How long does it take to walk from Chiang Mai Gate to Buak Hard Park?

The direct walk takes about 15-20 minutes, covering approximately 1.2 kilometers. However, a cultural stroll with stops at temples like Wat Chet Lin and Wat Puak Taem typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.

Is the South Gate market in Chiang Mai worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly worth visiting, especially in the morning. While the night market is famous for street food, the morning market offers an authentic look at local life, traditional Lanna snacks, and fresh produce without the heavy tourist crowds.

Can I see traditional crafts being made in Chiang Mai?

Yes, you can see traditional brass-smithing at Wat Puak Taem. This temple is the center of a community that has produced decorative metal 'Chatra' umbrellas and brass ornaments for centuries using traditional Lanna techniques.

What are the highlights of the Bumrung Buri neighborhood?

Key highlights include the Bumrung Buri Market, the bamboo bridge and lotus ponds at Wat Chet Lin, the artisanal heritage of Wat Puak Taem, and the serene Buak Hard Public Park at the corner of the city walls.

Is there an entrance fee for the temples on this walk?

The temples on this route, including Wat Chet Lin and Wat Puak Taem, do not currently charge an entrance fee. However, small donations of 20-50 THB are encouraged to help with the maintenance of these historic sites.

When is the best time to do a walking route in Chiang Mai?

The best time is early morning, between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM. This allows you to experience the market at its peak, avoid the midday heat, and observe the monks and artisans beginning their daily routines.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers?

The route is mostly flat and follows paved roads, making it generally stroller-friendly. However, some temple interiors and the bamboo bridge at Wat Chet Lin involve steps or narrow paths that may require lifting the stroller.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step away from the crowded tourist trails of the Old City and discover the quiet, artisanal soul of Chiang Mai's southern district. This neighborhood stroll through the Bumrung Buri area offers a rare glimpse into the living traditions of the Lanna people, where ancient metalworking techniques and traditional market culture still thrive side-by-side. Your self-guided adventure begins at the bustling Bumrung Buri Market, the perfect place to sample authentic Northern Thai breakfast snacks before diving into the maze of nearby lanes. Unlike a standard walking tour Chiang Mai visitors usually experience, this route emphasizes the 'hidden-gems' found in the workshops of local craftsmen and the courtyards of lesser-known temples. As you explore independently, you will encounter the serene Wat Chet Lin, famous for its picturesque bamboo bridge, and Wat Puak Taem, the beating heart of the city's traditional brass-smithing community. Here, the clinking of hammers on metal provides a rhythmic soundtrack to your walk, as artisans create the intricate 'Chatra' (sacred umbrellas) that adorn temple spires across Thailand. This walking route isn't just about the past; it’s about the living heritage of a neighborhood that has maintained its character amidst the city's modernization. You’ll also pass through Saen Pung Gate, a site steeped in local legend and history, before concluding your audio walk at the lush Buak Hard Public Park. This green oasis is where locals come to exercise and relax, offering a peaceful conclusion to your journey. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for unique architecture or a culture seeker interested in traditional crafts, this self-guided walk provides a deep, authentic connection to the spirit of Chiang Mai. This is more than just a walk; it is an invitation to see the city through the eyes of the artisans who have shaped its physical and spiritual landscape for generations.

Highlights

Sample local delicacies at the vibrant Bumrung Buri Market

Cross the iconic bamboo bridge over the lotus pond at Wat Chet Lin

Observe traditional metalworkers at the 'temple of the brass smiths', Wat Puak Taem

Learn the somber and fascinating history of the Saen Pung Gate

Relax like a local at the beautiful Buak Hard Public Park

Explore the quiet, residential lanes of the southern Old City

Tour Stops (6)

Bumrung Buri Market

Welcome to the start of your journey at Bumrung Buri Market, the southern gateway to Chiang Mai's Old City. While the North Gate is famous for its night food, this market is the soul of the morning. As you stand among the stalls, you’ll smell the fragrant 'Sai Oua' (northern Thai sausage) and see locals buying fresh produce for the day. This market has served the community for decades, acting as a social hub. Take a moment to look at the South Gate, or Pratu Chiang Mai, across the street. Historically, this was the main entrance for royalty and important visitors coming from the southern regions. The market vibe here is authentic and unhurried, offering a perfect introduction to the neighborhood’s daily rhythm.

Wat Chet Lin

Just a short walk from the market, you enter the tranquil grounds of Wat Chet Lin. This temple is a masterpiece of atmospheric design, featuring a large pond covered in lotus blossoms and giant Victoria amazonica lilies. The highlight here is the 'Kua Tae,' a traditional bamboo bridge that stretches across the water. Historically, this temple was significant for the coronation ceremonies of Lanna kings, who would come here to perform ritual ablutions. Look for the Mon-style architecture and the unique Buddha images. The peaceful gardens offer a stark contrast to the busy market you just left, embodying the 'hidden-gem' quality of the southern Old City.

Wat Pan Whean

Continuing through the narrow residential lanes, you arrive at Wat Pan Whean. This temple is deeply integrated into the local community and is well-known among residents for its traditional Thai massage school and herbal medicine. The name 'Pan Whean' translates to 'thousand rings,' and local lore suggests a connection to the royal jewelry makers of the past. As you walk around, notice the intricate wood carvings on the viharn (assembly hall), which are characteristic of Northern Thai craftsmanship. It’s a quiet spot where you can often hear the chanting of monks or the gentle rustle of Bodhi trees, providing a sense of the spiritual life that anchors this neighborhood.

Wat Puak Taem

You are now at Wat Puak Taem, perhaps the most unique stop on this route. This is the 'Temple of the Brass Smiths.' For generations, the families living in the surrounding 'Ban Puak Taem' village have been the primary producers of decorative metalwork for temples all over Thailand. If you listen closely, you might hear the rhythmic tapping of hammers. The artisans here specialize in creating 'Chatra,' the multi-tiered gold umbrellas seen atop pagodas. Look around the temple grounds and the adjacent workshops; you will see brass ornaments in various stages of completion. This is a rare example of an urban craft guild that has survived into the 21st century, maintaining techniques passed down from the Lanna Kingdom.

Saen Pung Gate

As you reach the southwestern corner of the city walls, you encounter Saen Pung Gate. In ancient times, this gate held a somber significance; it was known as the 'Gate of a Thousand Punctures' or the 'Gate of the Dead.' Traditionally, deceased residents of the Old City were carried out through this gate for cremation or burial outside the walls, as it was considered inauspicious to keep the dead within the city limits. Today, the gate is a peaceful historical monument, but its presence serves as a reminder of the complex spiritual geography that dictated life in old Chiang Mai. The brickwork here offers a great perspective on the scale of the original city fortifications.

Buak Hard Public Park

Your walk concludes at Buak Hard Public Park, the only significant public green space within the Old City walls. This beautifully landscaped park is a favorite among locals for morning yoga, evening jogs, and family picnics. With its manicured gardens, bridges, and fountains, it’s a perfect place to sit and reflect on the artisans and history you’ve discovered today. During the first weekend of February, this park becomes the centerpiece of the Chiang Mai Flower Festival, transforming into a sea of tropical blooms. Grab a coffee or a fresh coconut from a nearby vendor and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this urban sanctuary.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focusing on the Bumrung Buri neighborhood is ideal for exploring the South Gate. This route highlights the artisan workshops of Wat Puak Taem and the local atmosphere of the Bumrung Buri Market, away from the more commercialized northern sections of the Old City.