🇹🇭 Chiang Mai
Tha Phae Gate
Must-See
★ 4.4 · 2k reviews
The Tha Phae gate. When the city was founded by King Mangrai in 1296 these gates together with other gates (Chang Puak, Chiang Mai, Pratu Soan Dok) protect the old city. Tha Phae gate lies on the east of the city and made of Red bricks stone. Like the other gates, the original water moat is still surrounding it. Today Tha Phae gate is like the central square of Chiang Mai's old city where tourists and locals alike relax, enjoy, taking photos/videos, celebrate and just have fun. Many street food stalls around the square, artists displaying their craft and skills and cultural events take place here including the Loy Krathong festival. There are plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars and shops around the area. Tha Phae road also starts here entering the old city, where many of its ancient beautiful temples still stands there. During Sunday Walking street night market this gate serves as the core point where the market begins. Chiang Mai is the cultural, artistic and modern capital of Northern Thailand and till today it has preserved its fine arts, glory and beauty. The Gates are its roots preserving and protecting it for the past 700 years and more.
Visitor Info
Rating
★ 4.4 1,778 reviews
Visit Time
~20 min
Best Time
Sunrise or evening
Insider Tips
- · It is one of the easiest landmark photos in the Old City
- · Come early if you want the gate without tour groups
- · The area is especially busy during festivals
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Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Tha Phae Gate? ▾
The gate dates to Chiang Mai's founding in 1296 and was one of several gates protecting the old city; the current brick structure was substantially restored in the 1980s.
What does 'Tha Phae' mean? ▾
Tha Phae translates roughly as 'raft landing', referring to the ancient dock on the Ping River nearby where rafts carrying goods would arrive.
Can you walk on top of the gate? ▾
No, the gate is not open for climbing, but you can walk through the archway and explore the moat area on both sides.
Why is this the most photographed spot in Chiang Mai? ▾
Tha Phae Gate is the symbolic entrance to the old city and the most intact of Chiang Mai's original gates, making it the default landmark for photos and orientation.
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Also in Chiang Mai
Thapae Walking Street
It is a walking street opening every Sunday. Each Sunday afternoon until midnigh
Lanna Folklife Museum
Lanna Folklife Centre exhibits the lifestyle of Lanna people and the art that ap
Wat Saen Fang
The temple was founded in the 1500s, but all extant structures date to the 1800s
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Tha Phae Gate — offline map & tips