Chiang Rai · Contemporary Buddhist temple with a blue hall
Wat Rong Suea Ten is Chiang Rai’s Blue Temple, with a large naga standing before its blue hall. The vivid building and curling sculptures at its entrance catch your eye together; look back and forth between the overall structure and its smaller decorations.
The hall in the Rim Kok area was created by a student of the artist behind the White Temple, while the naga design at the entrance was influenced by the craft of the artist behind the Black House. Look closely at the naga’s coiling body and head ornament in front of the blue building. If you are interested in contemporary art from Chiang Rai, the temple offers a chance to see distinct artistic approaches.
The pin marks the place, not necessarily its entrance, ticket office or vehicle drop-off point.
The temple is listed about 4 km from the city in the direction of the airport. Search for Wat Rong Suea Ten as your destination.
The nickname “Blue Temple” comes from the vivid blue exterior of the hall. First take in the building’s strong colour from a distance, then come closer to look at the details around the doors and eaves. Sculpted forms continue across the blue-painted surfaces.
Sculptures inspired by Buddhism and mythology appear throughout the building. Alongside the traditional temple roof form, you can see vivid colour and contemporary decorative expression. It also suits visitors who want to photograph striking architecture.
The large naga in front of the main hall is more than entrance decoration. The Tourism Authority says its design was inspired by the craft of Thawan Duchanee, who created the Black House Museum. After seeing the blue hall and gold patterns, look at the naga’s long, curving body to see how the work of the architect and another artist meets in one place.
Suranok, the creator of the Blue Temple, was also a student of Chalermchai, who created the White Temple. If you plan to visit both, look beyond the colours: the naga here also references another local artist’s work.
The Blue Temple’s colour makes a vivid photograph, but it also symbolises Buddhist teaching. The Tourism Authority connects its sky-like blue to the Dhamma, the Buddha’s true teaching. Gold details stand out against the blue and define the lines of the hall.
After looking at the blue and gold patterns in the main hall, look again at the naga at the entrance. You can consider the meaning of the colours separately from the local artist’s sculptural style. This is why the Blue and White Temples are more than two temples distinguished only by colour.
Visitors of all genders are advised to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A sleeved top with long trousers or a skirt that covers the knees is a practical choice. Please dress modestly rather than wearing a sleeveless top or short bottoms.
No. They are separate temples in Chiang Rai. Suranok, creator of the Blue Temple hall, was a student of Chalermchai, who created the White Temple. The Blue Temple has a blue hall and a large naga at the entrance; the White Temple has white halls and a symbolic bridge.
The Tourism Authority says it was inspired by the craft of Thawan Duchanee, the artist behind the Black House. After seeing the blue and gold patterns on the hall, look at the curved body and head decoration of the naga at the entrance.
Sources checked:
Sharing image credit: Chainwit. / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
