Tha Phae Gate

We were lucky when we visited as they had a community tourism festival with many vendors. Overall it’s basically a square where a lot of tourists visit along with pigeons!! There are many stores close by and it’s walkable. Not a lot going on when the festival isn’t in action but worth the visit anyway!

Always interesting seeing older history related things like the Tha Phae Gate. Definitely a touristy spot but still worth a visit. Very popular spot for pigeon photos and my girlfriend really wanted to do that, so stopped by. Not too many people on a Monday afternoon so we were quickly able to take photos then leave.

I visited Tha Phae Gate and absolutely loved the vibe—this iconic eastern entrance to Chiang Mai’s 13th-century walled city has been beautifully conserved and even rebuilt in the 1980s to echo its original grandeur. Walking through the gate, you feel part of centuries of history, as monks, traders, and diplomats once passed right where you stand. Today it’s a lively square surrounded by crumbling city walls, temples, cafés, street vendors, and occasional festivals like Loy Krathong, Songkran, and the colorful Sunday Walking Street . You can see Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, and grab amazing local food—think khao soi and sausage nearby . To get there from The Astra Sky River, I hopped in a Grab for about 60–80 baht (~$2 USD) and was there in 5–7 minutes—super easy and cheap. It’s the perfect spot to soak in history, grab a coffee, and explore the heart of Chiang Mai!

Tha Phae Gate is a historic landmark and iconic symbol of Chiang Mai, Thailand, with a rich history dating back to the Lanna kingdom. This magnificent stone structure serves as the eastern gate of the old walled city and is a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which transforms from calm mornings to busy days, and enjoy the Sunday night market that starts here, offering a blend of local food, handicrafts, and art performances. The gate is beautifully decorated during festivals like Songkran, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Chiang Mai. With its convenient location, Tha Phae Gate provides easy access to explore the city, including nearby restaurants and bars.

Tha Phae Gate is far more than a brick-and-mortar structure, it's a living portal connecting centuries of history, commerce, and cultural evolution. From its role as a defense system of the Lanna Kingdom to becoming a modern-day social and cultural beacon, it stands as a testament to Chiang Mai’s resilience and community-driven spirit. If you ever find yourself walking through its archway, take a deep breath, and know you're passing through centuries of stories, laughter, rituals, and memories.

Tha Phae Gate is an absolute gem! The pigeons are everywhere, making it a photographer’s paradise. The contrast between the lively birds and the historic gate is just stunning. It’s not much, but it’s got a special charm that blends history with everyday life.

This city gate is the best known entrance to the old city of Chiang Mai. Often times you will find loads of tourists posing for photos among the many pigeons. Also a center for many festivals and events. This is a great starting place for your walking tour around the old city...just follow the moat that surrounds the city and enjoy the trees and flowers, especially beautiful in April and May as rainy season gets underway. Spend two or more hours strolling around the perimeter of the old city, following the old city walls and moat, and seeing beautiful temples, having a coffee or food at one of the many cafes, and enjoying the sites of old Chiang Mai.

We visited early morning around 6 am, and literally no other tourists were around. But when we finished taking pictures, a group of local tourists came. Lots of pigeons, like hundreds of them. You can feed them if you want. I recommend going here early in the morning, just after the sunrise is best.