Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai

Tha Phae Gate is one of Chiang Mai’s most recognisable landmarks. A lively square stretches in front of its brick walls, marking the eastern entrance to the Old City and the start of Ratchadamnoen Road.

Tha Phae Gate and the old brick city walls in Chiang Mai.
Photo : © กสิณธร ราชโอรส · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Modified

Practical information

AddressTha Phae Gate, Old City, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
PriceFree access to the public square.
Duration15–35 minutes
Best timeEarly in the morning for a quieter square; late on Sunday afternoon for the nearby walking street market.
✓ Family-friendly– Rainy day– Indoor✓ Outdoor✓ Evening✓ Free

Opening hours

The public square is generally accessible 24 hours a day, although events may temporarily restrict access.

Location

Why visit

The gate marks the eastern edge of the Old City and makes a useful starting point for exploring Chiang Mai’s historic walls and moat. The square also serves as a gathering place during local events.

Our tip

Take time to explore the surrounding streets and historic city walls. From Tha Phae Gate, you can continue along Ratchadamnoen Road towards the temples of the Old City.

How to get there

Tha Phae Gate stands on the eastern side of the Old City. It is easy to reach on foot from the centre or by taxi or songthaew from farther away.

Practical tips

• Allow around 15–35 minutes to explore the gate and square.
• Access to the public square is free.
• The Sunday Walking Street starts in this area, but it is not a daily market.
• Follow pedestrian access rules during events.

Combine with

Warorot Market

  • 📍 Chiang Mai
  • 💰 Free entry; purchases are charged separately.
  • ⏱ 45–90 minutes
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly
  • 🏠 Indoor
  • ☀️ Outdoor

Come in the morning for the market atmosphere, then continue to the neighbouring Ton Lam Yai flower market.

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Wat Chedi Luang

  • 📍 Chiang Mai
  • 💰 50 THB (TAT-listed admission fee; confirm on arrival).
  • ⏱ 45–75 minutes
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly
  • ☀️ Outdoor

Walk around the main chedi to appreciate its details, then continue to Wat Phra Singh or nearby Wat Phan Tao.

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Royal Park Rajapruek

  • 📍 Chiang Mai
  • 💰 200 THB for foreign adults; 150 THB for children 100–140 cm tall. Free for children under 100 cm.
  • ⏱ 2–3 hours
  • 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly
  • ☀️ Outdoor

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the park covers a large area. A free sightseeing tram is available if you prefer…

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