Chiang Mai City was established under the belief of "City has life", the north gate is head, the city is body, east and west are left and right hands, the south gates are feet, and every organ would drive the city's life. There are five gates of Chiang Mai.

The Chiang Mai city wall was built from the Thapae Gate (east) to the north until it finally surrounded the town. Thapae Gate (East) has been the centre of commercial activity from the past to the present.

Chang Puak Gate (North) was the gate to welcome important guests of Chiang Mai City such as the prince of Siam.

Suan Dok Gate (West) was the entrance to the flower garden of the King (Suan means garden, Dok means flowers).

Chiang Mai Gate (South east).

Suan Prung Gate (South west), dead bodies left the city moat through this gate only. No funeral fair in town. This tradition is still used today.

In the middle of town, there is "Inthakhine Pilla" or "City Pillar", which refers to the navel of the town. However, it has been moved to Wat Chedi Luang for people to enshrine.