The short answer
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple): what visitors should know first
Yes, for the silverwork. Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Note that women are barred from the silver ordination hall, but can see the outside and the surrounding grounds.
History and context
The story behind Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
Wat Sri Suphan was founded around 1500 under King Mueang Kaeo of the Mangrai dynasty. Within about ten years, its assembly hall, ordination hall and pagoda were completed.
The present silver ubosot is panelled with silver, nickel and aluminium, which gave the temple its nickname. It stands in the old silversmith area of Haiya.
Useful facts
Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) facts at a glance
- Location
- Wualai Road, southern old city
- Faith
- Theravada Buddhist
- Features
- Silver, nickel and aluminium ordination hall
- Visitor note
- Women barred from the ordination hall
- Founded
- Around 1500
Why it matters
Why Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple) is worth your time
The temple links craft and faith, in the district that has long made silver goods for the city. The ubosot is a modern project in an old temple site, showing that Chiang Mai's craft traditions are still being applied to religious buildings.
It also raises an etiquette point many visitors meet for the first time: some ordination halls are closed to women, and visitors should respect the rule without argument.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The silver ubosot
Embossed silver panels cover the ordination hall inside and out.
- 02
Silver district
Wualai Road has long been Chiang Mai's silversmith area.
- 03
Saturday market
A night market fills the road on Saturday evenings.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Wualai Road is the old silversmith district, so combine the temple with a look at silver shops nearby. The silver ubosot, or ordination hall, is covered in embossed panels, with scenes and patterns worked in repoussé.
Women are not permitted inside the ubosot, which is still in use for ordinations. Visitors may look at the exterior and can walk around the grounds. Men can enter, respectfully and without shoes.
On Saturday evenings the road becomes a night market, so visit by day if you want quiet. A cold drink and a rest in a nearby cafe works well afterwards.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Women should not enter the ordination hall
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Visit by day for quiet
- Compare silver prices at several shops
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Wualai Road, south of the old city
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Daytime, ideally Saturday for the nearby market
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The grounds are flat and short. Seating is limited. Midday sun can be strong on the bare courtyard.
- Tickets and access
- Entry fees for visitors may apply; check on site. Women may not enter the ordination hall, and all visitors must dress modestly.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Wat Sri Suphan (Silver Temple)
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The grounds are flat and short. Seating is limited. Midday sun can be strong on the bare courtyard.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Can women enter the silver temple?
The ordination hall is closed to women, but the grounds and the exterior can be seen.
Why is it called the Silver Temple?
Its ordination hall is panelled in silver, nickel and aluminium.
Is there a market nearby?
Yes, on Saturday evenings on Wualai Road.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
