Lanna red brick
A gate founded in the 13th century.
Douglas Perkins — CC BY 4.0 · Stefan Fussan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jakub Hałun — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chainwit. — CC BY 4.0
The best-known and most photographed gate of Chiang Mai's old city, on its east side: a gate of weathered red brick flanked by remains of the walls and the moat that have protected the square city since its founding in the late thirteenth century as capital of the Lanna kingdom. In front of the gate is a broad square where pigeons gather, visitors and locals meet, and festivals and performances are held, especially at Thai New Year in April and the lantern festival in November. From here the old city's streets of temples and cafes spread out. It is free and always open. Every Sunday the big walking-street market starts at the gate and runs west along Ratchadamnoen Road to Wat Phra Singh, with craft and food stalls and performances. The gate is the perfect starting point for a walk through the old city, about a kilometre from the Night Bazaar. It is best in the late afternoon and on Sunday evenings.
A gate founded in the 13th century.
The old square city.
Running to Wat Phra Singh.
East side of the old city
Wat Phan TaoA small wooden gem right beside famous Wat Chedi Luang that many visitors miss. 8 minutes walk
Three Kings MonumentThe symbol of Chiang Mai's founding: three large bronze statues of three kings a9 minutes walk
Wat Chedi LuangThe ruins of a colossal stupa at the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, one of its 9 minutes walk
Chiang Mai Night BazaarChiang Mai's best-known market, spreading every night along Chang Khlan Road eas10 minutes walk
Wat Chiang ManChiang Mai's oldest temple, built by King Mangrai in 1297 on the spot where he c10 minutes walkA big weekly walking market for which Ratchadamnoen Road closes to cars every Sunday evening, with craft, clothing and food stalls. Check halal at the food stalls, and watch your bag in the crowds.