Chang Phuak Gate Chiang Mai
A historic northern gate of Chiang Mai, famous for its bustling night market serving delicious and affordable Thai street food, especially Khao Soi.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Food stalls open, vibrant atmosphere
Chang Phuak Gate Chiang Mai
Best Time
Food stalls open, vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic northern gate of Chiang Mai, famous for its bustling night market serving delicious and affordable Thai street food, especially Khao Soi.
"Chang Phuak Gate Night Market: where delicious street food meets history at budget-friendly prices."
🎯 Arrive for Dinner
The market is best for food! Come hungry and ready to explore diverse Thai street eats.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Expect affordable prices for delicious meals; it's one of the cheaper markets in Chiang Mai.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Khao Soi Delights
Chang Phuak Gate Night Market
Savor the iconic Northern Thai curry noodle soup, a must-try dish with rich flavors and tender chicken.
Vibrant Street Food Scene
Chang Phuak Gate Night Market
Indulge in a wide array of delicious and affordable Thai street food, from Pad Thai to grilled meats.
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Historic Chang Phuak Gate
Northern entrance of Old Town
Admire the impressive architecture of this ancient city gate, a landmark with a rich history.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Foodies
Gate History & Modern Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for Dinner
The market is best for food! Come hungry and ready to explore diverse Thai street eats.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Expect affordable prices for delicious meals; it's one of the cheaper markets in Chiang Mai.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the gate's architecture and the lively market scenes.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
The Chang Phueak area is relaxed and centrally located, offering a nice contrast to the old town.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Dinner
The market is best for food! Come hungry and ready to explore diverse Thai street eats.
💰 Budget-Friendly Eats
Expect affordable prices for delicious meals; it's one of the cheaper markets in Chiang Mai.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture the gate's architecture and the lively market scenes.
🚶♀️ Explore the Area
The Chang Phueak area is relaxed and centrally located, offering a nice contrast to the old town.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chang Phuak Gate is celebrated for its vibrant night market, offering delicious and incredibly affordable Thai street food, especially the famous Khao Soi. Visitors appreciate the historical significance of the gate itself and the relaxed atmosphere of the surrounding area. Some find the gate's current structure to be a reconstruction and note the lack of access to the top of the wall.
"Cute elephant sculptures as well as beautiful scenery of huge trees, flowers, and canal."
Bangkok Dental Team Dental Clinic
"The gate is a sight with great history, information around the gate and loads of photos opportunities. Unfortunately its not the original, as that was destroyed by the Burmese, however its still in the same form, just with more modern looking bricks. Also a shame that youre not allowed on the top of the wall despite there being steps leading to it"
Kai
"Landmark gate,sadly has fallen down as a result of heavy rains during September 2022,
It will be rebuild of course, but today the structure is rather sad
Visited again today, 23.10.23, no sign of a rebuild, but some archaeological excavations have taken place"
Mick Pelling
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chang Phuak Gate is located at the northern edge of Chiang Mai's old city. You can easily reach it by Grab (ride-sharing app), a red songthaew (shared taxi), or a tuk-tuk. Many visitors find the Chang Phueak area to be centrally located and more relaxed than the old town itself.
Yes, red songthaews are a common and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai, and they frequently pass by Chang Phuak Gate. Grab is also readily available.
For exploring further, songthaews are great for short distances, while Grab offers more direct routes. Renting a scooter is also an option if you're comfortable with local traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Chang Phuak Gate itself. The gate is a historical landmark.
The gate is a historical structure and is accessible at all times. However, the popular Chang Phuak Gate Night Market adjacent to it operates daily from approximately 5 PM to midnight.
No tickets are required for the Chang Phuak Gate Night Market. It's a free-to-enter market where you pay for the food and any items you wish to purchase.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Chang Phuak Gate is most famous for its incredible street food, particularly the iconic Khao Soi, a delicious Northern Thai curry noodle soup. You'll also find Pad Thai, grilled meats, and various other local delicacies.
While many dishes are meat-based, you can often find vegetarian options like Pad Thai or vegetable stir-fries. It's always a good idea to ask vendors if they can prepare a dish without meat.
Food prices are very affordable, making it a budget-friendly dining experience. You can expect to pay street food prices, typically ranging from $1-3 USD per dish.
The market truly comes alive in the evening, with most stalls opening around 5 PM and operating until midnight. Arriving earlier in the evening, between 5 PM and 7 PM, can help you avoid the peak crowds and secure your favorite dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The gate itself offers great architectural shots, especially with the surrounding greenery. The bustling night market provides vibrant scenes of food stalls and people. Early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the gate.
It can be crowded, especially during peak hours, so be mindful of others. However, the lively atmosphere and colorful food displays make for fantastic photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The market is generally safe and easy to navigate, though it can get crowded. Consider arriving a bit earlier in the evening to manage crowds with younger children. The Khao Soi is a crowd-pleaser, and many other familiar options like Pad Thai are usually available. +1Beyond the food, the Chang Phuak Gate itself offers a bit of history and photo opportunities that can be interesting for older children. The surrounding area is described as more relaxed, which can be a welcome change of pace.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can enjoy a full and delicious meal, sampling multiple dishes, for a fraction of the cost you'd spend at a restaurant. The street food here is not only affordable but also exceptionally tasty, with Khao Soi being a must-try. Getting to the gate is also budget-friendly, with options like red songthaews being very economical.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Culinary Heart: Chang Phuak Gate Night Market
Beyond Khao Soi, the market offers a diverse culinary journey with stalls serving everything from perfectly cooked Pad Thai to succulent grilled meats and fresh seafood. +1 The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the low prices, makes it an unmissable dining experience for anyone visiting Chiang Mai. Many travelers highlight that the market is significantly cheaper than other tourist-focused markets in Chiang Mai, making it an excellent spot for budget-conscious foodies.
It's recommended to arrive between 5 PM and 7 PM to experience the market at its liveliest, yet before the absolute peak crowds descend, ensuring you can sample the most popular dishes without excessive waiting. While the market is primarily a food destination, the surrounding area also offers opportunities for exploration. The Chang Phueak area itself is noted for being more relaxed and centrally located compared to the bustling old town, providing a pleasant environment to explore before or after your culinary adventure.
A Glimpse into Chiang Mai's History: Chang Phuak Gate
Visitors can appreciate the gate's architecture and the information boards that provide historical context. Although the original gate was destroyed by the Burmese, the reconstructed version maintains its imposing presence.
The area around Chang Phuak Gate is also noted for its pleasant atmosphere. The Chang Phueak area is described as being more relaxed and centrally located, offering a tranquil contrast to the more hectic tourist zones within the old city.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit