Did you know that Chiang Mai is a booming street art scene? Well, it does and it is quite interesting.

On my recent trip to Chiang Mai, I decided to grab a bicycle and check out some of the paintings. I had heard a lot about them and also did some research. I plotted a route on Google to follow but little did I know that there was a lot more than I expected.

Starting from old city, there is already so much to see. Just near by hotel, I came across so many artwork - on all kinds of walls and buildings.

The main spots I visited were within old city, Nimman Road and Central Kad Suan Kaew.

Old city

You will find the most graffiti, murals and other forms of street art within the walls of the old city. Start from any gate entrance and zigzag your way through the maze of back-roads.

Oh and this was the most interesting in old city - the women's correctional museum, a former prison.

Very cool, indeed. I wanted to go inside but wasn't sure if I could. I heard there is a lot of artwork inside too.

There are lots of community-based artists here as well. So you will see local artists painting in their community or neighborhoods.

Nimman Road

Another area where you will come across many artwork is at Nimman Road. Just walk (or ride) up and down sois like 5, 7, 11 and 13 and you will see some great works of art. The vibe is here quite different from old city.

Here is a Google map I created mapping the artwork I found or have heard about from artists/friends/research: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1XSmK...

Tips to look for street art

• Keep exploring - yes, that is the best advice I can give you. You might not find everything in one or even two days. Just keep an eye out.
• They are sometimes hidden - While a lot of the street is at a main streets, shopping mall and entertainment complexes, some are quite hidden in deep alleys.
• Look for abandoned buildings, shop-houses and broken-down walls as these are prime canvases for the artists.