Kaew Gallery
This one rewards patience. It's a small gallery inside Chiang Mai's walled old city, on Khang Ruan Jum Road in Si Phum, and it works best if you're the sort of traveller who'll stand in front of one piece for five minutes rather than photograph the room and move on. The work sits where traditional Thai and Buddhist imagery meets something more contemporary, tied closely to the local creative scene. If you're racing between Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh with a tuk-tuk waiting, skip it. You won't get anything from it.
What I like about the place is the scale. After the big temple compounds and their coach parties, a room you can cross in a few steps feels like a relief. Late afternoon is my pick, when the old city cools off and you can walk here from wherever you're staying inside the moat.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Kaew Gallery, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
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Kaew Gallery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kaew Gallery worth visiting?
Kaew Gallery holds a 5.0★ rating from 2,458 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Kaew Gallery?
Kaew Gallery is typically open 10:00-20:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Kaew Gallery?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Kaew Gallery located?
Kaew Gallery is at 18, 1 Khang Ruan Jum Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
18, 1 Khang Ruan Jum Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand089 433 5920www.facebook.com/KaewgalleryTHVisitor 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 Kaew Gallery
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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.
Nearby Places
Wat Tung Yu
A peaceful Old City temple offering free meditation sessions, talks, and retreats led by an English-speaking teacher.
Gallery Drip Coffee Chiang Mai
A specialty coffee café tucked inside a cultural centre on historic Prapokklao Road in central Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre
A highly accessible museum tracing Chiang Mai's Lanna Kingdom origins, with multilingual exhibits and a 20 Baht entry fee.
Wat Phra Singh
Go early or go at dusk, when the golden chedi is lit and the crowds have thinned right out.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Wat Arun
Porcelain-covered spires best seen late afternoon, and yes, the midday heat on those grounds is brutal.
Where to stay near Kaew Gallery
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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)