Nightlife in Chiang Mai: where to go out at night? Bars, markets and clubs
Chiang Mai, quieter than Bangkok, is still alive after dark. Between lively markets, cocktail bars, live concerts and quiet rooftops, the city offers a chill and authentic atmosphere to enjoy the evening. Here are our favorite places and neighborhoods to go out in Chiang Mai.
The best areas to go out in Chiang Mai
🔵 Old City Relaxed bars, live music, nice little rooftops. Ideal to start the evening or have a drink in a local atmosphere.
🔵 Nimman / Nimmanhaemin The trendy district. Stylish cafes by day, trendy bars and fusion restaurants by night. Here, we go out between locals, students and expats.
The best areas to go out in Chiang Mai
- Old City
Relaxed bars, live music, nice little rooftops. Ideal to start the evening or have a drink in a local atmosphere.
- Nimman / Nimmanhaemin
The trendy district. Stylish cafes by day, trendy bars and fusion restaurants by night. Here, we go out between locals, students and expats.
- Riverside
For bars with a view of the river. Live music, cocktails, chill atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet date or evening.
Recommended bars and rooftops
| Place | Quarter | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|
| Zoe in Yellow | Old Town | Backpackers, cheap cocktails, DJs |
| Myst Maya Rooftop | Nimman | City view, stylish bar, lounge |
| The Riverside Bar | Riverside | Waterfront terrace, live band |
| North Gate Jazz Co-Op | Old Town | Live jazz every night, authentic |
| Drinksmith | Nimman | Signature cocktails, speakeasy atmosphere |
Night markets and local atmosphere
🌙 Saturday Night Market (Wualai Road)
Crafts, snacks, street musicians. Hyper lively, very local.
🌙 Sunday Night Market (Tha Pae Gate)
The biggest. Great for strolling, eating and buying souvenirs.
Clubs and festive evenings (moderated)
No big clubs like in Bangkok or Pattaya, but a few spots to dance or go out a little later.
Spicy Club (if you want to dance late, very local too)
Zoe in Yellow (club)
Warm Up Café (Thai club, big local atmosphere in Nimman)
Practical tips for going out in Chiang Mai
🕗 Opening hours: the majority of places close around 00:00 / 01:00
🍻 Alcohol is no longer served after midnight in most bars
🎧 Moderate noise level compared to big cities
🚖 Get around by Grab, Bolt or on foot (watch out for scooters if you’re drinking)
Interactive map: Nightlife in Chiang Mai
Cocktail bars, rooftops, local clubs, night markets… This map brings together our best spots to enjoy the night in Chiang Mai, district by district. Click on the dots to learn more about each location.
Legend of the place:
- 🔵 Bars & Rooftops – Cocktail bars, chill rooftops, lounge atmosphere or live music
- 🟣 Clubs & Party Venues – Local clubs, dancefloor, DJ, late nights
- 🟠 Night markets – Food, crafts, musicians, local atmosphere in the evening
📍Zoom, click, explore… and prepare your perfect evening in Chiang Mai !