Thailand

Located in the north of the city of Chiang Rai, the Wat Rong Sua Ten, still relatively unknown to visitors, reveals the splendor of Buddhist art. Established in the heart of the village of the same name, north of the Thai city of Chiang Rai, the temple is a popular destination for enthusiasts of statues and religious art.

The sculptures of Buddha in lotus position and the demon figures will captivate your attention. Although less visited than the white temple and rarely offered by travel operators, the Wat Rong Sua Ten nevertheless has many reasons to attract you for a visit.

A historical point…

The Wat Rong Sua Ten literally means "the temple of dancing tigers" because of the tigers that lived near the Kok River in ancient times. However, tigers are not represented on the temple grounds.

About a hundred years ago, an abandoned temple stood at the current site. In 1996, as the temple became increasingly dilapidated, the villagers decided unanimously to build a new place of worship to safely accommodate the public and the faithful. It was the disciple of the architect Chalermchai, the author of the plans for the White Temple, who undertook the construction.

The first stones of the building were laid in October 2005. However, the ordination hall was inaugurated in 2016. It houses an impressive white Buddha that arrived in the building in 2008.

Visiting the Blue Temple of Chiang Rai

In northern Thailand, the city of Chiang Rai continues to dazzle visitors with its multicolored temples: the black temple, the white temple, and the blue temple, a nickname for Wat Rong Sua Ten, referring to the unique midnight blue color that covers both its exterior and interior architecture.

The blue and golden Ubosot is undoubtedly the most attention-grabbing element of the décor when entering the grounds of Wat Rong Sua Ten. It is guarded by blue and purple Nagas (legendary creatures, part dragon, part serpent). Behind it, you will discover a large, standing white Buddha and the Phra That Ked Kaew Chula Mani stupa. Once inside, the seated white Buddha statue occupying the back of the hall will inevitably catch your eye. The walls painted in blue, gracefully adorned with traditional drawings and paintings, are full of history.

Although the Blue Temple is considered less spectacular than the White Temple in terms of size and execution quality, its unique architecture and atypical color nevertheless make it a must-visit if you are in the province of Chiang Rai.

Things to know before visiting the Blue Temple

Access to the blue temple is free for all visitors. When you are inside, consider these few rules of conduct to avoid offending the faithful:

• Wear appropriate clothing (avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing or expose the legs and shoulders).
• Respect silence.
• Remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall.
• Refrain from showing affectionate gestures.
• Never point your feet towards a Buddha statue.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid sitting on the platforms, as they are often reserved for monks.

How to get there?

The blue temple is located on the banks of the Kok River, a few kilometers outside the city center of Chiang Rai. From the King Mengrai Monument, simply take Route 1 to exit the city and, after crossing the river, turn left according to the sign.

While the address is easily identifiable, the temple is not served by public transportation. It is therefore essential to rent a private vehicle in Chiang Rai. Many individuals make their car, scooter, bicycle, or motorcycle available to tourists.

When traveling with Sawa'Discovery, you just have to follow your guide and driver, who will take you to the Blue Temple.