The Silver Temple of Chiang Mai (officially Wat Sri Suphan) is one of the city's landmarks. Located in the Wualai district, Chiang Mai's traditional silversmithing quarter, it is famous for its silver ubosot (ordination hall). Wat Sri Suphan was built around 1500 as the main temple of the silversmithing village. Over time, parts of the temple were repeatedly repaired with silver. It wasn't until 2008 that the decision was made to completely cover the ubosot in silver. The interior of the Silver Temple, with its beautiful engravings, is well worth seeing, but unfortunately, due to ancient Lanna rules, women are not permitted to enter. The temple houses a small silver workshop that is open to the public. You can participate in a workshop there, but you must register 24 hours in advance (Tel.: +49 89 432 2594 or via LINE gmclub). On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, there is a discussion with the monks (similar to other temples in Chiang Mai, such as Wat Chedi Luang or Wat Suan Dok). Afterwards, there is a meditation session for everyone. The participation fee is apparently 200 THB, but please check beforehand. The Silver Temple of Chiang Mai is located right next to the street where the pedestrian zone is on Saturdays. I recommend a visit, as it stays open late in the evening and is beautifully illuminated. Every Saturday evening from 7:30 pm, various Buddhist ceremonies and performances take place at the temple.

Foreigners must now pay a fee of 50 THB. If you wish to participate in a metal carving workshop, you must register at least one day in advance (Tel.: 089 432 2594, via LINE gmclub, or in person at the temple). The cost is 200 THB per hour per person, and the workshops last from one to three hours, depending on the content. The temple is located just outside the central square of Chiang Mai.

The Silver Temple in Chiang Mai is located just outside the central square, which is surrounded by the city walls and moats. Therefore, it's usually easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, unless your accommodation is a bit further out. Alternatively, you can take the Smart Bus R3, which goes directly to the temple (Wat Sri Suphan). Otherwise, as is common in Chiang Mai, you can use the red taxis that are constantly on the move, take a tuk-tuk, or order a VTC (Virtual Taxi).

How to get there

How do you get to the Silver Temple? The Silver Temple in Chiang Mai is located just outside the central square, which is enclosed by the city walls and moats. Therefore, it's usually easily accessible on foot or by bicycle, unless your accommodation is a bit further out. Alternatively, you can take the Smart Bus R3, which will take you directly to the temple (Wat Sri Suphan). Otherwise, as is common in Chiang Mai, you can use the red taxis that are constantly on the move, take a tuk-tuk, or order a VTC (Virtual Taxi).