Best Spots to Watch the Sunset Near the Old City Moat

There is a specific time of day in Chiang Mai that locals call the “Golden Hour.”

It usually happens around 5:30 PM. The fierce heat of the afternoon sun begins to break. The harsh white light softens into a warm, honey-colored glow. The shadows of the ancient brick walls lengthen across the water. The Doi Suthep mountain range, which looms over the west side of the city, turns into a silhouette of deep purple and indigo against a burning orange sky.

For the traveler, this is the magic hour. It is the transition point between the sweaty exploration of the day and the electric energy of the night markets.

But where should you be when this happens?

You could go to a rooftop bar, sure. But that involves dress codes, expensive cocktails, and elevator music. We believe the best seat in the house is free. It is ancient. And it is right in front of you.

The Old City Moat.

Built 700 years ago to protect the Lanna capital from invaders, the moat is now the city’s lungs. It is a square of calm water surrounded by crumbling brick bastions, fountains, and massive trees.

For the cannabis enthusiast, the moat walls offer the perfect perch. There is something profoundly grounding about sitting on bricks that have stood for seven centuries, dangling your feet over the water, and watching the modern world rush by.

But you can’t just roll up anywhere. You need the right corner. You need the right facing. And most importantly, you need the right hardware.

The Hook

“We recommend a Teak Wood pipe for this exact activity.”

Wind is the enemy of the sunset smoker. The moat is an open space, and the evening breeze can make lighting a joint frustrating. Plus, sitting on a public wall requires a certain level of discretion and class. A hand-carved Teak Wood pipe from HazeBuds is wind-resistant, durable enough for the brick surfaces, and blends perfectly with the natural surroundings.

Here is your guide to the best corners of the moat, the best strains to smoke, and the art of the Chiang Mai sunset.

The Gear: Why the Teak Pipe is Essential

Before we head to the water, let’s stop at HazeBuds. Whether you are at our Old City, Chiang Mai Gate, or Sridonchai branch, you will see our collection of locally made wooden pipes.

Why are we recommending this specific tool for the moat?

1. The “Brick” Factor The moat walls are made of ancient, rough laterite bricks. If you set a glass pipe down on these bricks and it tips over, it will shatter. A Teak or Rosewood pipe is virtually indestructible. You can set it on the wall, knock it over, or drop it in the grass, and it will survive. It is the only tool rugged enough for outdoor urban exploration.

2. The Wind Factor The moat is a large open channel. In the evening, the breeze picks up. Lighting a joint can result in “canoeing” (burning unevenly) or simply blowing out. A wooden pipe has a deep bowl that protects the cherry from the wind. Once it’s lit, it stays lit.

3. The Aesthetic You are sitting on a 700-year-old wall. Holding a neon plastic bong looks out of place. Holding a piece of hand-carved Northern Thai timber feels historically appropriate. It connects you to the Lanna heritage of the city.

The Pack: We recommend packing your pipe with Orange Cream Pop (Hybrid – 23% THC).

Why: Sunsets are colorful. You want a hybrid that enhances visual perception (making the orange sky look even more vibrant) but keeps you relaxed enough to sit still for an hour. The citrusy flavor of Orange Cream Pop pairs perfectly with the fresh evening air.

Spot 1: The “Mountain View” (Hua Lin Corner – Northwest)

Location: The Northwest corner of the square, where the moat turns from the north side to the west side. Best For: The classic sunset photo and mountain gazing.

If your goal is to actually see the sun dip below the horizon, this is the spot. The Northwest corner (Hua Lin) offers an unobstructed view of Doi Suthep.

The Vibe: This corner feels expansive. The moat is wide here. There are often fountains spraying water in the center, creating rainbows in the late afternoon light. You will see the red trucks (Songthaews) circling the corner, the students leaving the technical college, and the lights of the Maya Mall in the distance flickering on.

Where to Sit: Find a spot on the outer brick wall facing West. Because the sun sets behind the mountain, you get a spectacular backlight effect. The mountain turns black, and the sky above it cycles through gradients of gold, pink, and violet.

The Experience: Pack your Teak Pipe. Take a hit. Exhale slowly and watch the smoke drift towards the water. As the sun disappears, the temperature drops instantly. You feel the cool air coming off the mountain. This is the moment to reflect on your day. The traffic circle here is busy, but because you are separated by the water, it feels like watching a movie. You are the observer, safe on your ancient wall.

Spot 2: The “People Watcher” (Tha Phae Gate Plaza)

Location: The East Gate. While not a “corner,” the areas flanking the gate are prime real estate. Best For: Energy, Chaos, and Socializing.

Maybe you don’t want quiet reflection. Maybe you want to feel the pulse of the city. Head to Tha Phae Gate. This is the main entrance to the Old City and is located very close to our HazeBuds Old City branch.

The Vibe: This is the Times Square of Chiang Mai. You have tourists feeding pigeons (please don’t do this, it’s messy!), skateboarders doing tricks, street performers singing covers of Oasis songs, and monks walking back to their temples.

Where to Sit: Don’t sit right in the main plaza; it’s too crowded. Walk about 50 meters north or south along the moat. The wall here is lower and wider. You can sit with your back to the water, facing the plaza, or turn around and dangle your legs over the moat.

The Experience: This spot pairs best with a social strain like Purple Thai (Sativa). As the sky turns dark, the floodlights on the Tha Phae Gate turn on, illuminating the bricks in a warm orange glow. The atmosphere is electric. You can sit here, puff on your pipe discreetly, and watch the parade of humanity. You will see backpackers with huge bags arriving for the first time, looking lost and excited. You will see locals jogging. It is the best reality TV show in town.

Spot 3: The “Foodie’s Paradise” (Katam Corner – Southeast)

Location: The Southeast corner, near Chiang Mai Gate. Best For: Reflections and Munchies.

This is the strategic choice. This corner is located right next to the Chiang Mai Gate Market, which comes alive at night. It is also very close to our HazeBuds Chiang Mai Gate branch.

The Vibe: This corner (Ku Ruang / Katam) is often quieter than the others in terms of traffic, but it buzzes with the anticipation of dinner. The water here is often calmer, acting like a mirror.

Where to Sit: There is a nice stretch of grass and brick wall just before the turn. Sit facing the water. The sunset here is reflective. You won’t see the mountain as clearly, but you will see the colors of the sky reflected perfectly in the still water of the moat. It creates a “double sky” effect that is incredibly trippy when you are high.

The Experience: Load your pipe with Banana Melt (Indica). Why an Indica? Because you are about to eat. Banana Melt stimulates the appetite. Sit on the wall, watch the water turn from blue to black. Smell the charcoal smoke from the grilled pork stalls drifting over from the market. Once the sun is down and the munchies hit, you are literally a 2-minute walk from the best street food in the city. Hop off the wall, put your pipe in your pocket, and go get some Khao Kha Moo (stewed pork leg).

Spot 4: The “Garden Escape” (Suan Buak Haad – Southwest)

Location: The Southwest corner public park. Best For: Lying down, Picnics, and Nature.

If sitting on a hard brick wall doesn’t sound appealing to your back, head to Suan Buak Haad Park in the Southwest corner. This is the only part of the moat that has a dedicated public park incorporated into it.

The Vibe: It’s tropical. Palm trees, manicured lawns, woven mats for rent, and fitness enthusiasts doing aerobics. It feels like an oasis.

Where to Sit: You can sit on the grass right at the edge of the moat. Or, rent a bamboo mat for 20 Baht. Note: This is a public park with families. Do not smoke openly in the middle of the crowd. Instead, find a quiet spot near the corner bastion where the wall meets the park. Or, consume your cannabis before entering.

The Experience: This is perfect for Edibles. Pop a HazeBuds CBD/THC Gummy about 45 minutes before sunset. Lay on the grass. Watch the palm tree silhouettes sway against the purple sky. The sounds of the city are muffled by the greenery. It is the most “Zen” spot on the moat.

The Ritual: How to Execute the Perfect Sunset

You have the spots. Now, let’s build the itinerary. Here is the step-by-step guide to the perfect “Golden Hour” session.

Step 1: The Pickup (4:30 PM) Visit the nearest HazeBuds branch.

Check out our Wooden Pipe selection. Look for one with a deep bowl and a grain pattern that speaks to you.
Buy a gram of Orange Cream Pop or Miracle Fruit.
Ask the budtender to grind it for you (if you don’t have a grinder), or buy a small wooden grinder to match your pipe.

Step 2: The Provisions (4:45 PM) Stop at a 7-Eleven.

Buy a large bottle of cold water (cottonmouth is real).
Buy a snack (dried mango or seaweed) to enjoy while watching the sun.
Optional: Buy a cold beer (Leo or Chang). The “Cross-Fade” (one beer + one bowl) is a popular way to watch the sunset, but keep it moderate.

Step 3: The Perch (5:15 PM) Arrive at your chosen corner. Don’t just sit in the first spot you see. Walk a little. Look for a spot where the bricks are flat and wide. Look for a spot that is under the shade of a tree but has a clear view of the west. Dangle your legs. There is something childlike and freeing about feet hanging over water. It symbolizes that you are not “standing” in the rush of the world; you are sitting above it.

Step 4: The Session (5:30 PM) Pack your pipe. Shield it with your body from the wind. Light it. Take slow, deliberate hits. Put your phone away. This is the most important instruction. Do not watch the sunset through your screen. Watch it with your eyes. The cannabis enhances your visual resolution—don’t waste that upgrade on a 6-inch screen.

Step 5: The Departure (6:30 PM) Once the sun is gone and the streetlights are buzzing, tap out your ash (into a bin or bag, not the water!). Put your durable Teak pipe in your pocket. Now, head to dinner. The city has transformed into its night mode, and you are perfectly medicated to enjoy it.

Safety and Etiquette (The “Don’t Be That Guy” Section)

While the moat is a chill place, there are rules to ensure you stay safe and respectful.

1. Don’t Fall In: This sounds like a joke, but it happens. The moat water is… not clean. It is stagnant city water. You do not want to swim in it. When you are high, your balance might be slightly off. Do not sit precariously on the edge if you feel dizzy. Sit securely.

2. Respect the Locals: The moat is a public space. You will see grandmas jogging and families walking.

Discretion: This is why the Teak Pipe is great. It fits in your hand. You can take a hit and lower your hand. Don’t blow massive clouds of smoke into the path of a jogger. Be polite.
Odor Control: The breeze usually carries the smell away quickly, but be mindful of who is downwind from you.

3. Clean Up: The moat is the jewel of Chiang Mai. Do not leave your 7-Eleven bags, bottle caps, or ash piles on the historic walls. Leave it cleaner than you found it.

Deep Dive: The History You Are Sitting On

To truly appreciate this experience, you should know what you are sitting on.

The bricks under your jeans are roughly 700 years old (with some modern restorations). They were built by King Mangrai when he founded Chiang Mai in 1296. The moat was designed to stop the Burmese armies and the Mongol invaders. Think about that while you smoke your Purple Thai (a landrace strain that has likely been growing here just as long as those walls).

You are connecting two ancient histories: the history of the Lanna Kingdom and the history of Thai Cannabis. It adds a layer of depth to the high. You aren’t just a tourist getting stoned on a wall; you are sitting on a monument to survival.

Conclusion: The Simple Joys

In a world of expensive tours and exclusive clubs, the Chiang Mai moat offers something rare: a free, accessible, and profoundly beautiful experience.

It reminds us that we don’t need much to be happy. We just need a sturdy wall to sit on. A view of the mountains. A cool breeze. And a pipe full of good weed.

So, this evening, skip the rooftop bar. Come by HazeBuds, pick out a beautiful piece of teak wood, and go find your corner. The sun is waiting.

See you at the wall.