Live Your Best Lives
Thapae Gate is one of Chiang Mai's most iconic landmarks. You can take a stroll around the area to appreciate the gate's historical architecture and the surrounding Old City. It's a great spot for photography, especially at sunset. Visit the nearby Thapae Walking Street on Sundays for local crafts, street food, and performances. You can also explore the surrounding ancient city walls and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the old town.
Thapae Gate is the sole remaining relic of Chiang Mai's ancient city, built in 1296. When it was first constructed, its red brick walls reached a height of two meters, a truly magnificent sight. Unfortunately, due to the vicissitudes of time, only the gate itself remains, a shadow of the former grandeur. This historic gate, with its white pigeons dotting the square, captivates passersby.
In the evening, after enjoying delicious food, tourists can come here for a stroll and rest, which is very romantic. The red walls here are also very suitable for taking photos.
tropical monsoon climate;
Best time to visit: November to May of the following year.
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
All day
Thapae Gate was originally built in the 13th century as part of the city's defensive walls. It served as one of the main entrances to the ancient city of Chiang Mai, which was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The gate is a symbol of Chiang Mai's rich history and cultural heritage and remains one of the most photographed and visited landmarks in the city.
Thapae Gate is located in the heart of Chiang Mai's Old City. It can be easily accessed by taxi, tuk-tuk, or on foot from various points in the city. The gate is a short walk from many hotels and popular attractions in the Old City, and is also easily reached by public transportation.
Thapae Gate is always open to visitors as it is an outdoor historical site. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as the weather is cooler and the lighting is perfect for photography. The area can be quite crowded during peak hours, especially around sunset.
There is no entrance fee to visit Thapae Gate itself as it is an open-air historical site. However, if you wish to visit nearby attractions or museums, there might be a fee. Tickets for other attractions can be purchased on-site or online, depending on the location.
No, there is no need to book tickets in advance for visiting Thapae Gate as it is a public historical site. If you plan to visit nearby museums or special events, booking in advance is recommended.
Visiting Thapae Gate itself takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how much time you want to spend taking photos or exploring the surrounding area. If you plan to explore the Old City or nearby temples, you may want to allocate a few more hours.
The must-see highlights include the gate itself, the nearby old city walls, and the surrounding streets filled with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks. Be sure to visit the Thapae Walking Street on Sundays for a more vibrant atmosphere.
Guided tours are available in Chiang Mai, including walking tours of the Old City where Thapae Gate is located. Tours are typically available in English and Thai, and can be arranged through local tour agencies or at your hotel.
The best photography spots include the gate itself, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the lighting is perfect. The surrounding ancient city walls and nearby temples also provide great backdrops. The view from the top of the gate offers an excellent panoramic view of the Old City.
Start by exploring Thapae Gate and then walk around the nearby city walls. From there, you can head towards popular landmarks like Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, all of which are within walking distance in the Old City.
Thapae Gate itself is an outdoor landmark and does not have light shows or special tours. However, the nearby area is vibrant at night, with many street vendors and local performances. Sunday nights are especially lively due to the Thapae Walking Street market.
Thapae Gate can be crowded, especially during the daytime when tourists and locals gather for photos or to explore the Old City. The least crowded times are early mornings or late evenings, particularly on weekdays.
There are no facilities directly at the gate, but there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby. You will find rest areas, public toilets, and places to buy food and water just a short walk from the gate.
Thapae Gate is an open-air landmark, and the surrounding area is generally accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. However, some nearby areas like the city walls may require walking on uneven paths. It’s recommended to check specific needs if you plan to visit the surrounding temples or historical sites.
Cash is widely accepted at local shops, markets, and food vendors near Thapae Gate. However, many places also accept credit cards and mobile payments like Google Pay and Apple Pay, especially in cafes and restaurants.
There are many cafes and restaurants around Thapae Gate, including local Thai food and international cuisine. Popular spots include The Rachamankha Restaurant, The Duke’s, and Barista Chiang Mai.
Yes, there are vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in nearby restaurants. Many cafes cater to vegetarian and vegan diets, and halal food can be found in some of the nearby eateries.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located near Thapae Gate, including the Rimping Village Hotel, Thapae Gate Hotel, and De Chai the Deco Hotel. These offer a variety of accommodations from budget to mid-range options.
Nearby attractions include Wat Phra Singh, Wat Chedi Luang, the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Centre, and the Sunday Walking Street market. All are within walking distance and can be easily combined for a full day of exploration.
There are several souvenir shops in the area, especially around Thapae Walking Street. Typical souvenirs include handmade crafts, local textiles, wooden carvings, and jewelry.
Tuk-tuks, taxis, and Grab (ride-hailing) services are readily available from Thapae Gate. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or scooter to explore other areas of Chiang Mai.
