Hua Lin Corner, Chiang Mai

City Walls in Chiang Mai

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Hartmann Linge

Hua Lin Corner is one of the things to do in Chiang Mai for travellers who enjoy exploring the city's ancient fortifications. Located on the northeastern corner of the Old City, this historic site marks one of the original four corners of the square city walls built in the 13th century under King Mangrai. Although quieter than the more famous Thapae Gate, Hua Lin Corner offers a peaceful setting to appreciate the architecture and layout of the Lanna capital and remains a great place to visit for those interested in the region's long history.

The area allows visitors to examine surviving parts of Chiang Mai's defensive structures, including restored walls and embankments. Standing at the corner, it's easy to imagine how the city's walls once played a vital role in protecting the Lanna Kingdom from neighbouring threats. With its calm atmosphere and open views of the moat and surrounding streets, Hua Lin Corner provides a contemplative break from the busier parts of Chiang Mai's Old City.

History and Significance of Hua Lin Corner
Things to See and Do at Hua Lin Corner
How to Get to Hua Lin Corner
Practical Tips on Visiting Hua Lin Corner
Where to Stay close to Hua Lin Corner
Is Hua Lin Corner Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Hua Lin Corner
Nearby Attractions to Hua Lin Corner

History and Significance of Hua Lin Corner

Hua Lin Corner marks the northeastern angle of Chiang Mai's fortified Old City. When King Mangrai founded the city in 1296, he designed it as a near-perfect square, protected by thick brick walls and a broad moat. Each corner, including Hua Lin, served as a structurally reinforced area intended to support defence and watchtowers.

Although the walls have been repaired many times over the centuries, Hua Lin Corner still reflects the original engineering of the Lanna period. The area is an excellent place to visualise how Chiang Mai once functioned as a powerful fortified capital.

Things to See and Do at Hua Lin Corner

A walk around Hua Lin Corner gives a close-up look at the Old City's walls, which rise above the moat and roadway. Visitors can admire the layered brickwork, the restored bastion-like shape of the corner, and the gentle slope of the embankments.

The setting is peaceful, making it ideal for travellers seeking quieter historic viewpoints. From the corner, you can follow the path along the moat or continue toward nearby gates such as Thapae Gate or Chang Phuak Gate. Early morning or late afternoon offers the softest light for photography and a cooler time to enjoy the walk.

How to Get to Hua Lin Corner

Travellers arriving at Chiang Mai International Airport can reach Hua Lin Corner by taxi or rideshare in about 15-20 minutes. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chiang Mai on Booking.com.

From Chiang Mai Railway Station, take a red songthaew or taxi west toward the Old City moat, then continue north to the northeastern corner. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Visitors driving by car can approach the Old City via the main roads leading to Thapae Road and follow the moat northeast. Parking is limited along the moat but side streets nearby are accessible.

Practical Tips on Visiting Hua Lin Corner

Best time to visit Hua Lin Corner: Early morning or just before sunset.
Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
Opening hours: Open at all times.
Official website: None.
How long to spend: 15 to 30 minutes.
Accessibility: Easy, flat paths along the moat.
Facilities: None at the corner; cafés nearby on surrounding streets.
Photography tip: Capture the corner’s layered brickwork from across the moat.
Guided tours: Sometimes included in Old City wall walking tours.
Nearby food options: Small local food stalls and cafés around Thapae Gate.

Where to Stay close to Hua Lin Corner

For a boutique Old City stay within easy reach of the corner, consider Tamarind Village. A stylish and peaceful option near the moat is The Inside House. For central convenience near major gates, try U Chiang Mai.

Is Hua Lin Corner Worth Visiting?

Yes. Hua Lin Corner offers a quieter, more reflective view of Chiang Mai's historic city walls. It's ideal for travellers who enjoy history, architecture, and peaceful urban walks, and it complements visits to the city's better-known gates and temples.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (196)

Jaeng Hua Lin is a surviving section of Chiang Mai’s old city wall and moat at the northwest corner of the Old City; visitors describe it as a scenic, historic remnant where you can stroll along the sidewalk beside the moat, see lotus blooms and flowering trees, and find a small park and snack options nearby, with occasional cultural events and lantern processions held by the gate area.

Eat and travel

a month ago

"I was here on 4-Nov-2025nIt still beautiful in my mind Video : on 4-Nov by menPhoto : on 3-Nov from Facebookn****** Quoted ******* Details of theopening event of Loy Krathong Festival in Chiang Mai were recently officially a ounced. 📆 3 November 2025 🔥Tens of thousands of traditional La a clay lamps will be lit around the old city moat and at Three Kings monument honoring the Buddha, paying respect to the river goddess, and marking the begi ing of the Yi Peng Festival. ✨ A grand procession from Tha Pae Gate with over 500 performers, and more than 30,000 lanterns illuminating the night...."

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Buster Got it

3 weeks ago

"A remnant of north west corner of the fortification of Chiang Mai. Hua Lin Corner, a historical remnant of the ancient wall that once surrounded thecity. Located on the northwestern edge of the Old City, this section is a ruin of the defensive wall and moat system built over 700 years ago to protect the La a Kingdom...."

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Arkk Smith

a year ago

"Scenic corner of the wall and moat. You can stroll along the sidewalk beside the most. At the next major intersection there's a cute little park onthe left where you can get a snack and sit on the shade...."

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FAQs for Visiting Hua Lin Corner

No, it is free to visit.

You can walk beside them but not on top of them.

Around 15-30 minutes is enough for most visitors.

Yes, the moat roads are illuminated, but the corner is more atmospheric during the day.

Rarely; it is one of the quietest areas of the Old City walls.

Nearby Attractions to Hua Lin Corner

Thapae Gate: Chiang Mai's most iconic Old City entrance.
Chang Phuak Gate: Northern gate with great access to markets.
Wat Chiang Man: The oldest temple in Chiang Mai.
Lanna Folklife Museum: Insight into the old culture of the Lanna Kingdom.
Wat Lam Chang: An elephant-themed 14th-century temple nearby.

The Hua Lin Corner appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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