Wat Rong Seur Ten, aka the Blue Temple, is a Buddhist Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It was built between 2005-2016 on the site of the old temple which was abandoned 100 years ago. The temple attracts attention due to its remarkable deep blue color and intricate ornaments.
According to the legend, the blue color represents the Buddha Dharma, thus demonstrating the widespread virtue of Buddha. The pure white Buddha sculpture inside the temple also helps to create this impression as well as lightening up the space.
The artist of the temple was a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat who designed the famous White Temple. Therefore, the use of color, decoration, and the dragon ornamentations on the roofs in both temples are similar.
The Ordination Hall of Wat Rong Seur Ten draws great attention with the intricate artworks on its walls.
There are also statues of mythological figures such as naga (mythical serpents) and yak (spirits often shape shifting into ogres or winged men who guard temples).
Outside the temple, there is a blue and gold stupa whose form is a mixture of Burmese and Nepalese temple forms.
