Old City Moat and Gates
Explore ancient moats and gates, remnants of historical defenses in Chiang Mai and Korat, offering a glimpse into Thailand's past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy soft light
Old City Moat and Gates
Best Time
Beat the heat, enjoy soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient moats and gates, remnants of historical defenses in Chiang Mai and Korat, offering a glimpse into Thailand's past.
"A well-maintained and accessible piece of history, offering great views and photo opportunities."
Scooter for Easy Access
Grab scooters are a cheap and fun way to explore the moat and gates! :scooter:
Climb for Better Views
Head up the stairs at Victory Gate for panoramic views of the moat and surroundings. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tha Phae Gate
Eastern side of the Old City
Chiang Mai's most famous landmark, a historic gate offering a glimpse into the ancient city walls.
The Ancient Moat
Surrounding the Old City
Explore the historic moat that once protected Chiang Mai, now a scenic waterway.
Victory Gate (Yamo Gate)
Korat City
A well-maintained, albeit modern, gate offering great views and a sense of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to the Old City Moat and Gates
Getting Around the Old City
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Scooter for Easy Access
Grab scooters are a cheap and fun way to explore the moat and gates!
Climb for Better Views
Head up the stairs at Victory Gate for panoramic views of the moat and surroundings. :camerawithflash:
Day vs. Night at Victory Gate
Victory Gate offers a different experience at night with colorful lights. :city_sunrise:
Fishing in the Moat?
Witness unique crossbow fishing in Chiang Mai's moats! :fishing_pole:
Tips
from all over the internet
Scooter for Easy Access
Grab scooters are a cheap and fun way to explore the moat and gates!
Climb for Better Views
Head up the stairs at Victory Gate for panoramic views of the moat and surroundings. :camerawithflash:
Day vs. Night at Victory Gate
Victory Gate offers a different experience at night with colorful lights. :city_sunrise:
Fishing in the Moat?
Witness unique crossbow fishing in Chiang Mai's moats! :fishing_pole:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and accessibility of the Old City Moat and Gates, particularly the iconic Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai. The Victory Gate in Korat is noted for its well-maintained appearance and pleasant nighttime ambiance. While some find the gates themselves to be more of a passage than a destination, the surrounding moat and the overall historical context are highly valued.
"The Victory Gate is one of the Korat City gates. I visited at night so it was lit up with colourful lights providing a different experience to a daytime visit.
You can climb the stairs and get better views of the moat. There are a number of statues/sculptures around.
I was the only one there because the rest of the people in Korat were enjoying the concert down the road."
Tony Grima
"The Victory Gate ( or Yamo Gate ).
This is not a historical old building connected to the old citywall defenses.
It seems it was built before the World Tech Exhibition which took places in 1995.
But even though it's a "fake" and not a historical building it looks like it came from the same time as the old citywall and gates so they did a good job.
It's a nice building to explore and a nice view from up top but the building is empty.
You could go inside and make it all the way up to the top floor when I was here 2023 03 06.
So worth a visit if you're in the area.
I have a Youtube channel with videos from different forts & bunkers that I've filmed with both drone and normal camera.
Hope you'll check it out 🙂
Username:
Tomo 08swe."
Tomo 08swe
"When you discover Korat this remaining of the old city wall is worth your attention. It's very well maintained as the whole venue around it"
marc van looy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can easily reach the Old City Moat and Gates in Chiang Mai by various means. Grab scooters are a popular and affordable choice for navigating the area, allowing you to ride along the moat and enter through the ancient gates.
Parking can be a bit challenging within the Old City itself, especially near popular spots like Tha Phae Gate. If you're using a scooter, you'll find designated parking areas.
For exploring multiple gates and the moat, a Grab scooter is highly recommended for its flexibility and affordability.
Yes, local transport options are available to reach the Victory Gate in Korat. It's a well-maintained area, making it accessible for visitors.
Cycling is a great way to explore the Old City Moat. Many visitors rent bicycles to leisurely tour the perimeter and discover the various gates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, generally there are no tickets required to see the Old City Moat and Gates in Chiang Mai. They are part of the city's landscape and accessible to everyone.
The Old City Gates in Chiang Mai are always accessible as they are part of the city's infrastructure. You can pass through them at any time.
The Victory Gate in Korat does not have an entrance fee, making it a free attraction to explore.
At Tha Phae Gate, you can walk through it. For the Victory Gate in Korat, you can climb the stairs to get better views. Some older gates might have limited access for preservation.
While not always advertised, you can often find local guides offering tours of the Old City, which would include insights into the moat and gates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the ancient architecture, walk or cycle along the moat, and explore the various gates like the iconic Tha Phae Gate. Some visitors have even observed unique activities like crossbow fishing in the moats.
Yes, walking tours are a great way to experience the Old City Moat and Gates. You can stroll along the moat, discover hidden corners, and appreciate the historical significance of the gates.
The Victory Gate in Korat offers a pleasant atmosphere, especially when lit up at night with colorful lights. It's a well-maintained area with sculptures, providing a nice spot for exploration.
The walls, gates, and moat surrounding Chiang Mai's Old City were built in 1296.
Tha Phae Gate is a prime spot for photos, especially on a sunny afternoon.
📸 📸 Photography
For the Old City Moat and Gates in Chiang Mai, early mornings or late afternoons offer beautiful soft light for photography.
Tha Phae Gate provides excellent opportunities for capturing its grand architecture against a clear sky.
Yes, the Old City Moat offers many picturesque spots. You can capture reflections of the city walls, lush greenery, and the occasional unique sight like crossbow fishing.
The Victory Gate's photogenic qualities come from its well-maintained structure and, especially at night, its vibrant, colorful lighting. The surrounding area also provides a good backdrop.
Drone usage regulations can vary, and it's advisable to check local rules before flying a drone in the Old City area of Chiang Mai or around the Victory Gate in Korat.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open spaces around the moat provide room for kids to move, and the historical gates spark imagination about knights and castles. For the Victory Gate in Korat, the climbable stairs offer a small adventure, and the colorful lights at night can be a delightful sight for younger children. 🚶 Budget Travelers
Walking or cycling are even cheaper options. The gates and moat themselves are free to access, making them perfect for travelers looking to experience history without spending a lot. The Victory Gate in Korat is also a free attraction, offering great value for its scenic views and nighttime illumination. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The moat itself offers reflective shots and interesting perspectives, with the chance to capture unique scenes like crossbow fishing. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Chiang Mai's Old City Defenses
The moat, a wide water-filled channel, and the sturdy brick walls formed a formidable barrier, safeguarding the city's inhabitants and its valuable trade routes. Today, remnants of these fortifications, including several impressive gates, still stand, offering visitors a tangible connection to Chiang Mai's rich past. While the primary purpose was defense, the moat also played a role in the city's daily life, serving as a source of water and a natural boundary. The gates, such as the well-known Tha Phae Gate, were crucial entry and exit points, facilitating trade and communication.
Exploring these historical structures provides a fascinating glimpse into the architectural ingenuity and strategic thinking of the Lanna Kingdom. Many visitors find joy in simply wandering along the moat, observing the blend of ancient structures with modern city life. The presence of unique activities, like the observed crossbow fishing in the moats, adds an unexpected layer of local culture to the experience.
Navigating and Experiencing the Old City
This mode of transport allows for spontaneous stops and easy exploration of the perimeter. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, renting a bicycle is another excellent option, offering a leisurely way to soak in the sights and sounds. When visiting the Victory Gate (Yamo Gate) in Korat, the experience is slightly different. While not a historical defense structure from the same era as Chiang Mai's walls, it's a well-maintained monument that offers a pleasant exploration. Visitors can climb the stairs to gain better views of the moat and the surrounding area.
Regardless of which gate or moat you explore, the key is to embrace the journey. Whether you're marveling at the ancient architecture of Chiang Mai or enjoying the illuminated spectacle of Korat's Victory Gate, these sites offer a unique perspective on Thailand's history and urban landscapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit