The Blue Temple as Modern Art in Chiang Rai
Part of the Chiang Rai travel guide — see every topic in All Chiang Rai Guides.
Chiang Rai is known for bold modern art. The Blue Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten, is one of its best examples. It was designed by the Chiang Rai artist Phuttha Kabkaew and finished in 2016. The whole building is painted deep blue with gold details. This guide looks at it as a piece of contemporary art and design, and explains how to visit with respect.
A new building in a new style
The Blue Temple is very new. The local community planned a new building in the 1990s, and work started in 2005. The main hall was finished on 22 January 2016, after 11 years of work. The name means the temple of the dancing tiger. The artist, Phuttha Kabkaew, is a local folk artist. He learned his skills while working with Chalermchai Kositpipat, the artist who created the famous White Temple near the city. Both artists use a style called neo-traditional Thai art. It takes old Thai forms and makes them bright, detailed and dramatic.
Colour and design
The first thing you notice is the colour. Almost every surface is a deep, shining blue, with fine gold lines and patterns. The roof rises in sharp layers. Two large serpent sculptures in blue and gold guard the stairs at the entrance. Inside, the walls and ceiling are covered with swirling paintings in blue, gold and other bright colours. At the front of the hall stands a large pearl-white seated figure, about 6.5 m tall. The white looks very strong against the blue walls. Photographers love the contrast of blue, gold and white.
How to visit with respect
The Blue Temple is a working place of worship, so dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes before you enter the main hall, and leave them at the steps. Speak quietly inside. Photos are usually allowed, but do not point your feet toward the figure at the front, and do not climb on the sculptures. There is normally no ticket, and you can leave a small donation if you wish. Small stalls outside sell drinks, ice cream and snacks. A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Getting there
The Blue Temple is in Rimkok, on the north side of the Kok River. It is only a short drive from the city centre. You can get there by ride app, tuk-tuk or bicycle. Many visitors combine it with the White Temple, south of the city, and the Black House art museum, north of the city, in one half-day or day trip. A driver for half a day is easy to arrange through your hotel. Early morning has softer light and fewer people. In the late afternoon, the sun lights the blue walls very well.
Chiang Rai's art scene
The Blue Temple is part of a wider art scene in Chiang Rai. The city has produced several well-known Thai artists. Around the city there are private galleries, artist houses and art cafés. The Black House, Baan Dam, is a large museum of dark wooden buildings created by the artist Thawan Duchanee. Many artists open their studios to visitors. Ask at your hotel or a café for a local art map. Combining a few art sites makes a full day. Bring water and sun cream, because many of the sites are outdoors.
The Blue Temple as Modern Art at a glance
| Getting there | In Rimkok, north of the Kok River; a short ride from central Chiang Rai |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daytime, from morning to early evening |
| Cost | Normally no ticket; small donations welcome |
| Best time | Early morning or late afternoon; November to February for cooler weather |
| Dress | Cover shoulders and knees; shoes off inside the hall |