Surasak Gallery
Tucked away in the Si Phum area of Chiang Mai, Surasak Gallery is the personal studio and exhibition space of local artist Surasak, a painter and musician whose welcoming nature has made the gallery a memorable stop for those who stumble across it. The space displays an evolving collection of original works, with visitors noting a strong use of colour in the paintings alongside a selection of pastel and oil pieces. A collection of musical instruments downstairs reflects the artist's dual passions, and impromptu musical sessions have been known to happen during visits.
What sets this gallery apart is the direct access to the artist himself. Surasak is frequently present, working on new pieces or happy to talk through his work with visitors, creating an intimate and personal experience that is quite different from a conventional gallery setting. Visitors have purchased original works directly from the artist, making it a genuine opportunity to acquire locally made art with a story behind it.
As a small, independent space with no listed opening hours or website, the most practical approach is to visit in person and look out for the artist at work — this is often the best signal that the gallery is open and welcoming. The experience tends to be unhurried and conversational, so those with a genuine interest in art or music will find the most to enjoy here.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Surasak Gallery, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Surasak is a very friendly, entertaining fellow. He's clearly a master artist, and a very good musician. It was good to hang out and play some blues guitar and jam with him. If I had to sum him up in one word, it would be dynamic! His gallery space is wonderful. Stop by for a visit.
Mr. Surasak is incredibly kind and full of character! I admire his style of art, especially his use of colour palettes 🎨 He’s a musician as well! I was lucky enough to have acquired one of his works 🌟
Enjoyed the pastels, but the oil paintings weren’t my taste. The Artist also had a lot of instruments downstairs and obviously loved his music.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 22 reviews on Google.
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Surasak Gallery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surasak Gallery worth visiting?
Surasak Gallery holds a 4.6★ rating from 22 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Surasak 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 Surasak Gallery located?
Surasak Gallery is at QXPM+8WH, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
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 Surasak 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 Phra Chao Mengrai
A peaceful Lanna-style Buddhist temple tucked into Chiang Mai's Phra Sing district, away from the main tourist trail.
Wat Chedi Luang
Come after dark, when the lighting turns the broken chedi into the most dramatic thing in the Old City.
The Meeting Room Art Gallery
A welcoming independent art gallery in Chiang Mai's old city, championing local and emerging artists.
Kalm Village Chiang Mai
Free-entry arts village with a courtyard, a rooftop over two temples, and no reason to hurry.
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 Surasak 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)