Wattana Art Gallery
Tucked along Suthep Road near the ancient forest temple of Wat Umong, this is the personal gallery and studio of Chiang Mai artist Wattana, who both creates and exhibits his work on site. The collection spans an impressive range of mediums — textile paintings, metal etchings, portraiture, and impressionist works — making it a genuinely varied showcase of one artist's depth and versatility. Visitors frequently describe it as among the most impactful contemporary art spaces they have encountered in Thailand, and the intimate scale means each piece receives the attention it deserves.
What sets the gallery apart is the presence of Wattana himself, who is known to welcome visitors personally, discuss his work openly, and share his creative process with genuine enthusiasm. The large, well-considered space feels more like entering an artist's world than a conventional gallery, lending the visit a sense of authenticity that polished commercial spaces rarely offer.
The most important practical detail for planning a visit: this is not a standard open-access gallery with fixed public hours. It operates more as a private studio that welcomes guests by arrangement or when the artist is present. Visitors are strongly advised to contact the gallery in advance rather than arriving unannounced, as the space may be closed or in use for exhibition preparation. It is best reached by personal transport or motorcycle, given its location off the main road. Those who plan ahead and make the effort to visit consistently find it well worth the trip.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wattana Art Gallery, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The wattana gallery has the most beautiful collection of contemporary art I have ever seen in Thailand, and is one of the most impactful and important galleries I've ever visited anywhere. I don't know if Wattana Wattanapun gets the recognition he deserves but he is a true master, and his home holds and displays a career-spanning collection of world-class art - each piece an extraordinary mix of precision and skill, unique vision, intelligence and intense emotionality. Please visit this extraordinary gallery. If you are as lucky as my wife and I were, you will meet the sweet, humble man himself, and he will guide you through his collection. The gallery may not show up in that many tourist sites or guidebooks, but it is easily at the very top of my Chiang Mai must-see list, and absolutely mandatory for any artist or art lover.
Beautiful, big art space with some incredible artwork. The artist is very accommodating and happy to talk about his work. He's very passionate and super friendly. Please note it is not an "Open-Gallery" that you just walk in to, as it is a part of his home, but the owner is there to open the doors and show you around, or let you wander by yourself. He's very accommodating and happy to talk to you about his work (in English too). Small donation for entry only. If you are in Chiang Mai it's definitely worth a visit, his work is extremely skillful and very inspiring. Thank you Wattana for the private tour!
Amazing space with genuinely impressive works. The artist popped in to say hello. A woman reviewing this place recently complained that it was closed when she arrived. It’s the nature of the place. It’s all by donation and it’s part of the artists home, so you can’t expect it to be run like a for-profit gallery.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 125 reviews on Google.
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Wattana Art Gallery: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wattana Art Gallery worth visiting?
Wattana Art Gallery holds a 4.4★ rating from 125 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wattana Art Gallery?
Wattana Art Gallery is typically open 09:00-17:00 — 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 Wattana Art 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 Wattana Art Gallery located?
Wattana Art Gallery is at 100/1 Moo10, Soi Wat Umong, Suthep Road, Chiang Mai, 50200 Tambon Su Thep, 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
100/1 Moo10, Soi Wat Umong, Suthep Road, Chiang Mai, 50200 Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand089 429 1883www.wattana-art.com/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 Wattana Art 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
31st Century Museum
A contemplative art space near Chiang Mai's Wat Umong, exploring Buddhist philosophy through expressive contemporary art.
Wat Umong Suan Putthatham
Tunnels under a 14th-century chedi, a forest full of roosters, and 20 baht to see it all.
CMU Clock Tower
A modest historical clock tower at Chiang Mai University's back entrance, doubling as a functional roundabout landmark.
Wat Suan Dok
White royal chedis, a 20 baht main hall, and afternoons quiet enough to hear the chickens.
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 Wattana Art 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)