THA PHAE GATE
Photo: Shutterstock @Saiko3p
ABOUT tha pHaE gate
Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate has a long and fascinating history, stretching back to when the province acted as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom from the 13th-18 century. During the city’s formation in the 13th century, the wall, adjacent moat and several large gates were built as defensive measures in case of attack (armies from the Mongol Empire in nearby Burma were a constant threat).
Small invasions over the centuries, as well as locals and tourists climbing over it, have left most of the Old City wall in rubble, although the Tha Pae Gate section remains mostly intact, and has been re-built in parts over the years to carry on the rich heritage of Chiang Mai.
WHERE CAN I FIND THE THA PHAE GATE?
Tha Phae Gate can be found on the eastern side of the Old City, in between Rachadmnoen Road (running west into the Old City), and Tha Phae Road (running east towards the River Ping). There are literally hundreds of accommodation options that are walking distance from the gate, from international 5-star resorts to new boutique hotels, family-run guesthouses and backpacker-style dorms.
our review
If you're stopping in central Chiang Mai for a few days then it is inevitable that you will stumble across the Tha Phae Gate on your travels. It is located right in the city centre and it is pretty hard to miss.
There isn't much to see here, there are a lot of people feeding the pigeons (and getting some really good photo ops) and at night live musicians busk as well as food trucks set up for the evening – it's a nice atmosphere to be around and is close to the local nightlife/restaurants/bars etc if you are headed out of the evening.
Overall it's worth a visit but we wouldn't advise to go out of your way to see it.
TOP TIPS
The best time to visit Thai Phae Gate is on Saturday evenings when a live band performs on a semi-permanent stage in front of the brick gate. Food vendors pop up all over the place too, selling everything from grilled chicken to som tam and noodles. You can bring your own drinks and find a spot to chill out, then head to any one of the surrounding bars, restaurants or clubs later on to carry on your evening.
COST
Free
OPENING HOURS
Monday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Tuesday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Wednesday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Thursday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Friday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Saturday 3:30pm - 12:00am
Sunday 3:30pm - 12:00am