Blue and gold
Dazzling colour inside and out.
Chainwit. — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chainwit. — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Welcome to Thailand — CC0 · Chainwit. — CC BY-SA 4.0
The third of Chiang Rai's famous art temples, drenched in royal blue inside and out, with fine gold detailing and sculpted mythical serpents guarding the stairs. It was completed in 2016 on the site of an abandoned old temple, designed by a local artist who studied under the creator of the White Temple, and its name means «house of the dancing tiger». Its highlight is the blue prayer hall centred on a large white seated Buddha that stands out strikingly against the blue walls painted with intricate murals. The courtyard holds statues and carvings in blue and gold, making it one of the town's loveliest places for photos. Entry is free, and the temple opens from early morning until evening, beautifully lit at dusk. Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees covered, and shoes off before entering the halls. It is close to the town centre, about five minutes by car, and half an hour is enough. Make it one stop on a three-temple circuit with the White Temple and the Black House.
Dazzling colour inside and out.
Against painted blue walls.
Beautiful evening lighting.
Rong Suea Ten, north-central Chiang Rai town
Visit both, as they differ: the White is bigger and more famous with a fee, the Blue smaller, free and closer to town. Half a day covers both plus the Black House.
