Blue Temple in Thailand – A brilliant spiritual destination in Chiang Rai

When mentioning famous temples in Chiang Rai, many people immediately think of the White Temple, however, it is impossible not to mention another masterpiece of art and spirituality – the Blue Temple in Thailand (Wat Rong Suea Ten). With its impressive blue color, unique architecture, and characteristic spiritual depth, this place has quickly become a spiritual destination in Chiang Rai loved by many domestic and foreign tourists.

Việt Nam•10/06/2025

Wat Rong Suea Ten – The Blue Temple in Thailand and the Miraculous Recovery Journey

Panoramic view of the Blue Temple in Thailand from afar with its brilliant blue color reflecting in the afternoon sun. (Photo: Collected)

The Blue Temple in Thailand, whose full name is Wat Rong Suea Ten, was built on the site of an ancient temple that had been abandoned for decades. The name “Suea Ten” means “leaping tiger,” and comes from a local legend about tigers that once crossed the nearby Mae Kok River.

The Blue Temple in Chiang Rai was built due to the lack of a local place for villagers to make merit and perform religious ceremonies. Previously, during important Buddhist ceremonies, villagers were forced to travel to distant temples, causing the community to disperse. In response, the villagers decided to restore the abandoned temple, turning it into a spiritual center and a place to hold religious ceremonies on important occasions. This effort not only provided a local place of worship but also strengthened the community ties between the villagers. This is why the place is so sacred and closely connected to nature.

The temple was restored and designed by Phuttha Kabkaew – a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the famous architect behind the White Temple. Thanks to his creativity and dedication, Wat Rong Suea Ten quickly became one of the famous temples in Chiang Rai in less than a decade since its completion (2016).

The enchanting architectural beauty of the Blue Temple in Thailand

The white jade Buddha statue inside the main hall – The outstanding spiritual highlight of the Green Pagoda. (Photo: Collected)

What makes the Blue Temple in Thailand so special is not just its unusual color, but also the combination of traditional Thai art with modern elements. The blue color that covers the entire temple is not simply an aesthetic choice – it symbolizes wisdom, peace and purity in Buddhism. The gold border is used delicately to enhance the luxurious, sacred beauty.

The exterior features statues of mythical creatures such as the winding Naga snake guarding the entrance, statues of guardian gods, and ornate pillars with intricate Lanna motifs. Inside the main hall, a pure white Buddha statue is placed solemnly in the center, surrounded by murals depicting the Buddhist universe, creating a sacred and emotional space.

Spiritual destination in Chiang Rai with cultural depth

Tourists and believers worship in the quiet space of the Blue Pagoda. (Photo: Collected)

Not only a beautiful tourist destination, the Blue Temple in Thailand is also a spiritual destination in Chiang Rai that is frequently visited by locals for prayer and meditation. Many visitors come here not only to admire the architecture but also to find peace of mind, especially on major Buddhist holidays.

Wat Rong Suea Ten is also an ideal place to explore the depth of Northern Thai culture. Every small detail in the architecture carries a philosophical message: from the arrangement of Buddha statues, colors, to the images of guardian deities. Stopping here will help you better understand the spirit of Buddhism and Thai spiritual culture, far beyond the scope of a normal tour .

Experience visiting the Blue Temple in Thailand and how to get there

The Naga Dragon Bridge curves at the temple gate – A sacred symbol of protection in Thai Buddhist architecture. (Photo: Collected)

The Blue Temple in Thailand is open from 7am to 8pm daily and is completely free of charge – a big plus for independent travelers. You should visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the harsh sunlight and have beautiful light for taking pictures.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to February, when the climate in Chiang Rai is cool and pleasant. However, if you go in the summer, the green color of the temple is even more prominent under the clear blue sky, creating a beautiful artistic picture.

Getting to the Blue Temple is quite convenient. From the center of Chiang Rai city, you can go by tuk-tuk, taxi or rent a motorbike. The travel time is only about 10-15 minutes, very suitable for combining into the schedule to explore famous temples in Chiang Rai such as the White Temple or Baan Dam (Black Museum).

With its unique beauty, impressive blue color and profound spiritual message, Wat Rong Suea Ten Blue Temple is not only a famous temple in Chiang Rai, but also a spiritual destination in Thailand that makes visitors admire, ponder and remember forever. If you are looking for places that are not only beautiful but also rich in emotions and culture, do not miss Wat Rong Suea Ten in your journey to explore Northern Thailand this summer!