Blue Temple, Chiang Rai: A No FOMO Thailand Guide
Planning a trip to see Blue Temple, Chiang Rai?
Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant colors of the Blue Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Suea Ten), one of Northern Thailand’s newest things to do! With its modern architecture and striking blue and gold exterior, this one-of-a-kind Buddhist temple boasts intricate details that blend classic Buddhist elements with contemporary artistry. As you step inside, you’ll find an incredible interior that make it one of Thailand’s most beautiful temples.
Our guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Blue Temple, including directions, entrance fees, the best times to go, and what to expect of your visit.
Don’t get FOMO!
Completed in 2016, Blue Temple is one of Chiang Rai’s newest attractions. If you’re looking for a tour to see all the region’s highlights, book this Chiang Rai Sightseeing day tour that includes (almost) all the best things in and around the city.
I’ve visited all the attractions on a Chiang Rai tour and did so much inefficient route planning, I wish I had taken a tour to save myself the back-and-forth driving time.
Best of Chiang Rai Day Tour
⭐ Rated: 4.5 out of 5 (160+ Reviews)
Overview of Blue Temple, Chiang Rai
Known also as “Wat Rong Suea Ten” or the “House of the Dancing Tiger”, the current Blue Temple was once the site of an ancient temple that had long been abandoned.
Inspired by the artist who created the famous White Temple, his student, Putha Kabkaew, designed and constructed The Blue Temple. The build was fully completed in 2016, although it is still being improved today!
Where is it Located?
Blue Temple is situated approximately 3 kilometers north of the center of Chiang Rai, less than a 10 minute drive from the night bazaar.
While Chiang Rai is a popular follow-up destination after visiting Chiang Mai, it’s important to keep in mind that the city is almost 3 hours away (173 km). I’ve spoken with many travelers who wished they had come for more than just a day trip because of how long it took them to get there.
Click here to go to the exact Google Maps location.
How to Get to There
Basically in the city of Chiang Rai, the best way to get to Blue Temple is by taking a Songthaew, tuk tuk, or Grab. If you plan to combine other attractions around Chiang Rai, renting a scooter is the cheapest and easiest way to get around.
Scooters can be rented for about 250 baht daily from many rental services around Chiang Rai or your accommodation.
Got Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended if you’re traveling to Asia and scootering. Don’t be the latest victim of a scooter accident (at least financially) – but yes, we do all judge for those bandages around your knees and elbows!
I personally use Safety Wings, which charges me $42 monthly until canceled.
Hailing a songthaew (pick-up truck with bench seats) is easy. Being a popular destination, vehicles are running back and forth frequently. Agree on a price with the driver before jumping in the back.
Related Post: Read full details on transportation in Thailand (no, there is no Uber).
Tours to Blue Temple, Chiang Rai
While a self-guided visit is easy, why settle for just one highlight when you can see it all? Booking a Chiang Rai Sightseeing Tour ensures you’ll get the most out of your time in the city and the entire province. With an expert local guide, you’ll have access to all the must-see sights and a wealth of knowledge about the area’s history, culture, and hidden gems.
Don’t miss out on these other top things to do in Chiang Rai, all in one day:
- White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
- Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Ten)
- Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
- Hill Ethnic Tribe (Karen Long Neck Tribe)
- Tea Plantation
- Burmese Border Gate (Mae Sai)
- Golden Triangle (where Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand Meet)
- House of Opium (Learn about opium)
As well as have a knowledgeable guide who can answer any questions and a comfortable vehicle.
I recommend this Chiang Rai Sightseeing tour in particular, which has been rated 4.5 out of 5 stars and has 120+ stellar reviews. Check out a review below:
The perfect tour to see everything in Chiang Rai in one day! Vam was an amazing guide, and Sam was the perfect driver. We never felt rushed, Vam told us all the interesting facts of each place, and everything was organized perfectly. Vam even told us about a flower festival and offered to drop us off there at the end! What an incredible day. I would 100% recommend this tour.
– Jordan_H, Jan 2023 (See more Reviews on Viator)
Blue Temple General Information
How much is the entrance to Blue Temple Chiang Rai?
Blue Temple is free to enter.
Opening Hours
Blue Temple opens daily from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Dress code
Like most other temples or religious sites in Thailand, dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Make sure to take off your shoes before you go inside the main hall.
Best Time to Visit
The vibrant blue is beautiful at any time of day, but going first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon ensures that you’ll miss the crowds. I went in the middle of the day, and it was pretty crowded.
What to Expect: Things to Do
Not very big, taking pictures and walking around the temple grounds doesn’t take more than 30 minutes.
Make sure to walk around the full perimeter of the cerulean and dazzling gold temple to check out all the Buddhist deities and mythological characters. In the back, you can see the unfinished expansion in the works.
The most impressive is the inside of the temple, where a tapestry of colors, patterns, and designs seems almost psychedelic. Modern, intricate murals depict stories of Buddha on the walls. Finally, a porcelain buddha framed by rows of pillars in the middle sits peacefully, looking back at you in enlightenment.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
From backpacker hostels to jet-setter luxury locales, Chiang Rai offers a vast selection of accommodation options for every type of traveler. Here is one recommended place to stay for each budget.
LUXURY WITH A WATERPARK – The Riverie by Katathani
Experience a luxurious blend of classic and modern by booking a stay at The Riverie. Immerse in Lanna culture through unique room decorations and enjoy upgraded amenities and modern bathrooms. Wake up to a delicious breakfast and take a stroll along the river walk, or make the most of our fantastic facilities, including a mini waterpark and state-of-the-art fitness center.
MID-RANGE PET DECOR PRIVATE ROOMS – Sleepy House Chiang Rai
Booking a stay at Sleepy House Chiang Rai means enjoying a delicious breakfast to start your day, after resting easy in modern, well-maintained rooms with adorable pet cats and charming decor. Their friendly staff will help you book tours and tickets and offer helpful tips to make the most of your stay. Located near the center of town, this hotel offers unbeatable value for its price.
MOST POPULAR BACKPACKER HOSTEL – Stay in Hostel
Conveniently located just a stone’s throw away from the Sunday market, the popular Stay In Hostel is the perfect base for your Chiang Rai adventures. The knowledgeable team there will guide you to the best traditional restaurants, art exhibitions, and must-see attractions in town. Sleep comfortably in stylish bunk beds, private rooms or female-only dorms with individual lights and outlets.
Bucket List Worthy: Is the Blue Temple Worth Visiting?
Since the Blue Temple is so close to downtown Chiang Rai and free, yes it is worth stopping at. It’s not an attraction that requires much time, and it is pretty unique, but the monumental amount of visitors makes it a bit overrated and seem more like a tourist trap.
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Catherine Xu is the founder and author of Nomadicated, an adventure travel blog that helps travelers cross off their bucket list. Since discovering traveling in 2015, she has lived and journeyed to 65 countries across 5 continents and vanlifed the west coast USA for 2+ years. These days, she splits her time in Southeast Asia and California while sharing her travel stories and resources based on first-hand experiences. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.