Nightlife in Chiang Mai

Bangkok might be famous for its exciting nightlife, but Chiang Mai, the jewel of Thailand's north, has an incredible nightlife all of its own. On your next visit to the Land of Smiles make sure you check out Chiang Mai. You will not be disappointed. It is a hiker's paradise, with plenty of mountains to explore, gorgeous Lanna style temples to see, and some of the best food in the country. Additionally, the nightlife in Chiang Mai is second to none.

We've compiled a list of some of the must-see attractions and venues that come alive when the sun goes down. Whatever your taste, budget or style, you will find something that will amaze and enthral you in beautiful Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai Nightlife

Italics Restaurant

Italics Restaurant is located right in the heart of Chiang Mai and has some of the best Italian cuisine that you will find outside of Italy. The beautifully appointed restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for you to savor an incredible meal that is lovingly crafted from the finest local ingredients.

All of your favorite classics are here; reimagined with a new twist that will delight you! With comfort food favorites like Carbonara Spaghetti with crispy Parma ham and creamy homemade potato gnocchi, Italics serves up food like your grandmother used to make. Finish your amazing meal with a signature cocktail and a decadent serving of authentic Tiramisu.

For a memorable dinner and the perfect way to start your evening out in beautiful Chiang Mai, a visit to Italics is a must!

Address: 22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Road Soi 9, Su Thep, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Telephone: +66 (0) 5 321 6219
Website

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Thailand is famous for its night markets and bazaars, and Chiang Mai is no exception! This sprawling market starts at the center of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road and spreads out for blocks in either direction. The night bazaar is full of incredible things to see, savory treats to try and sometimes even live music! If you want an authentic Thai experience, you have to check out this market.

You will find treasure and souvenirs for your friends and family back home, plus something special for yourself to treasure. Each vendor is unique, so take your time strolling through the winding mass of sellers and take in the whole market before you buy. One of the most interesting aspects of the Chiang Mai bazaar is the abundance of Chiang Mai specific wares, like traditional fabrics and designs. Chiang Mai is totally unique in its culture, so you will find items at this market that you can't pick up in Bangkok.

The night bazaar is well worth a visit. You could easily spend a few hours wandering through the stalls and taking in a real slice of Thailand.

Address: Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Website

Warm Up Cafe

If you are ready to dance the night away look no further than Warm Up Cafe, Chiang Mai's number one dance club. The club is an institution in the city, having been around for well over a decade, and features an enormous dance floor and many rooms. Also, Warm Up Cafe is really popular with local Thais, so you will have the chance to interact with people outside the tourist bubble! Featuring both Thai and Western music, Warm Up Cafe is the place to be if you want a fun night out. Grab yourself a cold Chang or do as the Thais do; mix Sangsum with a little soda water and ice, and show off your dance moves on the floor.

Address: 40 Nimmanhaemin Rd, Chiang Mai
Telephone: +66 (0) 5340 0676
Website

North Gate Jazz Co-Op

Chiang Mai has a thriving music culture. From traditional Thai bands to thumping clubs, to intimate gatherings; you will find anything you are looking for on the streets of Chiang Mai. North Gate Jazz Co-Op features the best live jazz around. Although they generally showcase top-notch, well-renowned musicians, the North Gate Jazz Co-Op also has a weekly jam session for any novice musicians that want to play. You will hear nothing but jazz here; no pop, rock or rap. The club keeps the music pure, so it has a pretty hardcore following in the city. It is small inside, so if you are lucky enough to get a table, make sure you hang on to it and enjoy the musical talent.

Address: Sri Phum Street, close to Chiang Puak Gate, Chiang Mai
Telephone: +66 (0) 81765 5246
Website

CM Entertainment Complex

For a change of pace, check out CM Entertainment Complex. It is full of intimate beer pubs and some rowdy fun in the form of Thailand's national sport; Muay Thai.

If you visit Thailand and do not check out a Muay Thai fight, you are really missing out. These athletes put on quite a show and the crowd really gets into it. One of the original martial arts, Muay Thai has a long tradition in Thailand and its popularity has now spread across the world. In Chiang Mai, you have the chance to see the sport firsthand and get an authentic look at how two fighters go head to head.

For the comparably small price of 400 baht, you can see a world-class Muay Thai show that would cost five times as much in Bangkok. As an added bonus, the Chiang Mai arena is small enough that you will not miss a second of the heart-pounding action.

Address: Loi Kroh Road, near the Night Baazar, Chiang Mai
Website

Beer Lab

Beer Lab lives up to its name by serving up quality pints of beer from all around the world. Sample some of Southeast Asia's finest brews while snacking on some truly cravable Western style fare. If you are in the mood for a juicy burger and a frosty pint, Beer Lab is the place to go! The ambiance is friendly, accommodating and fun. Beer Lab is a place where families, singles and couples will feel right at home. For a truely chilled out evening of excellent beer and amazing food, Beer Lab is a great stop.

Address: Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Telephone: +66 97 997 4566
Website

akyra Rise Bar

No visit to Chiang Mai is complete without savoring a signature cocktail and gazing out over the beautiful city from a rooftop bar. akyra Rise Bar delivers on all fronts, with an amazing view over the original Chiang Mai wall and the modern skyline. You will be dazzled and amazed by the tapestry of lights that makes up Thailand's jewel to the north.

Cool off and relax in their premiere rooftop pool, where you can sip your cocktail and soak in style. skyra Rise Bar is truly the last word in luxury and while you are there, you will be savoring the city in the lap of luxury. Make sure that you spend at least one night taking in the city from akyra Rise Bar. It will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Address: 22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Road Soi 9, Su Thep, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
Telephone: +66 (0) 5 321 6219
Website

Mae Ping River Cruise

For a truly unique way to take in Chiang Mai, book a dinner cruise with Mae Ping River Cruise. Your leisurely journey starts at 6:30 pm. As you float serenely down the river you will enjoy a fantastic menu of traditional Thai foods.

Thailand is notable for its amazing cuisine that combines the elements of spicy, sweet, bitter and sour into one unforgettable experience. Many other cultures try to duplicate the multi-layered flavors of traditional Thai cuisine but fall short. You will never forget the experience of eating traditional Thai food while slowly drifting down the River Ping.

Address: 133 Charoenprathet Rd, A. Muang, Chiang Mai
Website

Myst Rooftop Chiang Mai

This Bangkok staple has found its way up north to Chiang Mai! Myst is one of the premiere rooftop bars in the Thai capital and its Chiang Mai location has already started generating tons of buzz. Perched atop the Maya shopping mall, Myst boasts a great view of the skyline and is the perfect place to sip a cocktail and take in the sunset.

With a huge selection of inventive cocktails and live music, Myst is a great place for a fun night out. You will have the option of relaxing or dancing to the music. If you are not a fan of alcohol, no problem! Myst has a huge array of non-alcoholic drinks and tons of snacks to munch on as you gaze over the city.

Address: MAYA Shopping Center, Chiang Mai
Telephone: 061 512 6768
Website

There are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai during the day, but the city really comes alive at night. If you want to experience the best of this jewel of the north, make sure you visit some of the places outlined here. From fine Italian dining to a night bazaar that will entrance you with its sights and sounds, to a gorgeous rooftop pool, Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand to experience nightlife that is second to none!