Chiang Mai is known for its charming northern Thai architecture from the Lanna Kingdom, beautiful temples and peaceful green hills. Now, the streets of The Rose of The North are also thrumming with character, becoming a living street art space and offering a new site-seeing activity.
Walking along the many alleys and backstreets of Chiang Mai one will feel like they are walking the aisles of an art museum in Berlin or Hong Kong where collections of stunning murals are exhibited. Most artworks can be found on walls and construction sites in the old city and in the Nimmanhaemin area (see our Street Art Map pages 12&13), but also at many other corners of the city. It serves as means of expression for artists who are deeply feel that they would like their voices heard. Mae Jo city, some 10 kilometres from town, was last year the proud host of the international acclaimed “Meeting of Styles” Graffiti Festival that welcomed some of the world’s top graffiti artists to showcase their art on a huge abandoned building.
Today there is more awareness than ever about the imaginative artists who bring walls, building and even entire neighborhoods alive with their vibrant creations. In town, large scale murals are almost as numerous, prominently incorporated into the decoration of some hip new businesses, while in other sections street art gives color to dark spots. Street art is proof that some of the best pieces of art, at least contemporary art, are not locked inside museums. Instead, they are out in the open for everyone to enjoy. Spending a day street art hunting is one of the newest and funniest attractions in Chiang Mai. We invite you to walk the streets, picture and discover unique street art and graffiti.
Street art has been taking the world by storm, captivating public audiences and changing minds. The labels of vandalism have changed into tags with an artisistic flair. The once rejected nobodies are now praised for their talent. The rebelious strokes are finally interpreted as messages.
The beauty of street art is that you don’t have to go out of your way to spot it, it spots you.
BANGKOK - STREET ART IN YOUR ROOM:
The Beat Hotel Bangkok (5/5 Sukumvit Road-www.beathotelbangkok. com) is a hotel-turned-art gallery where you can enjoy a stay in the heart of Bangkok. 54 bright rooms designed and furnished artfully by six of Bangkok best-loved urban artists, graphic designers and illustrators. It’s a cool spot to grab a drink and mingle with hipsters.
- Old City @ Arak rd, Moon Muang rd, Ratvithi rd.
- Old City @ old prison walls
- Near Iron Bridge @ Chareonprathet Road.
- Nimman Area @ parking Soi 7, street soi 11, 13,17 N Park, Think park and Sirimanklajarn street.
- Wualai Area : parking space of The Old Chiang Mai : the longest street art showcase in Chiang Mai.
- Suthep Area : opposite CMU-
Pharmacy Faculty.
- Mae Jo : drive to Mae Jo University, before arriving at the univerisity make a U turn at the Land Department Office. The building is right behind.
- Chang Phuak Gate Area.
- Faculty of Fine Arts Chiang Mai University.
- Parking @ Central Kad Suan Kaew.
- Suan Dok Gate.
SHARE YOUR PICTURES:
Send us your favorite street art pictures of Chiang Mai and we will share them on our page.
facebook.com/changpuakmagazine
