The Thapae Gate Photo Op: How to Do It Like a Local

If you search #ChiangMai on Instagram, you will see the same image repeated thousands of times. A traveler standing in front of an ancient, crumbling red brick wall. They are laughing, arms outstretched. And around them, a perfectly timed flock of pigeons is exploding into the air, framing them in a whirlwind of grey feathers and motion.

This is Tha Phae Gate.

It is the most iconic landmark in the city. It is the entrance to the Old City, the start of the Sunday Walking Street, and the backdrop for every major festival from Yi Peng to Songkran.

But getting that photo isn’t as simple as just walking up and snapping a pic. It involves navigating a chaotic ecosystem of tourists, street vendors, aggressive birds, and heat. If you go unprepared, you will leave with a sunburn, a bad photo, and bird poop on your shoulder.

But if you go prepared—with the right mindset and the right HazeBuds strain—it can be the highlight of your trip.

The Hook

“Stop by Haze Buds for a ‘Creative’ Sativa before your photoshoot.”

Photography is an art. Posing is an art. And sometimes, you need a little creative lubricant to feel confident in front of the camera and the crowd.

Here is your ultimate guide to mastering the Tha Phae Gate photo op, avoiding the scams, dealing with the pigeons, and finding the ultimate chill spot afterwards.

Part 1: The Pre-Game (Sparking Creativity)

Tha Phae Gate is located on the East side of the moat. Conveniently, HazeBuds Old City is located just a short walk away inside the square.

Before you face the cameras, you need to get your mind right. Standing in a public square while strangers watch you pose can feel awkward. You might feel stiff. You might feel shy. This is where cannabis becomes a tool for photography.

The Strategy: Arrive at HazeBuds 30 minutes before your planned shoot. You don’t want to be “stoned” in a sleepy, heavy way. You want to be “lifted.” You want high definition.

The Strain Recommendation: Jelly Donutz (Sativa – 30% THC)

Why: This is a high-energy, euphoric Sativa.
The Effect: It enhances colors. The red bricks of the gate will look deeper. The blue sky will look sharper. More importantly, it dissolves social anxiety. It makes you giggly and loose. Instead of feeling awkward posing, you’ll find yourself laughing and trying new angles. It turns a “task” into “play.”

The Alternative: Purple Thai (Landrace)

Why: If you want a more “electric” energy to match the bustling vibe of the plaza. It keeps you alert so you can dodge the motorbikes and the birds with ninja-like reflexes.

Part 2: The History (Know Your Backdrop)

To take a good photo, you should respect what you are standing in front of. You aren’t just standing in front of a “wall.”

Tha Phae Gate (Pratu Tha Phae) was built in the 13th Century by King Mangrai, the founder of the Lanna Kingdom. Originally, it was the main gate used by traders, diplomats, and monks entering the city. The bricks you see are not all original (it was restored in the 1980s), but the foundation and the spirit remain.

When you stand there, you are standing on the exact spot where caravans of elephants used to walk 700 years ago. Knowing this adds a layer of depth to your experience. You are capturing a moment in a timeline that spans centuries.

Part 3: The Pigeon Dilemma (To Feed or Not To Feed?)

Now, let’s address the elephant (or rather, the bird) in the room. The Pigeons.

This is the most controversial part of the Tha Phae Gate experience. On one hand, the “flying bird shot” is famous. On the other hand, pigeons are… well, flying rats.

The “Bird Scaring” Hustle: As soon as you approach the wall, you will be approached by locals (often older ladies or men with flags). They aren’t selling drugs; they are selling chaos. They sell small bags of bird feed (usually corn) for 20-50 Baht. But they offer a secondary service: The Scare.

How it works:

You buy the food.
You scatter it on the ground to attract the flock.
You stand in the middle of the feeding frenzy.
The “Bird Scarer” waits for your photographer to signal.
They wave a flag, stomp their feet, or make a loud noise.
The birds panic and fly up all at once around you.
Click. You get the shot.

The Insider Reality:

The Hygiene: Pigeons carry lice and disease. Being in the middle of a flapping cloud of them means breathing in dust and feathers. If you have allergies, skip this.
The Ethics: The Chiang Mai municipality periodically tries to ban feeding them because the bird poop damages the historic brick and creates a mess. Technically, feeding them is discouraged, but the enforcement is loose.
The Scam: Sometimes, a person will scare the birds for you without you asking, and then demand money (20-100 Baht).

Our Advice: If you must have the bird shot, pay the lady. It supports a local micro-economy, and they know exactly how to time the scare for the best photo. However, the cooler, more “local” way to do it is to ignore the birds. Use the wall as a texture. Lean against the brick. Use the depth of the moat bridge. The birds are a gimmick; the wall is the history.

Part 4: How to Avoid the Tourist Traps

Tha Phae Gate attracts crowds, and crowds attract opportunists. Here is how to navigate the plaza like a boss.

1. The “Free Bracelet” Guy If someone approaches you with a friendship bracelet and tries to tie it on your wrist “for free,” pull your hand away. It is not free. Once it’s on, they will demand a donation. Just say “Mai Ao Krup/Ka” (No want) firmly and keep walking.

2. The Tuk-Tuk Price Gouge Tuk-tuks parked directly in front of the gate are the most expensive in the city. They are waiting for tired tourists who just finished a photoshoot.

The Fix: Walk 100 meters down the road (away from the gate) before hailing a ride, or use the Grab app. Or better yet, walk back to HazeBuds!

3. The Heat Stroke The plaza is a large open concrete space. At 2:00 PM, it is an oven. There is no shade.

The Fix: Do not go at midday. The lighting is harsh (giving you “raccoon eyes” shadows), and you will be sweating through your clothes within 5 minutes.

Part 5: The Photography Guide (Lighting and Angles)

You have smoked your Jelly Donutz. You are feeling creative. How do you get the best shot?

The Golden Hour (Sunset):

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.
Pros: The sun sets behind the Old City. If you stand on the outside of the gate facing the wall, the setting sun hits the red bricks, making them glow a deep, fiery orange. This is the “money shot.”
Cons: It is the busiest time. You will have to wait your turn for a clear section of the wall.

The Blue Hour (Sunrise):

Time: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM.
Pros: The plaza is empty. It’s just you, the monks collecting alms, and the pigeons. The light is soft and blue. It feels peaceful and cinematic.
Cons: You have to wake up early (but a Sativa the night before can help you sleep early!).

The Angle: Don’t just shoot straight on.

Low Angle: Have your photographer crouch low. This makes the gate look massive and majestic, and makes your legs look longer.
The “Depth” Shot: Stand inside the archway of the gate. Use the frame of the door to frame yourself. This shows the thickness of the fortress walls.

Part 6: Where to Chill Afterwards (The Recovery)

You did it. You battled the pigeons. You smiled for 100 photos. You dodged the bracelet guys. Now, you are hot, thirsty, and your high is starting to mellow into a “body heavy” stage.

You need air conditioning. You need water. You need to relax. Do not just sit on the hot concrete. Head to sanctuary.

Option A: The Recharge (HazeBuds Old City) Walk back to our shop. It is close.

The Vibe: We have cold water, AC, and comfortable seating.
The Activity: Sit down and scroll through your photos. This is the best time to edit them while the memory is fresh.
The Restock: You probably smoked your pre-roll at the gate. Now is the time to pick up an Indica for the evening. We recommend Cashew Sundae (Indica – 20% THC) to help you wind down from the overstimulation of the crowd.

Option B: The Body Reset (C&R Thai Massage) This is the pro move. Located right next to the HazeBuds ecosystem (near our Old City/Gate locations), C&R Thai Massage is owned by the same family. We maintain the same high standards of cleanliness and service.

Why: Posing is tiring. Standing on concrete is hard on your calves.
The Combo: Walk from the Gate -> Smoke a little more -> Go into C&R for a 1-hour Foot Massage or Thai Massage.
The Feeling: There is nothing—and we mean nothing—better than a foot massage after a photoshoot while slightly elevated on a good Hybrid. You close your eyes, and the chaos of the Tha Phae Gate melts away.

Option C: The Foodie Finish (Sunday Walking Street) If it happens to be a Sunday, you are already at the starting line of the Walking Street Market.

The Strategy: Use the energy from the Jelly Donutz to tackle the street food. Grab a fresh coconut or a fruit shake immediately to rehydrate.

Part 7: What to Wear (Styling the Shot)

Since we are talking about doing it “Like a Local” (or at least a savvy traveler), let’s talk fashion.

The “Lanna” Look: You will see many tourists renting traditional Thai dresses. This looks beautiful against the bricks.

Note: If you do this, act respectful. The gate is a historical site.

The “Streetwear” Look: Chiang Mai has a huge skater and hip-hop culture.

The Fit: Oversized tees, cargo pants, sneakers.
The Prop: A HazeBuds Wooden Joint Holder in your hand (unlit, of course, for the photo). It adds a bit of edge and authenticity to the shot.

What NOT to Wear:

Colors that blend in: Do not wear rust, orange, or brown. You will disappear into the wall. Wear white, blue, or bright yellow to pop against the red bricks.

Part 8: Insider Tip – The “Hidden” Wall

Is Tha Phae Gate too crowded? Are there too many influencers with tripods taking up space?

Here is the secret. The moat is a square. There are four corners (Hua Lin, Ku Ruang, Katam, Sri Phum). Each corner has a section of the ancient wall that looks almost exactly like Tha Phae Gate, but with zero people.

Our Favorite: Hua Lin Corner (Northwest) It has the same red bricks. It has the same water moat. But it has no pigeons and no crowds. If you want a moody, architectural shot without the circus, grab a Tuk-Tuk to Hua Lin Corner. You can smoke your Pineapple Express in peace there, sitting on the grass, and take your time getting the perfect shot.

Conclusion: Capture the Moment

Tha Phae Gate is more than just a photo op. It is the threshold of the city. It represents the history of survival, trade, and culture in Chiang Mai.

When you go there, don’t just rush to get the “Insta-banger.” Take a moment. Smoke your HazeBuds Sativa. Feel the texture of the 700-year-old bricks. Watch the pigeons fly (from a safe distance). And appreciate the energy of this incredible city.

And when you are done, come find us. We’ll be waiting with the AC on and the next strain ready for you.

Stop by Haze Buds for a ‘Creative’ Sativa before your photoshoot. Make memories. Make art. Stay elevated.