📝 1. Overview
Chang Phuak Gate, also known as the North Gate, is where Chiang Mai’s Old City meets the real local life. It’s home to crumbling walls, mountain-facing roads, student cafés, and most famously… Chang Phuak Night Market, one of Thailand’s most iconic street food spots. This area is less touristy during the day but absolutely explodes with flavor after sunset.
🌟 2. Highlights
🍜 Chang Phuak Night Market – Home of the legendary Cowboy Hat Lady’s khao kha moo
🏰 Ancient Gate & Fort Remains – Old wall + moat = atmospheric entry
🛕 Wat Lok Moli – Stunning 14th-century brick stupa with peaceful gardens
🎓 Rajabhat University Zone – Youthful energy, cheap eats, student cafés
🛵 Start of Route to Doi Suthep – Perfect jumping-off point to the mountain
🌙 Laid-back evening vibes – Street eats, live music & open-air stalls
📸 Wall + Sunset Combo – Golden light on brick = Chiang Mai postcard
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Chang Phuak Gate at sunset – The walls light up beautifully
- Wat Lok Moli stupa – Serene and not crowded
- Food stalls at night – Flames, smoke, smiles
🕐 Best time to visit:
- Mornings: Peaceful temple time
- Evenings (5:30 PM–9:00 PM): Street food heaven
💸 Bring cash — most food stalls don’t take cards
🥤 Hydrate — it gets steamy with all those grills!
👕 Casual zone — tank tops & flip-flops welcome
🍽️ 4. Top Eats at Chang Phuak Night Market
- Cowboy Hat Lady (Khao Kha Moo)
🐷 Braised pork leg over rice with soft egg = LEGEND
📍 Right at the front, under the bright lights
🕒 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Nightly)
💸 ~50 THB - Grilled Skewers & Sai Ua (Chiang Mai Sausage)
🔥 Charcoal-grilled & spice-packed northern flavors
📍 Scattered throughout market
🕒 Prime time: 6–8 PM
💸 ~20–40 THB per stick - Thai Roti & Sweet Treats
🍌 Banana roti, condensed milk pancakes, mango sticky rice
📍 Dessert carts near the rear zone
🕒 After-dinner crowd pleaser
🛍️ 5. Nearby Spots & Sub-Zone Vibes
🛕 Wat Lok Moli Area
- Quiet, underrated temple with major ancient vibes
- Often used for monk training events
- Peaceful stop before dinner
🎓 Rajabhat Side Streets
- Bubble tea & noodle cafés
- Thrift shops & student boutiques
- Chill during the day, buzzing at night
🌄 Northwest Exit Road (Huay Kaew Rd)
- Leads to CMU, Zoo, and Doi Suthep
- Great to grab snacks here before a mountain drive
🚗 6. Access
📍 From Chiang Mai Airport (CNX)
🚕 Taxi or Grab (~20 min, ~150 THB)
🛵 Scooter rental nearby for city-to-mountain flexibility
📍 From Tha Phae Gate (East Gate)
🚶 15–20 min scenic walk across the Old City
🚕 Quick tuk-tuk or songthaew (30–40 THB)
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Walkable to/from nearby gates, temples, markets
🛺 Red songthaews stop right outside the gate
🛏️ Stay near Chang Phuak or Sri Phum for local vibes & easy market access
