Wat Sri Suphan is located about a ten minute walk on the south side of the old city, along a street filled with silver shops and workshops.The centre piece of the temple complex is the beautifully crafted silver ordination hall on the right hand side. The hall is covered both inside and outside with a mixture of silver, aluminium and nickel intricate designs. The inside is particularly mesmerising. Unfortunately as the hall is used for ordaining the monks, women are not allowed to enter.The complex also houses a silver craft centre and is good to watch and learn to understand how the intricate ornaments, pictures etc are made.
If you are interested in the Buddhist way of life definitely visit the monk chat in this temple! There you have the possibility to ask them all your questions and afterwards even take part in a meditation cours for beginners (all together from 5:30pm - 9pm) for a donation you decide on. Reservation wasn't necessary. It was one of the most interesting things we have done this vacation and can only recommend it!
Yes it's unique, but I wouldn't put it above places like Wat Umong, Wat Suan Dok or Wat Lok molee (at night) on your list of things to see in Chiang mai if you are on a limited time schedule. If time is not a factor then check it out as it's not far from the old city, even walkable if you are feeling energetic.You'd have to be a metallurgist to know for sure but while there's plenty of silver colour the actual "Silver" content might be pretty low. That aside the craftsmanship and detail is impressive, particularly the interior. I found it a difficult temple to photograph as it has several other buildings in close proximity giving limited options for exterior shots. I think the mornings would give the best light for pictures.
The main spot for this temple is reserved only for men, an ordination building for monks made of silver and other metals. Even thought the ladies can take a look from the outside. The craftsmanship is amazing, and don't forget to take a look of the floor at the stairs, truly is something unique.
I love visiting this temple and seeing the continuing work they are doing on decorating the continuing the ordination hall.
This is a very beautiful temple, not too crowded. The silver makes it different from the other temples in Chiang Mai. We were lucky to see the pupils learning the silver carving, just walk around the temple area and you might have the same luck.
Have visited many temples in chiang mai, this one is so different as it is all in silver with beautiful carvings.This is so beautiful and should be a must visit on yourvisit to chiang mai.I think not many tourists know about this one as there was only 1 other couple there when I visited in February 2015
Not so much a Wat as ameditation centre in nice surroundings. A pleaseant break from the traffic. Check out the tunnels.