Chiang Mai Nightlife - Some of the best & diverse experiences in Thailand

During my recent visit to Thailand, I visited Bangkok, Phuket, Aayutthaya and Chiang Mai. At all the places, we explored various things during nights and the city I loved for it's nightlife was Chiang Mai. You may not heard of it and most of the time time Bangkok or Phuket comes as a name for Nightlife in Thailand. But let me take you through some of the unique and diverse experiences you can have in Chiang Mai & in pocket friendly way. Are you ready?

During my recent visit to Thailand, I visited Bangkok, Phuket, Aayutthaya and Chiang Mai. At all the places, we explored various things during nights and the city I loved for it's nightlife was Chiang Mai. You may not heard of it and most of the time time Bangkok or Phuket comes as a name for Nightlife in Thailand. But let me take you through some of the unique and diverse experiences you can have in Chiang Mai & in pocket friendly way. Are you ready? 


Night Markets of Chiang Mai :     I have written it in multiple posts and repeating that Chiang Mai has best Night Market in Thailand, on the basis of places I have visited in Thailand. And not sure if I should call it Night Market or MarketS. It's huge with various sections which have specific style, decor and cultural events going on.

Night Markets of Chiang Mai : 

I have written it in multiple posts and repeating that Chiang Mai has best Night Market in Thailand, on the basis of places I have visited in Thailand. And not sure if I should call it Night Market or MarketS. It's huge with various sections which have specific style, decor and cultural events going on. 


The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is awesome place to shop, eat, drink and experience diverse cultural events. There are lot of kiosks/stalls aligned along the sidewalks and across the streets, selling almost everything you can think of. and the stuff is not limited to Thai specific but global things. 


The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is awesome place to shop, eat, drink and experience diverse cultural events. There are lot of kiosks/stalls aligned along the sidewalks and across the streets, selling almost everything you can think of. and the stuff is not limited to Thai specific but global things.

I loved the art related stuff which is hard to find in other Night Markets of Bangkok, Aaytthaya, Phuket & Phi Phi. And it's more about diversity of stuff. Like the goods on sale, the nightlife here is varied. A handful of side-walk bars and western-style pubs are perfect for stopping and having a mid-shopping drink or resting while someone else wants to shop.
I loved the art related stuff which is hard to find in other Night Markets of Bangkok, Aaytthaya, Phuket & Phi Phi. And it's more about diversity of stuff. Like the goods on sale, the nightlife here is varied. A handful of side-walk bars and western-style pubs are perfect for stopping and having a mid-shopping drink or resting while someone else wants to shop.

You get awesome street food during night...  


Musical Affairs around Ping river : Jazz, Thai & Lot more    Across the River Ping from the Night Bazaar, there is a road called Charoenrat Road which is parallel to the river-side. There are series of restaurants & bars with variety of live music, jazz, thai, rock & melodious tunes. River side is one of the popular destination for nightlife lovers.



Musical Affairs around Ping river : Jazz, Thai & Lot more

Across the River Ping from the Night Bazaar, there is a road called Charoenrat Road which is parallel to the river-side. There are series of restaurants & bars with variety of live music, jazz, thai, rock & melodious tunes. River side is one of the popular destination for nightlife lovers. 


And if you plan to visit this part of Chinag Mai, I also recommend a visit to Flower market close to the river, on other side (just across all the restro-bars in discussion here).      Related post - Top 10 things to do & Travel Hacks for Chiang Mai City of Thailand

And if you plan to visit this part of Chinag Mai, I also recommend a visit to Flower market close to the river, on other side (just across all the restro-bars in discussion here). 


Cabaret Shows in Chiang Mai :

Like other cities of Thailand Chiang Mai also has its fair share of ladyboys and cabaret shows. Some of these places can be weird for specific personalities but if you are in full mood of exploring something different in country, these are the best places to spot talented ladyboys. These shows are entertaining and have variety, which depends upon what kind of place you chose for the shows. Phuket and Bangkok have huge variety for sure, but Chiang Mai adds it's own flavour.

Walking Streets of Chiang Mai :

There are plenty of Walking streets in Chinag Mai and they offer you great experience. There are some specific street markets over weekends and the one on Sunday's is very special. So if you are there during Sunday, don't miss Sunday Market close to Wat Chedi Luang. All kinds of vendors and crafts can be seen in a reasonable stretch. Street food, drinks and cultural entertainment are all part of the experience and lot more. 






Pubs, Bars and restaurants :

Nightlife inside the Old City wall is not that exciting in comparison to Riverside or the Night Bazaar, but still there are quite a few places if you don't want to go far from your hotel. Chiang Mai has some interesting Roof top pubs and bars. Apart from that there are interesting options around Chiang Mai Night Market and as mentioned about restro-bars around the river. There are places open till 4am in morning and probably beyond that as well. 


Pubs, Bars and restaurants :    Nightlife inside the Old City wall is not that exciting in comparison to Riverside or the Night Bazaar, but still there are quite a few places if you don't want to go far from your hotel. Chiang Mai has some interesting Roof top pubs and bars. Apart from that there are interesting options around Chiang Mai Night Market and as mentioned about restro-bars around the river. There are places open till 4am in morning and probably beyond that as well.


Chiang Mai is not as hot city as Bangkok and Phuket, when it comes to clubbing but still there are some cool places to hang around. Especially, if you want to party like the Thai people, pick up a bottle at a local shop and bring it to the club with you. You need to ensure that you order ice, mixer and stuff to eat. As an outsider it takes time to think like that but if you go to multiple clubs where Thais go and notice them, you would be able to think & do. 



Chiang Mai is not as hot city as Bangkok and Phuket, when it comes to clubbing but still there are some cool places to hang around. Especially, if you want to party like the Thai people, pick up a bottle at a local shop and bring it to the club with you. You need to ensure that you order ice, mixer and stuff to eat. As an outsider it takes time to think like that but if you go to multiple clubs where Thais go and notice them, you would be able to think & do.

Massage Parlours :

Wondering why do I list Massage Parlours as Nightlife thing? Certainly there is no relation but if you have walked a lot and then also intend to spend good amount of time during the night, it's a good idea to get foot massage. Grab your drink and find a good massage parlour to relax your body to begin night fun in Chinag Mai. Also note that Thai Massages are cheaper in Chiang Mai and we found better skilled folks in Chiang Mai than Phuket/Massage. 

Massage Parlours :    Wondering why do I list Massage Parlours as Nightlife thing? Certainly there is no relation but if you have walked a lot and then also intend to spend good amount of time during the night, it's a good idea to get foot massage. Grab your drink and find a good massage parlour to relax your body to begin night fun in Chinag Mai. Also note that Thai Massages are cheaper in Chiang Mai and we found better skilled folks in Chiang Mai than Phuket/Massage.

C.M. Entertainment Complex :

Let me start with a word of caution, that these are not places to go with your family. This place is close to the Chinag Mai Night Market on Loi Kroh Road.  


C.M. Entertainment Complex :    Let me start with a word of caution, that these are not places to go with your family. This place is close to the Chinag Mai Night Market on Loi Kroh Road.


This place is Easy to identify by locating glowing red neon sign that says 'Free Show' and this place has dozens of girlie bars with pool tables. There is something to do with these Pool table places in Thailand. I observed a pattern in some of these places with pool tables - single men, young girls serving at these restaurants and after sunset the place starts getting crowded. The place is loud and may not be that comfortable as you enter. There’s also a cabaret show and a Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) stadium in the middle where free shows are staged on most nights. 




Loi Kron has also a Go Go Strip. On one side of Tha Pae Gate, there is this short strip leading towards Night Bazaar is a group of girlie bars, massage parlours and go-go pubs. We walked around this place for a bit and then came back in few mins, although it looked liked a good place to relax. 


This place is Easy to identify by locating glowing red neon sign that says 'Free Show' and this place has dozens of girlie bars with pool tables. There is something to do with these Pool table places in Thailand. I observed a pattern in some of these places with pool tables - single men, young girls serving at these restaurants and after sunset the place starts getting crowded. The place is loud and may not be that comfortable as you enter. There’s also a cabaret show and a Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) stadium in the middle where free shows are staged on most nights.       Related post - Top 10 Tips to better plan your Island Hopping Tour in Phuket, Thailand

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