Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's breathtaking Silver Temple, entirely adorned in shimmering silver, offering a unique Lanna architectural marvel.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Appreciate silver details
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) Chiang Mai
Best Time
Appreciate silver details

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Chiang Mai's breathtaking Silver Temple, entirely adorned in shimmering silver, offering a unique Lanna architectural marvel.
"A truly unique temple, unlike any other in Thailand, with incredible silver craftsmanship."
Respect the Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees before entering temple grounds. :dress:
Women's Entry Restrictions
Women cannot enter the main silver hall. Admire from outside or view digital screens. :woman:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Entirely Silver Ubosot
Main Ordination Hall
A breathtaking Lanna-style hall meticulously covered in shimmering silver and aluminum, adorned with intricate carvings.

Intricate Silver Craftsmanship
Temple Exterior and Interior Details
Marvel at the detailed artistry, from the roof and walls to the floor, showcasing stories of Buddhism and Thai culture.
Evening Illumination
Temple Grounds
Witness the temple transform after dark as it glows with vibrant, colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Silver Temple's Unique Entry Rules
Best Times to Experience the Shine
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees before entering temple grounds. :dress:
Women's Entry Restrictions
Women cannot enter the main silver hall. Admire from outside or view digital screens. :woman:
Affordable Entry Fee
Only 50 THB admission, often includes a small gift like a keychain or water. :ticket:
Day & Night Visit
See the temple's beauty in daylight and its magical glow at night. :flashlight:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the Dress Code
Cover shoulders and knees before entering temple grounds. :dress:
Women's Entry Restrictions
Women cannot enter the main silver hall. Admire from outside or view digital screens. :woman:
Affordable Entry Fee
Only 50 THB admission, often includes a small gift like a keychain or water. :ticket:
Day & Night Visit
See the temple's beauty in daylight and its magical glow at night. :flashlight:
Explore Silver Workshops
Discover local silversmiths and their craft in the surrounding Hai Ya neighborhood. :hammerandwrench:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently amazed by the unique beauty of Wat Sri Suphan, the 'Silver Temple,' praising its intricate silver craftsmanship and the magical evening illumination. While the 50 THB entry fee is considered a great value, the restriction on women entering the main ordination hall is a notable point of discussion.
"Beautiful silver temple. We went at night about 30 minutes before they closed so we didn’t really get to see the full thing but we were leaving the next day so we went anyway. It was 50 baht per person for the entry. We were given the orange flower thing from a Buddha and my husband went into the temple (men only)."
Christine Aaron
"Silver Temple. 50 bhat per person entry free. Men only, no women inside the silver temple. Women can view the outside only. We went 1 hr before they closed, but the museum also closed early. It was still beautiful. Women can enter the first temple located outside the gate."
mm bop
"I recently visited Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple, in Chiang Mai. Getting there was really easy. I was staying inside the Old City, so I decided to walk, it took me about 15 minutes. But if you prefer, you can grab a tuk-tuk or a songthaew for a quick ride, and it’s very affordable. The entrance fee was 50 THB (around 1.40 USD), which included a small keychain and a bottle of water. The ticket was valid all day, so I could leave and come back later to see the temple illuminated at night. As soon as I stepped inside, I was amazed by the beauty of the place. The ordination hall is entirely covered in silver and aluminum, with intricate carvings that tell stories of Buddhism, Thai culture, and even daily life. The craftsmanship is breathtakin, I spent a long time just looking at the details. One important thing to know: women are not allowed to enter the ordination hall (Ubosot) due to religious tradition. They can still admire the temple from outside, which is equally stunning, and there are digital screens nearby where you can see the interior. Regarding dress code, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering. Shoes must be removed before stepping into temple areas, as is common in Thailand. What I really loved was the atmosphere. In the evenings, the temple glows with colorful lights, and since it’s close to the Saturday Night Market, you can easily combine both experiences. During the day, you can also join monk chats, learn about meditation, or even watch local silversmiths working in the nearby workshops. Overall, Wat Sri Suphan felt very unique compared to other temples I visited in Chiang Mai. It’s a small temple, but the artistry and history make it truly special. If you’re exploring the city, don’t miss it, go both during the day and at night if you can. It’s worth every moment!"
Andy Arratiav
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Sri Suphan is easily accessible. If you're staying within Chiang Mai's Old City, it's a pleasant 15-minute walk. Alternatively, affordable options like tuk-tuks or songthaews are readily available for a quick ride.
Yes, there is no parking fee for visitors at Wat Sri Suphan, making it convenient for those arriving by private transport.
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), you can take a taxi or a Grab car directly to Wat Sri Suphan. The journey is relatively short and convenient.
Yes, it's a walkable distance from Thapae Gate, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the city.
Songthaews, the red shared taxis common in Chiang Mai, can take you close to Wat Sri Suphan. Just tell your driver the destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission fee is 50 THB per person. This often includes a small souvenir like a keychain or a bottle of water.
No, women are not permitted to enter the main ordination hall (Ubosot) due to religious traditions. They can admire the exterior and surrounding areas.
The temple is generally open from Sunday to Friday between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. On Saturdays, it stays open later, until 11:00 PM, and often features a light show.
Yes, visitors must dress respectfully. Ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Shoes must be removed before entering temple buildings.
The 50 THB ticket is typically valid all day, allowing you to visit during daylight hours and return to see the temple illuminated at night.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Its most striking feature is that the entire ordination hall is covered in intricate silver and aluminum craftsmanship, making it a truly unique 'Silver Temple'.
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds and of the exterior. However, women cannot enter the main hall, so interior photos are limited to what men can capture.
Yes, you can participate in monk chats, learn about meditation, and observe or even try crafting silver in the nearby workshops in the Hai Ya artisan area.
The silver work depicts Buddhist stories, Thai culture, and daily life, showcasing exceptional artistry and a connection to the local silver artisan community.
While small, the temple's unique artistry warrants time to appreciate. A visit of 1-2 hours is recommended, especially if you plan to see it both day and night.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants directly within the temple premises. However, the surrounding Hai Ya area and nearby markets offer a wide variety of local Thai food options.
The area around Wat Sri Suphan, particularly the Hai Ya district, is known for its silver artisans and local eateries. You'll find street food and small restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine.
Often, the entrance fee includes a small bottle of water. There might be vendors selling light snacks or drinks near the temple entrance.
Absolutely! The Saturday Night Market is a fantastic place to sample a huge array of street food, from local delicacies to international snacks.
Look for Khao Soi (curry noodle soup), Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage), and various grilled meats and sticky rice dishes popular in Chiang Mai.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the intricate silver details from various angles outside the main hall, the illuminated temple at night, and the surrounding artisan workshops.
It's generally acceptable to photograph the temple architecture and general ambiance. Always be respectful and ask for permission before photographing individuals, especially monks or locals engaged in activities.
For capturing the silver's sheen and intricate details, daytime is best. For dramatic shots, visit during the evening light show.
Using drones is generally not permitted at temples in Thailand without special permits due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to avoid flying drones here.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for both wide shots and details. A tripod can be helpful for low-light evening shots, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when children might be more energetic. The surrounding Hai Ya area also offers opportunities to see local crafts, which can be interesting for older children. Be mindful of the dress code, ensuring children are also dressed respectfully with covered shoulders and knees.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with walking from the Old City or using affordable songthaews. You can also easily pair it with exploring the nearby Hai Ya artisan district or the bustling Saturday Night Market for inexpensive local food and souvenirs, maximizing your experience without breaking the bank.
📸 Photographers
Remember the gender-specific entry rules for the main hall. While men can photograph the interior, women will need to rely on exterior shots and the temple's ambiance. The surrounding silver workshops also offer interesting cultural photography subjects.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Silver
This unique architectural style is deeply connected to the Hai Ya district, historically known as the 'Silver Artisans' area. Visitors can explore nearby workshops to witness the traditional methods of silver crafting firsthand. This provides a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage that inspired and built the temple, making it more than just a place of worship but a living testament to local artistry.
While the exterior is a marvel, it's important to remember the religious significance. The temple's construction and decoration are a form of devotion, and the silver itself is believed to hold spiritual properties. The combination of artistic beauty and spiritual depth makes Wat Sri Suphan a truly captivating destination.
Understanding Temple Etiquette and Traditions
Beyond the specific entry restrictions, general temple etiquette applies. Visitors must dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered. This applies to both men and women. Shoes must be removed before entering any temple building. These practices are common across most Buddhist temples in Thailand and show respect for the sacred space.
For those interested in deeper cultural engagement, Wat Sri Suphan offers opportunities for 'monk chat' sessions, where you can converse with monks and learn about Buddhism and meditation. This provides a unique chance to connect with the spiritual side of the temple and gain insights from those who dedicate their lives to it.
Experiencing Wat Sri Suphan Day and Night
As evening approaches, the temple undergoes a magical transformation. It becomes illuminated with colorful lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This evening display is particularly popular and often accompanied by a light show, especially on Saturdays. The glowing temple against the night sky offers a completely different, yet equally stunning, perspective.
Many visitors find that combining a daytime visit with an evening exploration provides the most comprehensive and memorable experience. This allows you to witness both the detailed artistry in natural light and the enchanting ambiance created by the illuminations.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit