Si Phum Corner

The ancient walls of Chiang Mai. You can see history all around the city. To all the foreigners that visit this sight. Read the signs and be respectful, and stay off the old wall.

Well preserved north east corner of old city wall.

First a bit of history - Chiang Mai was founded by King Mengrai in 1296 and designed as a square, walled, and moated city, entirely contained within the moat-and-wall perimeter. This area, now known as the Old City, served as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The area was completely surrounded by a massive, tall brick wall, with the moat as a defensive barrier against threats. While most of the city walls have disappeared, the moat remains, and the area within is still considered the "Old City" or historical center of Chiang Mai. At each corner there are the remains of a fort or bastion that may be of interest to tourists that are interested in history of this area. They can be viewed from outside the old city or from inside, but be careful of traffic you're doing this. You are not allowed to climb on the bastions or parts of the old wall. The bastion's are lit up at night and are far more attractive to photograph then. Si Phum Is the bastion at the North Eastern corner. Many people find this the most photogenic of the bastions because it has sunk a lot, which shows vividly in the brickwork. Also on the inner side of this bastion is the city pillar shrine of Si Thammerat.