Tha Phae Gate

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About Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate, marking the east entrance to the old walled city of Chiang Mai, is a bustling hub of activity. It serves as a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, and even pigeons seem to have claimed it as their own. The square in front of the gate often hosts decorations for the annual Yee Peng Lantern and Loy Krathong festivals, making it a vibrant and festive spot. Many travelers have found their visit to Chiang Mai during these festivals to be a highlight of their Thailand trip.

The gate leads into a moated area in the center of Chiang Mai. While it may not be particularly memorable for some, it does offer a unique experience. As soon as you step through the gate, you are greeted by locals selling a variety of items, including bags of pigeon food. Every few minutes, a seller makes a noise, causing the birds to take flight in a flurry of feathers. This spectacle, while amusing, does come with a risk of being covered in bird droppings.

Tha Phae Gate is a must-see when in Chiang Mai. It's a main gate, a meeting point, and a hub of activity, especially at night. The area around the gate is buzzing with coffee shops and restaurants, making it a great spot to relax and people-watch.

The gate is part of a large 1.6km square area, surrounded by a moat and filled with old and newer temples, monuments, shops, bars, and restaurants. Some parts of the city walls are still standing, mostly due to restoration efforts, while others are in various stages of decay. While it may not be as impressive as some other walled cities, it does have its own charm. Inside the complex, Wat Chedi Luang and the Sunday Night Market are worth a visit.

The gate can get crowded, especially during New Year’s Eve when people gather to await the midnight hour. For a quieter experience, a walk along the moat might be a better option. Despite the crowds, the gate remains a popular spot for photo opportunities.

During daylight hours, the area around the gate is lively with market stalls and serves as a convenient meeting place. The walls of the gate are a testament to Chiang Mai's history. However, it's worth noting that the area can attract a different crowd at night.

The Tha Phae Gate is a place where pigeons rule. During the cooler evening hours, the gate is often filled with tourists having fun feeding the pigeons. Even without food, the pigeons are not shy about interacting with visitors, often landing on people's shoulders for a photo opportunity. This unique experience adds to the charm of the Tha Phae Gate, making it a memorable part of any visit to Chiang Mai.