Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Forbidden bar

A well-regarded bar on Nimman's lively Lane 5, drawing locals and travelers to Chiang Mai's nightlife scene.

4.7(190)$$$$
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 18:00–00:00
Price
$$$$
Mid-range

Carry Your Passport or a Copy

Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, the big clubs most of all. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday18:00–00:00
Tuesday18:00–00:00
Wednesday18:00–00:00
Thursday18:00–00:00
Friday18:00–00:00
Saturday18:00–00:00
Sunday18:00–00:00

Is this your business?Feature it

Why go, and how to do it well

Tucked along Lane 5 of Nimmana Haeminda Road, Forbidden Bar sits in the heart of Nimman, Chiang Mai's most cosmopolitan neighborhood and a natural hub for evening socializing. The area is dense with cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it an easy starting point or centrepiece for a night out in the city. The bar carries a strong and consistent reputation among those who have visited, with a social atmosphere that appeals to both travelers and locals alike. The setting is characteristic of Nimman's bar scene — casual, accessible, and well-frequented enough that there is usually a lively crowd without feeling overwhelming. It suits those looking for a relaxed drink in a neighborhood that rewards wandering. It is worth confirming times directly before making the trip, especially on slower weeknights. The Nimman area is easy to reach by tuk-tuk or songthaew from most parts of central Chiang Mai, and parking in the lane network can be tight, so arriving on two wheels or on foot from nearby is often the simpler option. Casual dress is the norm throughout this part of the city.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

Stay within reach of Forbidden bar

Sponsored

Search Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Forbidden bar

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Chiang Mai after dark

Something to book for the evening in Chiang Mai.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Forbidden bar, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite
Mid-range

14, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More nightlife & bars nearby

All within a 3-minute walk of Forbidden bar.

Surr Bar

Surr Bar

50 m walk4.9(909)
8th floor, Art Mai Gallery Hotel, Soi3, Nimmanahaeminda Road, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Rooftop bar atop Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Nimman, offering city views and a lively evening atmosphere.
ARISE Rooftop Bar - Nimman

ARISE Rooftop Bar - Nimman

170 m walk4.6(509)
22, 2 Nimmanahaeminda Road, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
A glass-sided pool, a proper cocktail bar and Nimman spread out below you at sunset.
The Continental Bar
Hidden Gem

The Continental Bar

220 m walk4.9(182)
53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
A well-regarded bar on Nimman's lively Lane 5, drawing locals and travelers for relaxed evening drinks.
CMBC Chiangmaibarcompany

CMBC Chiangmaibarcompany

240 m walk4.9(297)
127 Huay Kaew Rd, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Hipster dive bar in Nimman with vinyl DJs, strong sound system, and unbeatable happy hour deals.

Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars

Know the Closing Times

Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.

Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously

Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.

Arrange Your Ride Home

Use Grab (ride-hailing app) to get home safely — taxis outside nightlife areas late at night often refuse meters. Set up the app before going out, and keep your phone charged.

Forbidden bar: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Forbidden bar worth visiting?

Forbidden bar holds a 4.7★ rating from 190 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Forbidden bar?

Forbidden bar is typically open 18:00–00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

How expensive is Forbidden bar?

Forbidden bar is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.

When is the best time to visit Forbidden bar?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).

Where is Forbidden bar located?

Forbidden bar is at 14, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city center).

Also popular in Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

4.6(2,560)$$$$
119/10 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
No riding and no tricks, just a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Han Teung Chiangmai

Han Teung Chiangmai

4.8(10,731)$$$$
63, 9, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai
A northern Thai restaurant in Su Thep with a market-style setting and its own herb garden, known for its ant egg omelet. Over 10,000 Google reviews.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

4.3(27,259)
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Nearly a kilometer of stalls on Chang Khlan Road, open every night from about 17:00 to 23:00. Come at 19:00 and walk the whole strip before you buy.
Calm Massage and Spa ( Chiang Mai Gate branch )

Calm Massage and Spa ( Chiang Mai Gate branch )

4.8(3,061)
48, 50 Prapokklao Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Muang, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Traditional Thai massage in the old city that keeps going until midnight, which is its real advantage.

Similar Nightlife & Bars across Thailand

Young

Young

4.2(462)$$$$
60 18 หมู่ 13 Rachboorana Soi 1, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
A lively local bar and club in Chiang Rai with live music, a dance floor, and a young crowd.
Spirit Bar & Jewelry

Spirit Bar & Jewelry

4.7(274)$$$$
16, ปาย อำเภอปาย แม่ฮ่องสอน 58130, Thailand
A hidden backstreet bar in Pai combining cheap cocktails, live music, and locally-made jewelry in one chill spot.
BARRUB Kanchanaburi

BARRUB Kanchanaburi

4.4(133)$$$$
Ban Tai, Mueang Kanchanaburi District, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
Riverside outdoor bar with live music, food, and views of the historical bridge — open daily till midnight.
ARKbar Beach Club & Resort

ARKbar Beach Club & Resort

4.3(8,021)$$$$
4 1 Chaweng Beach Rd, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Chaweng's loudest beachfront party, with nightly fire shows and a pool that fills up long before dark.