ประตูท่าแพ (Tha Phae Gate)

🏰 Tha Phae Gate — A historical symbol of Chiang Mai —•Originally named Chiang Rueak Gate, first built by Phraya Mangrai when Chiang Mai was founded in 1839, it is one of the five inner city gates of Wiang Chiang Mai and is the only city gate that still has doors open and closed today.   —•Used as a crossing point to the Ping River, with merchants, boat traders, and people entering and leaving the city until ancient times () 🔄 Reconstruction – Restored style —•Originally, there were both inner and outer gates, along with forts, but they were demolished in 1948 to make way for the road. Later, in 1985–1986, a new gate was built by the municipality and the Fine Arts Department, based on old evidence and photographs from 1879, using a budget shared with local people.  🎨 Architecture & Beauty —•Reflecting Lanna art with red bricks, simple but not ostentatious, but with a touch of elegance. —•Details such as the door panels, small forts, and the protruding walls invite you to admire the delicacy. —•The area in front of the gate is a wide courtyard that is often used for activities such as the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, the Loi Krathong Festival, and Songkran, etc.  🎥 Atmosphere & Recommended Activities •Morning-afternoon: Take photos against the light with red bricks, take photos with pigeons that often gather, or stop by a nearby cafe for a cup of coffee. •Weekend evening: Young people come to stroll around, organize a walking street night market (Sunday Walking Street) starting here, and there is live music, a lively atmosphere. () 📍 What to do around? —•Tha Pae Road: A shopping, eating, and walking street with clothing stores, souvenir shops, street cafes, and local restaurants.  —•Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A market for tourists, full of local products and art.  —•Near the Sunday Walking Street, which has local products and handmade artists to see. 🔚 Summary Tha Pae Gate is not just a “city gate”, but a center of modern Chiang Mai arts and culture, both in terms of history, architecture, daily life, and a variety of activities. Therefore, it is suitable for both photography, shopping, and culture lovers. You can experience many emotions while visiting here. 😊