Wat Rong Suea Ten

Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple, is a contemporary Buddhist temple in Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Famous for its vivid sapphire-blue interior and exterior, it was rebuilt between 2005 and 2016 on the site of an abandoned temple once frequented by tigers. Designed by Phuttha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, it features elaborate murals, naga sculptures and a large white Buddha image.

Visitors can expect a strikingly blue-painted temple complex with a richly decorated viharn (assembly hall) featuring gold trim, mirrored mosaics and detailed murals depicting Buddhist stories. Inside is a large seated white Buddha image against a deep blue background. The entrance is flanked by two large blue naga sculptures. The grounds are compact and open, with souvenir shops and small stalls outside, set near the Kok River north of Chiang Rai city centre.

The temple stands on the site of an old abandoned temple that had been in ruins for 80-100 years and was said to be frequented by tigers, giving rise to the name Rong Suea Ten (House of the Dancing Tiger). Reconstruction began in 2005 led by local artist Phuttha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat (creator of Wat Rong Khun), and the new viharn was completed in 2016.

An active Theravada Buddhist temple showcasing contemporary Lanna Buddhist art. It blends traditional Buddhist iconography with modern artistic expression, serving as both a place of worship for the local community and a major cultural attraction illustrating modern Thai temple architecture.