Tha Phae Gate Chiang Mai
An iconic ancient city gate, Tha Phae Gate is Chiang Mai's historic eastern entrance, famous for its pigeons and vibrant festival hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tha Phae Gate Chiang Mai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic ancient city gate, Tha Phae Gate is Chiang Mai's historic eastern entrance, famous for its pigeons and vibrant festival hub.
"This iconic eastern entrance to Chiang Mai’s 13th-century walled city has been beautifully conserved and even rebuilt."
📸 Pigeon Photo Op
Get ready for the pigeons! They're a major draw for photos. Bring some birdseed if you want to get up close.
📅 Check Festival Schedules
Tha Phae Gate is a hub for events like Songkran & Loy Krathong. Plan your visit around these for a lively experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic City Gate
Eastern entrance to Chiang Mai's Old City
A beautifully preserved ancient gateway, offering a tangible link to Chiang Mai's rich history and a popular photo spot.
Pigeon Paradise
In front of Tha Phae Gate
Thousands of pigeons gather here, creating a unique and lively atmosphere perfect for memorable photos.
Festival Hub
Tha Phae Gate Square
This vibrant square frequently hosts cultural events, markets, and celebrations, adding to its dynamic charm.
Cry Baby Art Installation
Near Tha Phae Gate
A popular, quirky art installation that has become a must-visit photo stop for many travelers.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Fewer Crowds
Embrace the Pigeon Photoshoot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Pigeon Photo Op
Get ready for the pigeons! They're a major draw for photos. Bring some birdseed if you want to get up close.
📅 Check Festival Schedules
Tha Phae Gate is a hub for events like Songkran & Loy Krathong. Plan your visit around these for a lively experience!
🚶♀️ Start Your Old City Tour
This gate is a perfect starting point for exploring Chiang Mai's historic Old City on foot.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Several cafes surround the gate, offering a great spot to relax and people-watch after exploring.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Pigeon Photo Op
Get ready for the pigeons! They're a major draw for photos. Bring some birdseed if you want to get up close.
📅 Check Festival Schedules
Tha Phae Gate is a hub for events like Songkran & Loy Krathong. Plan your visit around these for a lively experience!
🚶♀️ Start Your Old City Tour
This gate is a perfect starting point for exploring Chiang Mai's historic Old City on foot.
☕ Grab a Coffee Nearby
Several cafes surround the gate, offering a great spot to relax and people-watch after exploring.
📍 Find the Cry Baby
Don't miss the 'Cry Baby' art installation for a unique photo opportunity near the gate.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Tha Phae Gate to be a historically significant and charming landmark, particularly loved for its iconic pigeon population and role as a central hub for festivals and markets. While some note it can be touristy, its accessibility and vibrant atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop for soaking in Chiang Mai's culture and history.
"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."
J Ryan
"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!"
Andy Arratiav
"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!"
Jane Frances
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX), you can take a taxi or a Grab (ride-sharing app) directly to Tha Phae Gate. The journey typically takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic and costs around 150-250 THB. Many hotels in the Old City are within walking distance or a short Grab ride away.
While there isn't direct public bus service to Tha Phae Gate, songthaews (red shared taxis) are a common and affordable way to get around Chiang Mai. You can flag one down and tell the driver your destination. Many songthaews pass by or near the gate.
If you're staying within the Old City walls, Tha Phae Gate is often within walking distance. Otherwise, a short songthaew ride or a Grab will get you there quickly.
Parking can be challenging in the busy Old City. There are some paid parking lots available, but it's often easier to use ride-sharing services or walk if you're staying nearby.
Yes, scooter rentals are popular in Chiang Mai. If you rent one, be mindful of traffic and parking availability near the gate. Ensure you have an international driving permit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Tha Phae Gate is a public landmark and there is no admission fee to visit or walk through it. You can freely explore the area.
Tha Phae Gate is accessible 24/7 as it's an open public space. However, the surrounding shops and cafes will have their own operating hours.
Yes, Tha Phae Gate is a central location for many Chiang Mai festivals, including the Yi Peng Lantern Festival, Songkran (Thai New Year), and the Sunday Walking Street Market. It's best to check local event listings for specific dates.
There is no fee for taking photos at Tha Phae Gate itself. However, if you choose to purchase birdseed to feed the pigeons, that would be a separate cost.
You can walk along sections of the old city walls and moat that are accessible from the vicinity of Tha Phae Gate. It's a great starting point for exploring the historic perimeter.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun. Sunsets can also be beautiful. Weekdays generally have fewer people for unobstructed shots.
The area in front of the gate with the pigeons is a classic photo spot. The 'Cry Baby' art installation is also a popular, unique backdrop. 
Many visitors enjoy photographing the pigeons, the historic gate architecture, and the vibrant atmosphere during festivals or markets.
Drone usage may be restricted in public areas and around historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in Chiang Mai.
Be patient and try to capture them in flight or interacting with visitors. Some people buy birdseed to attract them for closer shots.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
You can explore the historic gate, interact with the pigeons, visit nearby temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, browse shops, and enjoy street food. It's also a great starting point for walking tours of the Old City.
Yes, the area around Tha Phae Gate, especially places like THC Rooftop Bar, is known as a good spot to meet other travelers.
During markets like the Sunday Walking Street, you'll find a wide array of vendors selling handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs, and street food. Even outside of market days, there are shops and street food stalls.
Absolutely. The area around the gate and the adjacent Old City walls offer pleasant walking paths, especially in the cooler parts of the day.
Tha Phae Gate is one of the most important historical gateways to Chiang Mai's ancient walled city, dating back to the 13th century. It has been rebuilt and conserved to reflect its original grandeur.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area is surrounded by numerous restaurants and street food vendors. You can find local specialties like Khao Soi, as well as international cuisine. Tha Phae Grill is a popular spot nearby.
Khao Soi (a Northern Thai curry noodle soup) and Sai Oua (Northern Thai sausage) are highly recommended. Many street vendors also offer delicious snacks and meals.
Many restaurants in Chiang Mai, including those near Tha Phae Gate, offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for signs or ask staff for recommendations.
Street food in Chiang Mai is generally considered safe and delicious. Opt for vendors with high turnover and where food is cooked fresh.
Tha Phae Grill offers great views, especially during sunset. Some rooftop bars and restaurants in the vicinity also provide scenic vistas of the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The open space around the gate allows kids to move around freely, and it's a great starting point for exploring the Old City, which has many child-friendly temples and markets. Consider visiting during a market day like the Sunday Walking Street for a more vibrant atmosphere with street performers and diverse food stalls. Remember to bring water and hats, as it can get warm. The proximity to cafes also means easy access to snacks and drinks for little ones.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Backpackers
It's a perfect starting point for exploring Chiang Mai's temples, markets, and street food scene. The gate itself is a landmark that helps orient you, and its accessibility makes it easy to pop back to if you get lost.
📸 Photographers
The 'Cry Baby' art installation adds a contemporary, quirky element to your portfolio. Aim for golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best light. Weekday visits will yield fewer crowds, allowing for cleaner shots. If visiting during a festival, be prepared for dynamic scenes and vibrant colors, but also for dense crowds.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Tha Phae Gate
The gate is more than just an architectural relic; it's a living part of Chiang Mai's identity. It's a central point for community gatherings, festivals, and daily life. Its preservation ensures that future generations can appreciate the city's rich heritage. The surrounding crumbling walls and moat further enhance the sense of stepping back in time, making it a crucial landmark for understanding Chiang Mai's historical narrative.
Experiencing the Pigeons of Tha Phae Gate
While feeding the pigeons is a popular activity, it's always good to be mindful of local guidelines and the well-being of the birds. Many visitors find joy in simply observing the lively scene, and the pigeons add a dynamic, almost whimsical element to the historical site. It's a simple pleasure that has become synonymous with the Tha Phae Gate experience.
Tha Phae Gate as a Festival and Event Hub
It also plays a significant role during Songkran, the Thai New Year, with water splashing festivities. The famous Sunday Walking Street Market, one of the largest in Thailand, transforms the area into a bustling marketplace filled with local crafts, food, and entertainment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit