GREAT SHOT BAR CNX
Tucked along Thanon Arak in the heart of Chiang Mai's old city, Great Shot Bar CNX has built a strong following among cocktail enthusiasts for its inventive, signature drinks that blur the line between beverage and culinary experience. The bar's bold red interior catches the eye from the street, and what's inside lives up to the intrigue. The bartender is the main attraction here — passionate, skilled, and clearly in their element. Visitors consistently single out the creativity on display, with cocktails that incorporate unexpected savoury elements alongside fresh and refreshing profiles. Named drinks like "Low Key," "Exposure," and "White Balance" hint at a thoughtful, concept-driven menu rather than a standard spirits list. The atmosphere is intimate and social, drawing a mix of locals and travellers who tend to linger longer than planned. Good to know: It's worth checking locally or asking your accommodation before heading out. Given the bar's compact size and its reputation among repeat visitors, arriving earlier in the evening is a reasonable strategy to secure a seat. First-timers are encouraged to let the bartender guide the order — several reviewers note that describing your preferences leads to better results than choosing blindly from the menu.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After GREAT SHOT BAR CNX, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Super good cocktails here! We’d already had two cocktails at another bar and dropped by this place after being attracted by the bold red interior. Told the boss we’d already had a couple of drinks and asked him to recommend what to try next — and it turned out amazing. I had a Negroni at the previous bar, so the boss introduced me to Low Key.jpg, a Negroni twist with a plum infusion. It really impressed me — smooth, easy-drinking, and the plum twist made it lighter and perfectly balanced, a great continuation from my previous cocktail. Highly recommended, and I’ll definitely be back again in the next few days. 🍸
By far the best cocktails we have ever tried. Every single drink had their unique signature. We first two did not even taste of a drink they closely resembled delicious meals. The last one was a beautiful fruity herbal cocktail of excellent quality. The IPA Mahanakhon is ideal for people not liking too fruity IPAs, love a good hoppy beer. The cocktails are absolute art in their own right!
Awesome little bar. Bartender is passionate about mixing quality unique drinks all done with flair and showmanship. It’s nice to see a bartender who obvious loves what he does and has the skills to produce a really good quality product he’s visibly proud of. love the atmosphere of the place as well.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 224 reviews on Google.
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GREAT SHOT BAR CNX: Frequently Asked Questions
Is GREAT SHOT BAR CNX worth visiting?
GREAT SHOT BAR CNX holds a 4.9★ rating from 224 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of GREAT SHOT BAR CNX?
GREAT SHOT BAR CNX 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.
When is the best time to visit GREAT SHOT BAR CNX?
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: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is GREAT SHOT BAR CNX located?
GREAT SHOT BAR CNX is at Thanon Arak, Tambon Si Phum, 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 centre).
Location Info
Thanon Arak, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand061 229 1932www.facebook.com/greatshotbarcnx/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near GREAT SHOT BAR CNX
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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars
Carry Your Passport or a Copy
Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.
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.
Nearby Places
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Thai-inspired craft cocktails in a cool old city setting, open nightly from 6pm.
Bitter Truth Bar
A hidden gem cocktail bar on Samlarn Road, earning devoted repeat visitors with inventive, layered drinks.
Chiang Mai Walking Street
A lively Sunday evening street market on Rachadamnoen Road selling handmade crafts, street food, and local goods.
Drink Rooftop Bar
Terrace bar atop U Chiang Mai Hotel, known for creative cocktails and views over Rachadamnoen Road.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
Pattaya Walking Street
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Nana Plaza
Adults-only, neon-soaked and unapologetic, and best understood after 9pm rather than described.
Khao San Road
Loud, tacky, unfiltered and worth one night of your trip, ideally between 7 and 10pm.
Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club
Come for sundowners at 4pm, stay for the DJs, and don't expect a quiet lunch.
Where to stay near GREAT SHOT BAR CNX
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)