Wat Sri Suphan - Silver Temple
Wat Sri Suphan, commonly known as the Silver Temple, is one of Chiang Mai's most visually distinctive places of worship. Originally built during the Mangrai dynasty, the temple's centrepiece is its ubosot — an ordination hall covered entirely in silver and aluminium metalwork, with hand-engraved panels and decorative detailing that reflect centuries of Lanna artistic tradition. The craftsmanship is genuinely remarkable up close, and the compound also features a large silver Ganesh statue, shaded benches, and palm trees that lend it a calm, unhurried atmosphere. A small market and monk-run stalls selling handmade bookmarks are often found on the grounds. Visitors should be aware of a few important practical points before arriving. A 50 Baht entrance fee applies to foreign visitors, while entry is free for Thai nationals. Notably, only men are permitted inside the main ordination hall — women may view it from the exterior, where the metalwork is clearly visible. The temple is open most days from 07:00 to 17:30, with extended hours until 23:00 on Saturdays, making an evening visit on Saturday a worthwhile option when the temple is typically quieter and dramatically lit. Wat Sri Suphan sits on Wua Lai Road, a street also known for its traditional silversmith workshops, so combining a temple visit with a walk along the road offers additional cultural context. As with all active Buddhist temples in Thailand, modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wat Sri Suphan - Silver Temple, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) is one of Chiang Mai’s most unique temples, famous for its silver-colored ubosot covered in detailed metalwork and engravings. The craftsmanship is incredible—every wall is packed with symbolic designs, and it looks especially beautiful in the evening lights. Important for visitors: the main silver ubosot is for men only (women can view it from outside), but the surrounding grounds and workshops are still worth visiting for everyone. Great tempel and a standout example of modern Lanna metal art.
Charismatic and intricately put together piece of modern architecture- visited in the evening on a Sunday with very few people inside. The temple compound is peaceful with 50 Baht entrance fee for tourists. Women are not allowed to enter within the main Silver temple. The temple closes for visiting at 5:30pm after which there’s a light and sound show starting at 6:30pm. You can meet the monks here and learn more about Buddhism. Will recommend ( much better than highly over crowded temples in Bangkok)
Some truly mesmerising architecture and a massive silver statue of Ganesh! There are many benches to relax on, as well as palm trees. There was also a small market and a stall with monks making bookmarks and keychains from metal. Note that women are not allowed to view the temple from the inside. While I didn’t like this at all, I chose not to let it put a dampener on my experience or the day itself. Entrance is 50 baht, and you receive a small bottle of water.
Location Info
100 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 61 403 2815www.facebook.com/watsrisuphanchiangmai?mibextid=ZbWKwLVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Wat Sri Suphan - Silver Temple
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
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MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Center
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Central Chiangmai Airport
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Wat Sri Suphan - Silver Temple
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.