Nightlife in Chiang Mai

1. Wat Umong and Doi Suthep: One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night is to visit the city’s two most popular temples - Wat Umong and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. After dusk sets in, 700-year-old Buddhist Temple Wat Umong (full name: Wat Umong Suan Puthatham) becomes magically illuminated with lights, giving it an amazing look.

Inside, the tunnels and caves hint at a mystery and the tranquil ambience of the place with resident monks practising meditation will fill your mind with peace. The golden temple Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on the mountain top is known for its 300 Naga decorated steps. The mountain top offers a glittering night view of the city illuminated with light.

Location: Wat Phra That Doi Suthep: 9 Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Wat Umong: 135 10 Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Timing: 5 am to 8 pm

2. Monks’ Evening Chant: Experience a unique feeling of tranquillity while listening to monks chanting their evening prayers at one of the Buddhist Temples of Chiang Mai. Watch all the monks gather together and chant in perfect unison with their monotone prayers echoing the entire place. Close your eyes and let the sounds of their prayer engulf you and take you to a level of nothingness where there is only absolute peace.

Location: Temple of the Great Stupa (Wat Chedi Luang), Doi Suthep Temple, Flower Garden Temple (Wat Suan Dok), Wat Umong, MCU Buddhist University, Chiang Mai Campus
Timing: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)

3. Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum: Spending an evening in the Chiang Mai 3D Art Museum known as Art in Paradise is one of the ways of enjoying Chiang Mai Nightlife. The museum, which is the biggest 3D museum in the world, has 130 different images creating illusions of 3D images.

Walk through the six zones of the museum, and delight in taking pictures at the dinosaur zone, the wildlife area, ancient Egypt, underwater world, Surreal art or the classic art zone. This art museum is a place where adults and children will have fun alike.

Location: 199/9 Chang Klan Road, Chang Klan, Chiang Mai
Timing: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

4. Chiang Mai’s Night Bazaar: For shopaholics, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night is to visit the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, one of the largest night markets in the city. In this market, you will be able to buy a wide range of products starting from clothes, shoes, bags to handicrafts, gold/silver antiques and artwork from hundreds of shops.

After shopping to your heart’s content, you must stop at one of the Night Bazaar’s numerous cafes, bars or restaurants for some delicious drinks and mouth watering Thai seafood and other local dishes.

Location: Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Timing:  6 PM to 11 PM

5. Warorot Market: Also known as Kad Luang, this glittering market is also a part of the Chiang Mai nightlife, especially for food lovers. Enjoy eating some food, snacks, cocktails or juice at this market, known to be the oldest night market in the city. You will also find this market a great place to shop for food ingredients such as a range of herbs, mushrooms etc. Other than the food, you can also shop for clothes, accessories, handicrafts etc., in this market.

Location:  Chang Moi Road, close to the River Ping, north of Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Timing: 6 PM to 7 PM

1. Chiang Mai Night Safari: Explore the exciting wildlife of the Chiang Mai Zoo, one of the three nocturnal zoos of the world. Go through the three zones of the zoo during this Chiang Mai nightlife experience - the Predator Powl, Savanna Safari, and the Jungle Jaguar Trail.

Delight in spotting various animals such as clouded leopards, white-striped tigers, jaguars, flamingos, etc., during your Jungle Jaguar Trail. Enjoy a tram ride through Savanna Safari and Predator Powl and meet the Bengal tigers, hyenas, rhinoceros, and more. Have fun at the Fun Plaza, water Laser Light Show etc.

Location: 33 ??????? 12 Nong Kwai, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
Timing: 11:00 am - 10:00 pm 

2. Dinner Cruise on the Ping River: Enjoy Chiang Mai nightlife by embarking on an exclusive dinner cruise on the Mae Ping River. Get a breathtaking view of the illuminated city at night while you sail in the river starting from the Mai Ping riverfront.

Enjoy a delicious set Thai Dinner as you watch the most exquisite views of the bustling city with beautiful teak buildings and the bright lights from the centre of the town. An excellent way to spend your evening in the company of our family, especially if you are out for a romantic rendezvous

Location: Chiang Mai
Timing :  6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

3. Classic Tuk-Tuk Tour: An excellent way to get a glimpse of Chiang Mia nightlife is to go for an evening Tuk Tuk tour on which you will be driven across the city in a Tuk Tuk, the classic local transport. As you make your way through the illuminated city and visit quiet temples, city moats, back alleys and moats, you will come closer to the locals and experience a real Thai culture.

During this tour, you will visit several places, such as the temples Wat Suan Dok, Wat Phra Singh, the Three Kings Monument, Tha Phae Gate as well as a few popular night markets.

4. Watch Annual Sky Lantern Festival: If you want to be a part of the Annual Sky Lantern Festival (Loi Krathong Festival) of Chiang Mai, you should visit the city in November. This event is a well known Buddhist cultural experience and is a way of signifying a transition from dark to brightness in the years to come.

Feel enchanted watching the locals place candles in makeshift lanterns made of baskets made of banana leaves and wood, and float them in the air. During the three day festival, you will see procession, lively music, dance, cultural performances and traditional rituals.

Location: Best Location: Nawarat Bridge or Iron Bridge (Saphan Lek)
Timing: Starts from 4:30 pm

5. Siam Dragon Cabaret Show: Feel enchanted watching the Siam Dragon Cabaret Show, an exciting show with a variety of singing and dancing forms. Immerse in the beauty that has been created with beautiful scenes, lighting effects and sound system and sit back and enjoy the modern cabaret-style dancing.

Get a slice of the glam and glitz of Chiang Mia nightlife while spending an unforgettable evening in a vibrant atmosphere watching professional actors and dancers give a powerful performance.

Location:12 Huaykaew Rd., Changpuek, Muang, Chiang Mai 50300
Timing: Shows: 7.00 P.M. & 08.30 P.M

6. Thai and Akha Cooking Class: One of the best things to do in Chiang Mia at night is to learn how to cook authentic cuisine belonging to Thai and Akha (a hill tribe of southeast Asia) culture. During the evening Thai and Akha Cooking Class, you will be delighted to learn about new ingredients, cooking styles, and techniques.

You will be creating 11 mouth-watering dishes including appetisers, soup, stir fry, entrees and desserts, and will also learn about Northern Thailand’s cuisines and cultures. At the end of your cooking class, you will be able to enjoy the dinner cooked by you and will be gifted a souvenir cookbook.

Location: Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Mia
Timing: 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm

1. Zoe in Yellow: Visit one of the most frequented clubs of Chiang Mai that will offer you cheap drinks. You will also love spending the night dancing amongst young western crowds and shaking your legs to peppy tunes.

2. The Lost Hut: Enjoy spending your evening at the Lost Hut, one of the best clubs and bars in Chiang Mai. Delight in the cosy party ambience with fascinating bamboo huts and tree decor.

3. Baa(N) Din Cocktail Bar and Restaurant: One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night is to visit this place and taste its delicious Thai delicacies. Relax in the homely ambience that the bar and restaurant offers.

4. Northgate Jazz Co-op: If you are a Jazz Music lover, you must visit this music bar for an evening full of top-notch entertainment by talented musicians. Get a taste of Chiang Mai nightlife at its best, especially on Tuesdays when there is a jamming session.

5. Boy Blue Bar: Feel enchanted watching live performances and blue music from amazing Thai Bands in this place. Enjoy having reasonably priced alcohol or non-alcoholic delights while watching the authentic blue music performances.  

1. The Roof – Sala Lanna
At a mystical point, roosted above the breezy rooftop enjoy an enchanting Chiang Mai nightlife here. Watch the sun going down with an icy mixed drink. From stools to long benches with tables along with pool loungers, the ambiance provides a perfect relaxation mode at this venue.

The Roof is also decorated with candles and lanterns after dusk with frequent live music arrangements on a stage near to the pool. Here you'll find some thoughtfully-selected Chilean and Italian menu.

Location: Sala Lanna Chiang Mai, 49 Charoenrat

Timing: Fri to Sun: 6:00 pm – 11: 00 pm

2. Myst – Maya Shopping Mall

Myst rooftop bar at Maya Mall is situated close to the mainstream Nimman territory. It's amongst the most famous rooftop bars here due to their variety of drinks. On weekends they organize live bands and DJs, which makes it more happening.

Snacks and non-alcoholic cocktails are also available here. Drinks are somewhat costlier than you would pay in the underneath lanes; however, the view and ambiance can't be beaten. 

Location: 55 MAYA Shopping Center Huaykaew Rd, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand

Timing: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

3. Xanadu Rooftop Pub and Restaurant

An outdoor rooftop restaurant with scenic views of the city and the popular Doi Suthep in a serene environment is an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or an intimate time-out with friends. 

The venue offers a fascinating vibe, serving a great variety of traditional Thai cuisine that you can relish along with live entertainment.

Location: 54 Huay Keaw Road, Muang Chiang Mai 50300

Timing: 6:00 pm – 12:00 am

4. Blue Bat

On the 24th floor of Pornping Tower Hotel – as high as you can go while in Chiang Mai to enjoy a drink. You need to take the lift till the 20th floor, then hike up through the staircase to reach the open-air rooftop. 

With amazing views all around you, the bar serves an extensive range of cocktails alongside Thai and International cuisine. It's one of the best Chiang Mai rooftop bars one can visit for a drink or two.

Location: 46 48 Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Timing: 11:00 pm – 12:00 am

5. THC Rooftop Bar

As the name itself signifies, another eminent rooftop bar giving a totally chill out feel. Nestled practically around the edge from Tha Pae Gate, the lounge has been a staple in Chiang Mai nightlife scene for a long while.

THC Rooftop Bar is the spot for the backpacking crowd. The unconventional setting at a perfect area in which you can recoup from the scorching day and where you can become acquainted with some other explorers. 

Location: 19 Mun Mueang Road, Tambon Phra Sing Chang Wat Chiang Mai, 50300, Thailand

Timing: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am

1. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: Shop until you drop at this market, known to be one of the largest markets of Chiang Mai. Look for a variety of items ranging from clothes, furniture, kitchenware to gold/silver antiques, handicrafts and artwork. 

2. Warorot Market: Spend an evening tasting various delicious snacks, cocktails and other local delights at the oldest market of Chiang Mai, the Warorot market, also known as Kad Luang. You may also indulge in shopping for clothes, accessories, handicrafts etc., while in this market.

3. Kat Rin Kham Night Bazaar: Those looking for shopping items at affordable prices will surely love to head towards this night market frequented mostly by youths. The pretty market with stalls operating under colourful umbrellas will delight you with the varieties of goods sold there. 

4. Chang Puak Gate Night Market: Get a taste of delicious authentic Thai dishes at Chang Puak Gate Night Market, also known as Northgate Market. Enjoy tasting various kinds of dishes including seafood, noodles, soups and desserts. 

5. Central Kad Suan Kaew Night Market: You will find this small yet popular night market selling clothes, accessories, handicrafts, and also loads of high-quality tasty food in its outdoor food court. 

1. Anusarn Food Court: If you love to eat food that has been freshly made to order, you should head towards this place situated behind the night market. Enjoy fresh seafood prepared from fish displayed on ice or in tanks.

2. Kalare Food Court: Divided into two sections, this place will be an ideal choice if you are looking for some delicious Thai food. If you are looking for freshly prepared, pre-cooked or heated Thai street food or other food from across the globe, you will find one section catering to that. The other section serves food choices of the Thai and seafood base.

3. Kao Kab Kang: One of the best things to do in Chiang Mai at night is to have a Thai meal at this Thai restaurant. You will enjoy the cosy ambience of this place with walls adorned with traditional Lana style crafts and beautiful Thai wall hangings.

4. Moxie Restaurant Chiang Mai: The Moxie Restaurant will delight you with a mix of traditional Thai food and exciting fusion dishes. You will enjoy eating the tasty dishes in a smart casual setting decorated in autumnal colours. 

5. Whole Earth: Your experience of Chiang Mai nightlife is incomplete without a Thai-Indian dining at Whole Earth, an establishment housed in a traditional wooden house with landscaped tropical gardens. 

Due to the lively Chiang Mai nightlife environment, it has a friendly, safe vibe almost wherever you roam. But obviously, as being a tourist, it’s necessary to follow some basic safety precautions. So, just for safety's sake, pay close attention to your surroundings, stay in groups, and avoid isolated regions.

Getting around Chiang Mai in the night is almost smooth. There are various transportations like taxi, songthaew, modern RTC Smart City Bus, or tuk-tuk. Taxis are less and can only be found near hotels or airports.

The RTC City Bus covers a huge area of the city and charges only 20 Baht/ride.

1. Stay at the Luxurious Resort
At Four Seasons Chiang Mai along the mystical scenes of Mae Rim Valley couples can soak in comfort, leisure, and tranquillity. It includes authentic activities to enjoy during the stay like candlelit dining under the shimmering moonlight at the Barn, luxe pool villas, and private rice fields tour.

2. Spa Treatment
The city has several authentic Thai massage centres, which are budget-friendly. And for a luxury treatment, go to Panviman Resort that will give you a royal feel

3. Go to Doi Suthep Viewpoint
The best way to impress your better half is to take them to the Doi Suthep viewpoint at night. You can hire a taxi to reach. Couples enjoy the sunset views here along with the stunning city panorama.

4. Romantic Riverside Dinner
At Huen Huay Kaew Restaurant settled beside the Huen Huay Kaew River, you get to relish dinner together around a lovely backdrop. At night soft lighting illuminates the restaurant to add an enchanting romantic feel to the gorgeous surroundings.

5. Shop Together
For those who desire to shop together, night markets are a great option. Visit the Chiang Mai Gate Market, where you can taste various Thai street food and can likewise purchase all varieties of souvenirs.