Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai
Tucked along Ratchapakhinai Road in Chiang Mai's old city area, this budget-friendly bar carves out its own laid-back niche in a stretch of street otherwise dominated by more commercial venues. The focus is live music, with bands taking the stage most evenings and a crowd that tends to be relaxed and unpretentious. Regulars return for the friendly staff and the kind of easygoing atmosphere that encourages long, unhurried nights.
Visitors can expect a casual bar setting with a music-forward vibe. Live acts cover reggae and rock, including Bob Marley covers that have drawn praise from guests, though the lineup can vary from night to night. Food and drinks are available at budget-friendly prices, and the venue draws a mix of locals and travellers who appreciate an alternative to Chiang Mai's more polished nightlife spots. It is worth noting that a handful of visitors have found the experience more generic than the name suggests, so expectations are best kept flexible.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Love coming here, been coming for 3 years staff super friendly and kind. Love the bands that play such a nice chill vibe
If you come earlier in the evening (like 8) they have rock bands playing and they're really good.
Was expecting for some rock/reggae music experience but it turned out to be a basic bar performing random music. This area has a whole bunch of bars, quite commercial. Drink menu is standard too.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 568 reviews on Google.
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Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai worth visiting?
Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai holds a 4.6★ rating from 568 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai?
Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai is typically open 18:00-02:00 — 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 Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai?
Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai?
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 Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai located?
Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai is at 196/5/1 Ratchapakhinai Rd, 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
196/5/1 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand+66 92 698 9365Visitor 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 Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai
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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.
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Zoe in Yellow
Backpacker party central in the Old City, dead before nine and heaving by eleven.
TongBar
Intimate live music bar on Ratvithi Road where rock, funk, and jazz bands play nightly from 6pm.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
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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 Roots Rock Reggae Chaingmai
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)