Wat Rong Suea Ten

Wat Rong Suea Ten means the temple of the dancing tiger, from a village name recording tigers that once crossed the river here. The old temple was abandoned for around eighty years, and the current building was begun in 2005 by Putha Kabkaew, a local artist who had worked under Chalermchai Kositpipat on the White Temple at Wat Rong Khun a few kilometres away. It is finished in deep sapphire blue with gold detail throughout - walls, columns, ceiling and the nagas flanking the entrance - and inside, a large white seated Buddha stands against blue walls painted with figures and flame motifs. The contrast with the White Temple is deliberate, and the two are usually visited together along with the Black House. It is free, unlike Rong Khun, small, and gets very crowded with tour groups through the day. Dress code is enforced.

What to look for

• The blue interior - sapphire and gold across walls, columns and ceiling.
• The white Buddha - the seated figure against the blue.
• The naga entrance - the serpents flanking the doors.
• The Rong Khun connection - built by a student of the White Temple's creator.

When to go

November to February. Early morning or late afternoon avoids the tour buses that fill it through the middle of the day. An hour covers it.

Practical notes

Small and very crowded with tour groups - the interior holds few people comfortably. Entirely modern, from 2005. Free but with donation boxes. Dress code enforced at the door.

Nearby

Wat Rong Khun, the White Temple, is south of the town; the Black House is north.

Key facts