Chiang Mai.

Tha Phae Gate marks the eastern entrance to Chiang Mai’s walled old city. Pause at its brickwork and open plaza before following the old-city streets toward temples, museums, and markets.

The gate gives you a clear starting point for understanding the old city’s shape: stand outside the brick entrance, then look back toward the streets within the walls. It is a short stop with plenty to see around it, and you can make it the beginning or end of a central walk.

• Historic brick wall and moat edge

Begin an old-city walk at the eastern gate and continue west through the walls.