Chiang Mai is more famous for its historic Old City, mountainous scenery, and the nearby elephant sanctuaries than it is for its nightlife.
While it may not offer the raging party scenes that you can find in Bangkok or the islands of Thailand , Chiang Mai does boast a diverse mix of bars, nightclubs, and events. With a large expat population, plenty of students from the local university, and a constant stream of backpackers, Chiang Mai on any given night has something for everyone. Walk around Chiang Mai and you'll come across all types of bars spattered across the city, from grungy reggae joints to posh rooftop bars and everything in between.
Most bars are concentrated in one of three areas: the Old City, along the river, or Nimman Road near the university. Each neighborhood offers something unique, and the high-turnover rate means there are constantly new bars popping up. The three most popular Thai beers—Leo, Chang, and Singha—are ubiquitous, cheap, and refreshing.
Most bars include a variety of imported bottled beers as well for a few extra baht , and it's even possible to find beer gardens with different craft beers on tap. Cocktails also vary from bar to bar. Tourists love to go clubbing in Thailand, but Chiang Mai is definitely more low key compared to the non-stop parties offered in Bangkok and Koh Phi Phi.
The primary reason is that Chiang Mai enforces a strict closing time for nearly all bars at midnight. A small number of changing venues stay open later, but you may have to ask locals, expats, or a taxi driver where to go once the main bars close down.
