Tha Phae Gate is part of the eastern wall of the old city in Chiang Mai. Built back in 1296 during the founding of Chiang Mai. Originally there was and outer and inner gate. The outer gate was named Tha Phae Gate while the inner gate was called Chiang Ruak Gate, which is the name of a nearby village. Over time, the outer gate was dismantled and the inner gate became known as Tha Phae Gate.

Visitors used to be able to go on top of the gate but the access has been blocked off and this is not allowed anymore.

This is another temple along Tha Phae rd. Very ornate as usual. What I liked at this temple were the very detailed doors entering the main temple. It is small but beautiful. The other thing to note here is that there is a sign marking the temple with the name “Wat Cheatawan” but if you research this on the internet or the Lonely Planet guide book it is spelled everywhere as “Wat Chetawan.” They are one in the same. And on one of the town maps I had from my hotel it was spelled “Wat Chetuwan.”

Directions: Regardless of spelling, this Wat is located on Tha Phae rd near the corner of Thai Phae Soi 2. Google Map will show it on the south side of the road. It is on the north side.

This is a larger Wat located on Tha Phae Rd. Constructed in 1497, much of the temple has modern renovations. It is said this temple is where Chiang Mai was liberated from 200 years of Burmese control. Very open and more ornate than other Wat’s in the area.

Directions: On Tha Phae rd near the corner of Kamphaengdin Rd.

I found this to be rather dangerous for the average pedestrian. Because it is difficult to cross some of the major roads, people riding scooters have a tendency to ride on the sidewalk to avoid driving against traffic on the road. This is because there might be a long drive to the next turn-about. From I can tell they are not that far apart but driving on the sidewalk is more convenient for them. Stay alert!

Located very close to the Tha Chang pier, The Golden Teak Museum is a well done interpretive museum. All signs are in both Thai and English. I found it has more to do with the history of the donation the building and of important Buddhist Monks than it has to do with Teak.
The floors are would and very clean. Staff ask you to remove your shoes when entering the building. The admission is 30 baht. Even if you are not interested, this was a good place to get out of the stifling heat. I don’t think they offer a tour guide but I was the only person in the museum so one of the staff, Paht, showed me around.

There are two floors with the second floor being geared toward past important Monks and Kings of Thailand. There is a lot to read on the display signs throughout museum. It could take some time to get through it all.

Address: Si Ayutthaya 21 Alley, Khwaeng Wachira Phayaban, Khet Dusit, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10300, Thailand