buildings filled with animal skins, bones, and dark spiritual art.
The late Princess Mother's mountain villa at 1,200m — royal gardens, sustainable development legacy, and cool highland scenery in northern Chiang Rai.
Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet on the Mekong — the Golden Triangle's opium history, river views, and Hall of Opium museum.
Thailand's most breathtaking contemporary temple — artist Kositpipat's all-white masterpiece with mirror-mosaic details and surreal pop art murals.