Thailand

In the city of Chiang Mai, the silver façade of Wat Sri Suphan captivates all visitors. An architectural treasure not to be missed!

Introduction

As night falls, the silver temple of Chiang Mai lights up to the delight of strollers. Worshipers burn incense in front of a statue. Monks in orange robes humbly greet you with folded hands as they pass by. The Buddhist tradition reveals itself in all its purity here, as pure as the precious metal from which the various parts of the monastery are crafted. Completed in the 16th century and restored in the early 21st century, Wat Sri Suphan, better known as the Silver Temple, is one of the finest reinterpretations of Lanna art. Exchanging a few words with the temple monks, learning about key moments in its history, experiencing the benefits of meditation… A rich experience awaits you at Wat Sri Suphan during your vacation exploring the city of Chiang Mai. The complex is located just south of the old city and stands out from other temples in the region thanks to its unique architectural style based primarily on silver. Indeed, all the buildings that make up the temple have been crafted from this precious metal. Silver was specially chosen because it symbolizes purity. However, there are some decorative elements plated in gold.

History

The extravagant idea of covering the monastery in silver is relatively recent. It dates back to 2008, to be more precise. Over 500 years old, Wat Sri Suphan was established during the reign of Mengrai, who established his sovereignty over the northern cities. Wat Sri Suphan was built around the beginning of the 16th century, during the reign of King Mengrai. Its original name is Wat Srisuphan Aram. It served as a place of worship for a humble village of artisans. Due to the weather, the building was destroyed, rebuilt, and touched up countless times over the centuries. That said, the construction supervisors took into account the original architecture, so the temple is faithfully restored in the Lanna style.

Calling it the "Silver Temple" is a bit presumptuous, given that some parts are made of zinc or alloy. During the repair work in 2004, Abbot Phithatsuthikhun enlisted local goldsmiths. Hence the prevalence of artisanal silver. The temple is completely covered in silver from floor to ceiling. This is what makes it unique from a cultural point of view: it is a monument to goldsmithing, testifying to a craft tradition practiced for generations. Due to various weather conditions over the years, the building structure has suffered some damage. Renovation and embellishment work have therefore been carried out.

In 2004, for example, the work was under the command of Abbot Phra Kru Phithatsuthikhun. He enlisted local goldsmiths to work on the project. Instead of opting for modern renovation techniques, the abbot relied on the skills and expertise of these professionals. Most of the pieces requiring repairs were made with a mixture of zinc and alloy. Silver was primarily used for sacred images.

Today

The reason for visiting Wat Sri Suphan is twofold. On one hand, exploring the premises allows you to admire the sublime silver decoration. Masterpieces sculpted in silver fill the eyes; silver Buddha figurines fill every corner of the room… Collectors will not be disappointed, as they can even purchase them. On the other hand, sharing the daily lives of Buddhist monks fulfills the need for spiritual escape. Their interest moves away from material goods and closer to the world of the gods. They recite prayers, present offerings of food and flowers while lighting candles, or devoutly meditate at the feet of Buddha. Unforgettable!

The Ubosot of Wat Sri Suphan

With its silver covering from base to ridge, the Ubosot is undoubtedly the favorite of visitors. This building, entirely covered in silver (both outside and inside), is undoubtedly the main attraction of the religious complex. Its three-story roof follows the classic plan style of pagoda temples in the northern part of the country, with the famous three-tiered roof. Unfortunately, women are not allowed to cross the threshold of the ordination hall; it cannot be visited by women. Indeed, there is an inscription (in Thai and English) at the entrance that clearly reminds of this detail. This prohibition for women is linked to an old Lanna belief that the temple could deteriorate if they entered and that the woman herself could also be threatened.

Conversation with local monks

Conversations with the monks are also increasingly attracting followers. Local monks have acquired solid English skills. During "monk chats," they share anecdotal facts about the temple, report on the daily life of a Buddhist priest, or discuss the influence of Buddhism on the social and cultural customs of Chiang Mai. Note that these exchanges are often regularly organized at Wat Sri Suphan on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. These are sessions of exchange with the resident monks. The discussion generally revolves around the history of the temple, the life of a monk at the monastery, and also the daily lives of the inhabitants of Chiang Mai. Some local monks have acquired good English skills, which is a positive point as the language barrier has already been avoided.

Aside from these conversations with Buddhist priests, visitors can also learn about meditation, a widespread philosophy of life rooted in the teachings of Buddhism. The aim is to introduce tourists to the very principles of Buddhism. The ultimate goal is to achieve total harmony with the elements in order to regain self-confidence and inner peace.

The temple's silver workshop

The tourist appeal of the site is also due to the local goldsmiths who work directly on-site. Who would have thought that a Buddhist sanctuary would become an open-air silver museum? You can watch metal sculptors in action live, browse through the various objects they make, or buy some if you wish. It should also be noted that a metal sculpture workshop is open to visitors for about 200 baht per hour per person. The learning session lasts between 1 and 3 hours, depending on your choice.

Practical information

Visiting hours and prices

The Wat Sri Suphan Silver Temple is open every day from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. An entrance fee of 50 baht per person (€1.4) is required for visitors. The recommended time to visit is in the early evening when the temple lights up, offering shadow and light games in the surroundings, and access is paid (50 baht per person). It is best to go there in the evening, as the place lights up and reveals a completely different face for the pleasure of the eyes.

Reminder

The place you are going to visit is sacred. Please respect the dress code in force in Thai places of worship: decent clothing that covers the legs, arms, and shoulders.

How to get there?

Easy to spot, the silver temple is located a few meters from Wualai Road, where the Saturday night market takes place. You can rent a private car, scooter, or motorcycle to get there.