The Silver Temple in Chiang Mai is truly one of the most unique temples in the city
The Silver Temple is also known as Wat Sri Suphan and is somewhat hidden and usually not on the list of most popular temples to visit in Chiang Mai. Therefore you are likely to have the temple all to yourselves! While it isn’t a large temple, it does house a small museum on site and the intricate design will have you analyzing every bit for incredible details.
See the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai – it’s one of a kind
Wat Sri Suphan, made entirely out of plated silver, takes on a bluish hue at certain times of the day and from different angles it can change colours as well. This is why some people may refer to it as the blue temple in Chiang Mai.
Once you are on the temple grounds, you will notice there are two temples. One looks rather normal, which it is, and the other is the Silver Temple. Don’t ignore the regular looking temple. It is also stunning once you go inside and it is free to enter.
Unfortunately, the Silver Temple is not free. The charge an entrance fee (only to foreigners – showing Thai ID does not work here) of 50 baht per person. Sometimes they charge for children, sometimes not. You could probably argue the point if you wanted to, but be sure to be polite about it!
You are also expected to follow the rules of temple etiquette. If you happen to be dressed improperly, not to worry as they have wraps available to you to cover your shoulders or legs. These are free, but must be returned upon exiting the temple.
Visit the Silver Temple museum
The museum is called The Lanna Craft Wisdom Museum and it showcases the history of the temple. It was originally built by King Mengrai to honour and preserve local handicraft talents. This tradition of handicraft preservation has been continued in the area surrounding the temple. As indicated on a map inside The Lanna Craft Wisdom Museum, you can visit other museums and local Thai craftsmen’s workshops near the temple to see traditional techniques still being carried out today.
The museum is located in the wooden teak building to the left in this photo. Entrance is included in your temple ticket and the interior is nice and cool, making it a perfect place to escape the hot sun, or wet rain.
Exploring the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai
If you’ve chosen to visit the The Lanna Craft Wisdom Museum, it will lead you to the back end of the Silver Temple. The back wall is delicately decorated and well deserves a long hard look. So much intricate care and detail has gone into its design it would be rude not to stare!
From here, it’s best to walk back around to the front of the temple. Unfortunately, you will come across a sign that states “Women are not allowed to enter Silver Temple.” This is due to religious reasons. Luckily, there IS a way to see inside that will be explained shortly!
Find other unique temples to visit in Chiang Mai!
How to worship like a local at the Silver Temple
In the photo above, you may notice the woman is holding a candle. Candles are available for purchase for 20 baht each and the idea is that you walk around the temple three times while meditating on a good thought. Watch out though, because the candles drip a ridiculous amount of scalding hot wax, which makes it nearly impossible to focus on any thought other than, am I going to be burnt any second now?
Please be careful and mindful if you let children attempt to hold the candle. You can also just use the candle to light any of the candles in the bowls surrounding the temple that have done out. Feel free to make a wish of goodwill at each lighting!
Another opportunity to light a ‘wishing’ candle is available and this one is kid friendly! Look for a fountain pond filled with colourful flower candles. The flower candles are available for purchase for 20 baht apiece and all you need to do is light it and place it in the water and give it a little nudge. As it floats around, you may make a small prayer or nice thought to send into the world!
All your money, including the entrance fee, goes towards a donation to the upkeep and management of the temple. There are also other ways to donate such as through purchases of flowers, and souvenirs that you can take home. If you’d like a light weight silver souvenir, you may consider purchasing a beautiful handcrafted silver hanging leaf that can be engraved. These made lovely gifts for loved ones here or abroad. Prices vary per size and engravement.
How to ‘see’ inside the Silver Temple Chiang Mai
It’s likely indescribable for someone else to try to explain to you what the inner chamber of the Silver Temple looks like, so someone created a way to share it! An anonymous person took the time to create a 360 degree photo of the interior and has shared it through a QR code. This code is only available for scanning in the silver shop next to the regular looking temple outside the Silver Temple.
Inside the above building is a silver jewelry shop. If you look on the right hand side wall, you will see a poster that advertises seeing inside the temple. Simply scan the QR code, and voila! You are virtually placed inside the temple and can ‘see’ in any direction! It truly is a masterpiece in there.
Get around to nearby temples by tram
After seeing the Silver Temple, you may be templed out – but if not – hop aboard the temple tram to explore nearby temples. It operates daily between 9:30 am – 11 am and 1 pm – 2:30 pm. It is free and may be worth it just to ride through the back streets of Chiang Mai!
Grab something to eat neat the Silver Temple
Templing (yes, that’s a verb now!) can make tummies growl, so thank goodness for the food stalls just nearby. They are beautifully designed too in a natural, rustic kind of way. Here, you can purchase local Thai foods and snacks for affordable prices and then be on your way to your next city adventure!
How to get to the Silver Temple Chiang Mai?
This temple is located just off of the Saturday Market walking street on Wualai Road south of the old city. You can get here by taking either a songtaew, Grab or you could take a taxi. Alternatively maybe you are staying nearby and you could walk. Maybe driving is an option, although you may have to park and walk as parking isn’t always easy to find.
Hours: Open daily from 7 am – 9 pm (approx. hours)
Pet friendly: No
Accessibility: Stroller and wheelchair
Price: 50 baht
Location: Google Maps
