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.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wattana Art Gallery, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Absolutely wonderful - what a collection of work! Perfect rainy day activity. There’s something for everyone in Mr. Wattana’s gallery - stunning textile paintings, metal etchings, portraits, impressions of European cities, striking ink drawings, mixed media, and so many different beautiful pieces. We had 3 generations present (ages 2 - 70), and we all enjoyed it. From seeing photos beforehand, I expected to love the textile paintings (and they are absolutely incredible in person), but I ended up falling in love with the different paper art “branded” to reveal colors and textures underneath. It is worth the small admission fee!
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!
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.
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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)