Best Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Whilst Chiang Mai is certainly well known for its natural beauty, adventure activities and attractions with good reason, it’s perhaps not so well known for its nightlife.  The midnight closing times certainly don’t help in making Chiang Mai a party-goer’s must visit destination and with bars and clubs spread thinly throughout the city also not helping.  That said there are areas worth visiting and there is plenty of variety, whether it be loud and brash clubs, a live music venue or simply a place to hang out with your friends.  We outline the best nightlife in Chiang Mai below.  

Our Pick for the Best Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Why we like it:

Zoe in Yellow is often at the top of people’s list for the best nightlife in Chiang Mai and if you’re either visiting Chiang Mai or a resident it’s a great place to hang out with friends or meet new ones.  Popular among Thais and foreigners, the place is always busy and the area hosts a number of bars playing different music and bars serving up different drinks.  Zoe in Yellow is located in the heart of the old town so makes for a good place to start the evening before moving off.  Don’t forget to don the best women’s sunglasses for a night in Zoe in Yellow to really stand out from the crowd!

Why we like it:

This hidden gem is located down a small alley opposite Thapae gate towards the boxing arena.  Once past the unassuming entrance you enter the vast bar area with brand new pool tables, huge TV’s playing a wide range of sports and even an Atari Pong game!  Renegade offers a huge selection of craft beers, whiskey’s, tequilas and other drinks as well as excellent food.  Highly recommended if your favourite team is playing on the TV and you want to watch in a comfortable environment.  

Why we like it:

One of the most popular nightclubs in Chiang Mai, Spicy has been attracting both locals and foreigners for several years now.  Being one of the few places that can stay open past midnight (closing at 2am) is part of the reason it’s so popular and with a DJ playing international dance music you can get your dancing fix.  Spicy is located near the north corner of the old town and close to many popular bars.    

Why we like it:

Warm Up Cafe is a hugely popular club in the trendy Niman area of Chiang Mai with plays a selection of live music every night.  The club is mostly frequented by young Thais and the place gets busy from 9pm onwards.  The front of the club serves some food and cheap beer with the club at the back so even if loud live music isn’t your thing you can still enjoy the atmosphere in the front bar.  

Why we like it:

Just down the road from Warm Up Cafe is a Beer Lab overlooking the main Niman road.  This popular after work hang out area has indoor seating and outdoor seating and serves up an impressive range of craft beers and cocktails.  Despite being costly it’s a good place to chill with friends and enjoy the atmosphere.  Beer Lab also serves food including bar snacks, burgers and steaks. 

Why we like it:

Infinity is a large nightclub playing a mix of electronic, dance and house music every night until 2am.  This is another club popular with young Thais but also attracts a large foreign crowd.vvThe dance floor has a state of the art sound system and impressive lighting, with laser beams over the central part and there is an outdoor area to take a break and chat to friends.  

Why we like it:

If you’re looking for cheap beer, a friendly atmosphere and convenient location then the Lost Hut is perfect for you!  This hole in the wall type bar is popular among expats who like to start the evening with beer starting at just 80THB.  The staff are super friendly and you’ll be sure to make new friends with a visit to this popular bar.  

Why we like it:

Chiang Mai’s best pub has been serving perfect pints of Guiness for many years and is something of a Chiang Mai institution.  The pub plays all the important sports on TV’s on both of its two floors and serves a good selection of food and drinks.  There’s also a good selection of draft beer including Guiness, Kilkenny and Magners.  If you’re craving a full English after a night out this is our recommendation and there is comfortable seating indoors and outdoors.   

Why we like it:

There are not many rooftop bars in Chiang Mai but if you’re craving panoramic city views, a relaxing ambiance and delicious drink then the Maya rooftop bar is the best rooftop bar in Chiang Mai in our opinion.  There are a number of bars serving a range of beers, cocktails and non alcoholic drinks, some food is served but don’t come here expecting a meal.  The best time to visit is sunset to watch the sun go down over Doi Suthep mountain which looms over the city.    

Why we like it:

Our pick for the best cocktail bar in Chiang Mai, Drinksmith which opens from 9:00am – 12:00am focuses on the small details in the crafting of perfect cocktails served up by well trained and attentive mixologists.  The trendy decor sets the tone for a great evening with friends with the tone just right to enjoy a conversation, and there is also a wide selection of meals served during the day as well as the evening.