Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple, is about 4km east of the city centre and is one of the most striking pieces of contemporary Buddhist architecture in northern Thailand. Completed in 2016, the building is covered in deep cobalt blue and gold, with a large white Buddha statue at its heart. The interior is more elaborate still — the ceiling and walls are painted in intricate patterns of blue and gold that take a while to absorb.
The temple sees far fewer visitors than the White Temple, which makes it easier to appreciate without being jostled. Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered — as at any working temple. The building is still being extended, and sections of the complex are unfinished. What is there already is well worth the short tuk-tuk or songthaew ride from town.