“Tha Phae Gate features red brick walls and a reconstructed gate built in 1985 based on historical evidence. The area is known for flocks of pigeons, making it a popular photo spot. It is also the starting point of Chiang Mai’s largest Sunday Walking Street and serves as a main event space for festivals.”
Tha Phae Gate, formerly known as Chiang Rueak Gate, is one of the five inner gates of Chiang Mai’s city walls. It was built in 1839 during the reign of King Mangrai to protect the city from enemies.
History and Restoration:
The name “Tha Phae” comes from the area’s former role as a dock for unloading goods from the Ping River. The current gate is not the original structure but a reconstruction by Chiang Mai Municipality and the Fine Arts Department in 1985, based on historical photos. It is the only city gate in Chiang Mai with a newly constructed door.
Popular Photo Spot:
Tha Phae Gate is a key Chiang Mai check-in point, with the red brick walls framed by the backdrop of mountains. Pigeons gather around the gate plaza, creating a unique and popular photo opportunity, especially in the late afternoon.
Tha Phae Walking Street:
Tha Phae Road is the starting point of the Sunday Walking Street, the largest night market in Chiang Mai, which stretches all the way to Wat Phra Singh. The market opens at around 16:00, and most stalls close by 22:00–22:30. The road reopens to traffic at 23:00.
How to Get There
- The gate is located at the eastern end of Tha Phae Road along the Chiang Mai moat. It is easily accessible by public transport, red songthaews, or private cars, with nearby parking available.
Travel Tips
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Walking Street operates only on Sundays from 16:00 to 23:00; plan your visit accordingly.
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Best time for photography is early morning or late afternoon (16:00–17:00), when the light is ideal and pigeons gather in large numbers.
Admission Fee:
- Free
Opening Hours:
- Open 24 hours