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Sax Music Pub
Nightlife & Bars
Chiang Mai

Sax Music Pub

4.7(218 reviews)$$$$

Tucked along Ratchaprakhini Road in the Phra Sing district, this well-regarded pub and bar draws a loyal mix of locals and travellers with its regular live music performances. While the name nods to saxophone music, visitors report a strong focus on rock classics alongside jazz, performed by skilled musicians who consistently set an energetic and enjoyable mood. A pool table adds to the casual, social atmosphere, and the friendly staff — including an attentive boss who has been known to offer free shots — give the place a welcoming, neighbourhood-bar feel that larger venues in the city rarely match. Drinks are reasonably priced for a mid-range venue, with cold beers and solid cocktails both drawing positive mentions from visitors. The crowd tends to be relaxed and sociable, making it a comfortable choice whether you are looking for a quiet drink with good background music or a livelier evening out. The intimate setting means the live performances feel personal rather than performative. Good to know: Opening hours are not listed online, so it is worth stopping by in the early evening to check when the music starts, or asking at your accommodation for current timings. The Old City location makes it easy to reach on foot or by tuk-tuk, and it pairs well with dinner in the surrounding area before the night picks up.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite
Mid-range

Visitor Reviews

Great place with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Good prices on drinks, excellent live music, and very friendly staff. The musician was fantastic and really set the mood. Definitely a place I’d love to visit again.

Wonderful music bar with live bands. The prices and atmosphere are so inviting. The staff is so friendly and are so attentive to your needs. I highly recommend this place, stop by if you are in the neighborhood 🎵

Great live music (mostly rock classics), cold beer, decent cocktails, everything is reasonably priced. Pool table available. We did not eat, therefore nothing on the food. We would come again.

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

High

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 Sax Music Pub

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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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