Chiang Mai city wall, Historic city wall in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai's city wall is a rectangular fortification built from brick and earth that encircles the historic core, extending several kilometers around the old town center. The structure features corner bastions and is accompanied by a moat that runs along its entire perimeter.
King Mangrai commissioned this fortification in the late 13th century to protect the newly established capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The construction was part of his broader strategy to secure the city as a military and political stronghold.
The gate structures serve as natural gathering points throughout the year, with locals and visitors meeting and passing through during daily routines. These passages have become woven into how people move through and understand the old city.
A walkable path runs along both sides of the wall, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle at any time of day. The route is flat and accessible, with plenty of spots to stop and rest along the way.
The original construction layers contain an unusual blend of elephant dung, clay, and straw—materials that gave the wall remarkable durability over centuries. This organic combination created a surprisingly resilient building compound unlike typical masonry.
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