Blue temple in Chanthaburi
Thailand is teeming with temples, each with their own purpose as well as unique design.
One that stood out to us is Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu in Chanthaburi.
More commonly known as the “Blue Temple”, Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu is adorned floor-to-ceiling with blue and white ceramic tiles.
Read on to learn more about the temple and its history.
More temples in Thailand:
This Blue Temple in Chanthaburi is 3.5 hours away from Bangkok
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu is located on the coast of Chanthaburi, a province that’s 3.5-hours East of Bangkok.
Upon arriving at the Blue Temple, visitors can immediately see how the establishment got its name. From the floor to the uppermost spires atop the temple’s roof, Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu is decorated in white and cobalt tiles.
Image credit: @travelling.planner
Visitors are first met with an imperial staircase that seems to have a mythical creature slithering down the railings.
The being is a “naga”. One of the naga’s purposes is to “guard” temples – its many heads and eyes constantly surveilling what’s going on.
Image credit: @nungsunny
The staircase leads you to the Viharn, or “main building”. Just like the rest of the place: the columns, windowsills, moldings, and ceilings are adorned with hand-painted tiles.
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu’s details make us wonder how much work it took to sculpt these columns, paint the tiles, and then cover the entire establishment with said tiles.
Image credit: @sunny_jp26
The craftsmanship doesn’t stop at the tiles, though. The doors that mark the entrance to the Buddha hall shows a painting that depicts celestial beings in intricate detail.
Image credit: Hive Blog
The Buddha hall seems to be the only place at Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu that isn’t covered in ceramic tiles.
Although, just like the doors, the walls are painted with scenes from Buddhist lore in vivid colours and great detail.
Image credit: @chanana_dee
The gong outside the Blue Temple
Located outside of this Chanthaburi temple is a – you guessed it – blue gong.
Image credit: @sunny_jp26
The gong is said to bring good fortune to those who ring it, as written by inChanthaburi.
Apparently, the harder you hit it, the more likely that blessings will come back to you.
This Blue Temple wasn’t always blue
Now that we know what Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu looks like, here’s a little history behind it.
The temple was first constructed in 1946, according to inChathaburi. However, it wasn’t until later that Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu was decorated in this iconic blue-and-white design.
Image credit: @nut.wanida
Before that, the temple’s design was withered away by ocean air and humidity. Thus, authorities decided to reinforce the temple with ceramic tiles to prevent such a thing from happening again.
Visit Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu
Image credit: @chanana_dee
Each and every temple serves a purpose. Of course, in the sense that they may be dedicated to different deities, but also in the architectural sense.
The variety of temples in Thailand showcases each region’s style and art, which is invaluable.
So, to help preserve each spot, we’d recommend providing a donation wherever you can. In fact, there isn’t an entrance fee to Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu, instead, there’s a donation box in front of the temple.
So, let’s support those who maintain such glorious sights – after all, it’s supposed to bring good karma.
Wat Pak Nam Khaem Nu (Blue Temple)
Address: 4002 Rural Rd, Takat Ngao, Tha Mai District, Chanthaburi 22120
Opening Hours: 5AM – 8PM, Daily
Cover images adapted from (Clockwise from Top Left): @chanana_dee, @travelling.planner, @aofap_cutepiing
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