A Peaceful Walk from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh
Welcome. Below is my non-interrupted, non-commentary walk from Tha Phae Gate to Wat Phra Singh. If you are looking for a peaceful walk from the lively Tha Phae Gate down Ratchadamnoen Road to the iconic Buddhist temple Wat Phra Singh please consider watching my Youtube virtual tour. Merci!
Tha Phae Gate – An Entrance in the Heart of Chiang Mai
There is a coquette charm that lures you in from the outside of the Old City, into the heart of Chiang Mai. As cliche as it is to say that you’ve entered another time and place, it really feels as though you’ve switched dimensions. The blood-stained red bricks that surrounded and protected the Old City and the traditional Lanna architecture are symbolic of a time past gone, and now what once served as protection, has become the gateway into the cultural soul of Chiang Mai.
A Brief History of Tha Phae Gate
Constructed in the late 13th Century by King Mangrai, the wall served a practical purpose of keeping out vermin, wild animals stalking about and the occasional invading Mongul and Burmese hordes. The gate acted as an entrance into the city, welcoming visiting diplomats, merchants and other visitors to Chiang Mai. Now, Tha Phae Gate serves as a symbol of cultural richness, and acts as a focal point for festivals such as Loy Krathong and Songkran. The gate pulses with life, as hawkers try to sell you their wares, and food merchants offer a tantalizing taste of their famous Northern culinary specialties on Sundays during the Thapae Walking Street Market.
Flocks of Pigeons Everywhere
If there was ever a surprising sight at Tha Phae Gate that I was not expecting, it was the groups of tourists, surrounded by exploding grey feathers, capturing an Instagram moment. So much so, that there are people devoted to luring pigeons with bird seed, waiting for them to gather around the inspiring influencer, and just as the perfect moment approaches, scaring them off with a wooden broom, resulting in an explosion of feathers.
Grab and Book, Relax in the Shade
If capturing social media moments with the winged rat is not your thing, Tha Phae Gate has a multitude of benches for a moment of reflection and peace. The river surrounded The Old City is a great spot for a picnic, a cup of coffee and a book.
The Final Thought
Tha Phae Gate has evolved from protector to provider. The gate that was once integral to the safe keeping of its citizens now provides them with the vibrant culture, atmosphere and heritage of the city of Chiang Mai. It is one of the main hubs of the city, and is a reflection of the vibrant and trendy culture of one of Thailand’s most popular cities. Grab your camera, a book or just walk around aimless, taking in the unique vibe of the city.
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