Chiang Mai | Thailand Tourism | Nightlife & Things to do

Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

An amazing nightlife can happen everywhere in the world, but the nightlife in Thailand is a one-of-a-kind experience. Nightlife in Chiang Mai, known as the temple city in Thailand, is not oblivious to hosting a great time as the sun sets. Chiang Mai turns into a treasure at night, when markets line the streets, wine starts flowing, and friendly cheer echoes in the air. The nightlife in Chiang Mai has something for everyone and shows locals and tourists alike how to have a great time. So whether you are a thrifty shopper, party animal, food connoisseur or a travel enthusiast, Chiang Mai’s nightlife will keep you refreshed throughout the night and you will not be left with a dull moment.

Warm Up Cafe

Warm Up Cafe is less of a club, and more of a party institution. It has been around for 15 years, and is considered the best place for nightlife in Chiang Mai. Regulars swear by its electric vibe and rocking ambiance. It is a perfect blend of Thai and Western clubbing styles, with DJs presenting a wide range of songs. The tables packed together are usually sky-high with whiskey bottles surrounded by party-goers enjoying the music and having a crazy time. During weekends it is best to visit after 10:00 pm to leave your hair out for drinks and dancing on a wild night out.

Location: 40 Nimmanhaemin Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM

The Good View Bar & Restaurant

Undoubtedly one of the most popular and beloved restaurants in the city, The Good View is known for its sumptuous aesthetic and extensive menu. It overlooks the Ping River which makes for an excellent panoramic view, lending its name to the restaurant. It specializes in Thai meats, seafood and Western fast food, all reasonably priced, starting at THB 140. The cocktails are delicious too, and quite cheap at THB 150. It is best to visit after sunset with a spectacular horizon and a plate. A surreal experience filled with gastronomic delight that you will never forget.

Location: 13 Charon Raj Road, Chiang Mai
Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:30 AM
Recommendations: Yellow crab curry, stir-fried squid, fried shrimp and red snapper fish are must-see dishes.

Zoe in Yellow

Of the many clubs in the Old City, the Zoe in Yellow is the most prominent because it is known for being extremely hot and hot. It is packed with the younger crowd, especially foreign backpackers and party travelers on a budget, making it an exciting party destination in Chiang Mai. Drinks are free-flowing, as prices are fairly low, with beers starting at THB 60 and cocktails only THB 100. Music of all kinds, reggae, electro-funk, hip-hop and pop, can be heard echoing in the streets, spreading good vibes. Even when things start to end here, the party doesn’t stop there. The crowd moves to Spicy, another nearby nightclub that is guaranteed to party well into the night.

Location: Rajvithi Road, Old City, Chiang Mai
Timings: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Recommendations: This club gets very crowded, so look out for your valuables.

Tha Chang Cafe

Tha Chang Cafe is a local outdoor bar, popular in the old town. It is set in a roadside, never-before-seen pub beauty, and is decorated with lanterns on the trees. You can expect the majority of the local crowd to flock here, as it is a great spot for a night of casual drinking. Wine is cheaply served, along with beers, whiskeys and cocktails starting at THB 60. The food menu consists of several snacks to pair with the drinks. This cafe offers the experience of a lifetime drinking like the locals, so do not miss to check it out.

Location: 45, JJ Market Project, Asdathon Road
Timings: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Recommendations: Try the Bucket Cocktail, especially if you’re with a large group.

Van Bars

Van Bars is one of those quirky experiences that aim to be in Chiang Mai. These can be considered as mobile bars, in which buses or vans have been converted into mini pubs. They are mostly visited by tourists or locals who want to have a drink before heading to the fancier and more expensive nightclubs. These mini-parties can be found all over the city, the most notable being those located in and around Tha Phe Gate. They make great hangout spots, with lights, music and dancing setting the mood for a great outdoor party.

Location: Thanon Chaiyaphum, Tape Gate
Timing: No fixed time as they move from one place to another
Recommendations: Any cheap wine makes this the perfect way to start the night

Roof

Above the Sana Lana Hotel, a boutique hotel on the banks of the Ping River, The Roof is a rooftop bar in Chiang Mai. As the name suggests, The Roof is on the roof of the hotel, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the beautiful Ping River, Chiang Mai and Doi Sothep Temple. It is quite windy on the terrace because of the nearby Ping River and these cool breezes add to the serenity. The seating arrangement is impressive, with a variety of benches and sofas, as well as a pool where one can relax. A great time to visit the terrace is after sunset when it lights up with lanterns, candles and live music. There are Happy Hours offers starting at 6 p.m. when you can buy two free drinks for one.

Location: Sala Lana, Chiang Mai, 49 Charonrat Road
Time: 18:00 – 23:00
Recommendations: Cocktails

THC Rooftop Bar

A tremendous rooftop bar in Chiang Mai, THC Rooftop Bar is mostly popular among backpackers and youngsters. THC refers to the chemical in marijuana, but contrary to the name, there is no drug available in this bar. The name only hints that this is a reggae bar, playing trance, reggae and drum and bass music. Neon graffiti lighting and empty rooms seal the deal for the ambiance as you climb the stairs to the bar. Beautiful views of Chiang Mai and Doi Sethop are the icing on the cake. The location of the bar is unsightly and not easily found and is often described as a tree house due to the wooden decor. The atmosphere remains brisk till late in the night and backpackers are always in the mood to dance. The ambiance is made casual and cozy with pillows and tables on the floor. In short, it’s a great place for views, cheap drinks, music and dancing. The menu features bestseller Thai dishes, alcohol and smoothies.

Location: 19/4-5 Kotchasarn Road, Opposite Thape Gate
Time: 18:00 – 00:00
Recommendations: Thai food, wine and fruit smoothies

Riverside Bar in Chiang Mai

Next to the delightful Ping River is the Riverside Bar, which is an absolute tourist magnet, especially for a relaxing night out. From the food to the music to the service, everything is top-notch at Riverside. If you’re lucky enough to find a table by the river, this night will be one to remember. It is also perfect for date night. Riverside was established in 1984 and has been attracting tourists ever since. Even if you can’t find a seat near the river, there is much more to enjoy. The retro interior, the wooden house stands tirelessly, unaffected by countless floods and rock/indie bands performing English cover songs. The menu features every Thai cuisine you have ever heard of, from fusion cuisine, western cuisine, seafood, desserts as well as a wide range of drinks.

Location: 9-11 Charonrat Road, Riverside
Time: 12:00-1:30
Recommendations: Thai-Chinese Cuisine, Spirits & Alcohol, Thai Whiskey
night market

Night Bazaar

Night Market is the ultimate night market experience in Chiang Mai. It is a large shopping quarter spread over blocks and blocks. From clothing, jewellery, antiques, home goods, kitchenware, furniture, games, CDs, textiles, and more, relentless queues of shops sell everything in the sun. Everything is available at cheap prices, and yet a little bargaining is the acceptable norm, if done amicably. The market also offers restaurant and bar options, as are various entertainment events that keep the area buzzing with activity throughout the night.

Location: The intersection of Tha Pe and Chang Klang Road
Timings: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Recommendations: Follow Market and Kalare Market are the two most popular markets within the market.

Walking the Streets

Tourists are one of the most popular experiences to visit in Chiang Mai. These consist of shops on either side of an alleyway, where vendors sell everything from cheap apparel, shoes, bags, jewellery, souvenirs and delicious Thai street food. Both markets are brought to life by live music, bright lights, massage parlors, entertainment performances and chattering sounds. Visit the market on Sunday if you enjoy large, friendly crowds, and on Saturday if you’re looking for a quiet stroll down the shopping street.

Location:
Saturday Walking Street: Wulai Road, near the south moat of the old town,
Sunday Walking Street: Tha Pe Se Ratchadamnion Road, Chiang Mai Old City
Timings: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Recommendations: This involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and don’t carry heavy bags.

Chiang Mai North Gate Market

Chiang Mai North Gate Market is locally known as Chang Puak, and is located close to the North Gate in Old Chiang Mai city, which gives the place its name. During the day the area is a local fruit-vegetable market. As night approaches, street food stalls pop up along the road, serving freshly prepared Thai dishes. There are so many options to choose from, and their extremely cheap prices will open your eyes. Dishes start from as low as THB 10, making it a famous haunt. If you want to feel like a local, then do visit this market when late night hunger strikes you.

Location: Mane Noprat Road, Si Phum
Timings: 5:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Recommendations: These vendors specialize in shredded beef, pork, and seafood.

Plone Rudy Night Market

Plone Rudi Night Market is the trendy traveler food market. Shops with bright colors and funky designs align themselves in this market, promising your tastes a delightful journey around the world. The place has cuisines ranging from national to international. So whether you want Thai pork balls, a greasy burger or a chug of a drink, this market has you covered. The ambiance here runs high on style, with serene aesthetics and live music streaming in the air. Some boutique stores are also available for purchase in case your hands start to itch.

Location: Chang Klan Road
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 5:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Recommendations: Since the famous night market is near Plone Rudi, both the markets can be covered simultaneously.
programs and performances

CM Entertainment Complex

The infamous Muay Thai boxing ring street that has hosted around 30 raucous bars and kickboxing bouts, CM Entertainment Complex is one of the places you can enjoy with your friends in Thailand. There are similar beer bars in the narrow arched streets, often with fast and rowdy crowds. Fees may apply on weekends, although one can negotiate a discount.

The remarkable thing about the complex is the free boxing and wrestling nights, with enthusiastic and enthusiastic spectators. The cheap menu, loud music and dazzling lights make this complex the epicenter of nightlife in Chiang Mai. Beer bars offer live sports screenings, dartboards and pools. Pricing is pretty much the same throughout the complex. You should be cautious as there may be some safety issues in the place, but don’t let that stop you from having fun.

Location: Loi Kroh Road, on the way to Night Bazaar
Timings: 7:00 PM – 1:30 AM
Recommendations: It is advisable to go to a large group of friends for security purposes. Not suitable for families.

Ladyboy Cabaret Show

The Ladyboy Cabaret Show is one of the most dazzling venues you will ever visit in your lifetime. The ladyboys dress up in extravagant attire to perform a scintillating performance of dance and song, which enthralls the audience with them. He also enjoys interacting with the audience, which makes merrymaking even more contagious. Its prime location in the Night Bazaar makes it easy to grab after a night of shopping.

Location: Palan Night Market, Night Bazaar, Chan Klan Road
Timings: 9:30 PM and 11:00 PM
Recommendations: Tickets cost THB 290 (a drink and snack included), and it’s advisable to pre-book them.

Mae Ping River Cruise

Chiang Mai’s major water source, the Ping River, is the center of activity in the city. Be it the daily commute, cruises, or adventure activities like rafting, kayaking, and boating, the Ping River has got it all. Various companies, most notably Mai Ping River Cruises, offer tickets and tours that give an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the Thai lifestyle. During the day, visitors prefer a laid-back boat ride that explores the local lifestyle on the banks of the river, while at night, cruise liners are full of couples who mingle with each other on a posh dinner cruise. Want to spend quality time.

Location: Cheronprathet Lane 8 Alley, Ampho Muang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Recommendations: Combine river activities with hiking, biking, and zip lining tours to see the city in its entirety.

How to reach Chiang Mai

By Air: Chiang Mai International Airport is the main airport of Chiang Mai, handling both domestic and international flights. The airport is located 3 kilometers southwest of the city center.
By Train: Chiang Mai Train Station is located 3 kilometers from the city center and daily trains run from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
By Road: Arcade Bus Station is where most buses to Chiang Mai arrive. There are daily buses to Chiang Mai from the North Bus Terminal in Bangkok.

The nights never seem to end in Chiang Mai. As the sky gets darker, more and more streets are illuminated with the night culture of the city. So whether you want to party without a hitch, or enjoy a peaceful stroll through the night markets, Chiang Mai has got it all.