Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate is one of the most famous landmarks in Chiang Mai. Located on the eastern side of the wall, it is one of the gates to enter the Old City. The other gates are Chang Phuak Gate (North), Chiang Mai Gate (South), Suan Dok Gate (East), and Saen Pung Gate. 

The Old City is the town centre of Chiang Mai. It has a long and fascinating history, stretching back to when the province acted as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom from the 13th-18 century. 

When Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mangrai, the city was built with a shape that resembles a square bounded by the walls and a moat. The purpose was to protect the city from any invasion from their neighbour Thai and Burmese Kingdoms.

Today, after more than 700 years of growth and expansion, the physical, historical and cultural uniqueness of the city is still in evidence: the moats, walls, gates, the 40 ancient temples within the city walls, and hundreds more outside, together with the marketplaces, and the different communities of diverse ethnic groups and cultures.

Cr. www.chiangmaitraveller.com