Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Wat Rong Suea Ten, better known as the Blue Temple of Chiang Rai, is a renovated Buddhist shrine in the Rimkok district. The temple's facade is a blend of gold and brilliant cerulean blue. Outside the temple is a statue of Phra Upakut, a revered monk in Theravada Buddhis. Inside the monastery, the presiding deity is Lord Phra Buddha Rajamongkol Bodhi Trilokanat, seated on a lotus in a serene, meditating pose.

As per legend, the temple stands on the site of an ancient shrine where tigers once roamed around freely nearly a century ago. The Thai moniker of the temple roughly translates to ‘dancing tiger’, as it is believed the wild creatures used to leap around the nearby Mae Kok River. Erected in 2016, the temple was designed by Phuttha Kabkaew at the request of the local residents. The entire temple premises is ornately designed with an abundance of blue on every wall, floor, and roof. The main door of the shrine is guarded by two intricately crafted dragons. The viharn has a chedi or stupa at the back also bearing a statue of Buddha. However, this is not an active monastery as monks don’t live and practice here. You can present your offerings to the altar.