Tha Phae Gate (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tha Phae Gate?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children enjoy chasing pigeons, street performers, and craft stalls, but there are no play areas, shade, or safety railings, and heavy Sunday crowds require close supervision.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee makes it easy to budget for the whole family.
- Open plaza space: Wide pedestrian area gives kids room to run safely.
Challenges:
- Uneven paving: Strollers may jostle over cracked stones; bring a sturdy pushchair.
- Evening crowds: Weekend markets fill up quickly; plan early arrival to avoid bottlenecks.
What is Tha Phae Gate?
- A historic city gate marking the eastern entrance to Chiang Mai’s 13th-century walled Old City
- Part of the original Lanna-era defensive walls, restored in brick and stucco to preserve its architectural heritage
- A landmark plaza and cultural venue that has served as a focal point for community gatherings and city celebrations
What is so special about Tha Phae Gate for with kids?
- Historic city gate dating to ancient Chiang Mai walls
- Pigeon shows and family photo ops in the open plaza
- Live music and cultural performances most evenings
- Kid-friendly crafts like lantern-making and painting
- Street food stalls offering simple local dishes
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore the gate, enjoy street shows, and try local snacks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tha Phae Gate
Pigeon spotting and photos:
Observe hundreds of pigeons swirling around the gate plaza.
Tip: Bring a few bird seed packets or ask a local 'spooker' to gently scatter pigeons for fun family photos.
Evening street performances:
Watch short dance and music shows by local performers near the gate.
Tip: Arrive by 6 PM to secure front-row spots before crowds gather.
Sunday Walking Street Market:
Browse stalls of crafts, souvenirs, and street food along Rachadamnoen Road.
Tip: Start at 4 PM when it opens to avoid peak crowds and snag kid-friendly treats early.
Cultural craft workshops:
Join lantern-making or painting demos around the plaza.
Tip: Ask at the tourist booths for demo times; small fees cover materials.
Local snacks at the plaza:
Sample dishes like khao soi, mango sticky rice, and grilled corn at food stalls.
Tip: Choose shaded tables near the gate and bring wet wipes for easy cleanup.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tha Phae Gate
- Plan weekday visits: Avoid weekend market crowds by coming on weekdays for a calmer experience.
- Combine bike ride: Start or end at Tha Phae Gate when biking the old-city moat loop for extra fun.
- Stay hydrated: Carry refillable water bottles; tap water not safe, but bottled water is cheap nearby.
Reviews of Tha Phae Gate
John Tay
It's a replica reconstructed historical gate of an ancient ruin. If you like history, there is a write up just besides the gate. Personally I do not fancy replica, so it is not a must visit for me. Just so I was nearby in the evening looking for good eats and decided to have some photos on it..... Verdit: Overrated.
Vishal Chokkala
When we visited here, they were hosting a marathon even so it was quite a bustling place. It does serve as a venue for events and night markets in and around the old quarter of chiang mai and therefore feels lively. I did manage to catch the flock of birds swarming the place which was lovely to watch.
Paul Duffy
Awesome all year round and central to all the best spots in Chaing Mai. The current Theatre of Lights at 7.30pm and 9.30pm daily is a sight to behold between the smoke machines, the music, the light show and the bustle! Restaurants and bars abound as well as a few fantastic rooftop bars goving views of Doi Suthep and the city.
Bhaskar Reddy
Tha Phae Gate is a unique and lively place that truly captures the charm of Chiang Mai. It’s one of those spots where you’ll see a lot of locals and tourists coming together — taking photos, relaxing, and enjoying the vibe. The historic gate itself is beautiful and makes for great pictures, especially in the evening. What makes this place even better is the surrounding area. There are plenty of f...
Bedri
The gate is always full of people during day and night. I preferred to visit it during the night as local vendors come out and make the place more vibrant. This place is definitely a must visit. For ladies they do photoshoot with provided dresses. The guys doing it seemed to know what they are doing, no idea what they charged but if thats your thing then enjoy your photoshoot too!
When is the best time to visit Tha Phae Gate (Chiang Mai, Thailand)?
Visit in the cool season (Nov–Feb) for comfortable evenings. In hot months (Mar–May), come after 5 PM. During the rainy season (Jun–Oct), carry light raincoats. For Loy Krathong (Nov), watch lantern releases by the moat.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk round-trip | THB 100 |
| Street food snacks | THB 200 |
| Craft workshop fee | THB 150 |
| Pigeon spooker service | THB 50 |
| Total Estimated | THB 500 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Tha Phae Gate
Address: Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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About Tha Phae Gate
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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