Blue Temple, Chiang Rai

For tourists who speak English, Wat Rong Seua Ten is most commonly referred to as the Blue Temple or "Templo Azul". It is one of Chiang Rai's newest and most beautiful wats, as well as one of the most visited.

In a country where most temples are built of gold, this stunning color is uniquely used as decoration on the walls, roof, and surrounding statues of the temple. This hue denotes purity, wisdom, and the lack of materialism that Buddhists strive for. Despite being very small, the Blue Temple's gold ceilings and deep sapphire blue walls give it an almost magical appearance. The temple's gate is bordered on either side by two vibrant Nagas, semi-divine snake-like creatures, which add to the temple's magnificent atmosphere. There has a big white Buddha statue that welcomes visitors inside, as well as carved Buddha statues, mosaic-like blue paintings, and murals.