The camellia cafe & music bar
Tucked into the Suthep neighbourhood near the popular Maya Mall, The Camellia Cafe & Music Bar draws a loyal crowd of locals and travellers with its nightly live performances and relaxed, intimate setting. The venue sits comfortably between cafe and bar, making it a natural fit for an early evening meal or a late-night drink with a soundtrack to match. Its location just outside the Old City gives it a neighbourhood feel that the larger downtown bars tend to lack. Visitors can expect cover bands and solo singers performing to an engaged crowd, with the quality of performances consistently drawing praise. The food menu leans casual — pasta and similar dishes feature — paired with a decent selection of draft and bottled beers and wine. The atmosphere is cosy rather than loud, with live music creating a warm vibe without overwhelming conversation. Birthdays and celebratory occasions appear to be a common sight, adding to the social energy on busier nights. Worth knowing before heading out: service can run slow on busy nights, with some visitors reporting waits of up to 45 minutes for food, so arriving without a tight schedule helps. Opening hours are not listed online, so checking the Facebook page before visiting is a sensible step. Since the venue sits away from the Old City centre, arranging transport in advance via a local taxi or ride-sharing app is the most practical approach.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The camellia cafe & music bar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
I’m totally captivated by the live performances here—the singers are absolutely fantastic, and their melodious voices never fail to draw in crowds of passersby. Whenever someone celebrates their birthday on-site, the whole venue will join in singing birthday wishes together, creating such a warm and lively vibe. This is my second visit with friends, and every single time, the food and drinks we order are top-notch. Even the hot dishes exceed all my expectations with their amazing flavors. I tried to come here for New Year's Eve once, but it was fully booked—proof of how incredibly popular this restaurant-bar is! To top it all off, the staff are super enthusiastic and always ready to offer attentive service proactively. Highly recommended!
Live band comes with nice food & wine. Very good singer & so enjoying it. The food is nice too although just a pasta. Recommended place to chill & lovely live music. Located just opposite Maya & famous Nimman Street. Strategic spot 👍🏼
Nice atmosphere and good food quality. The live music created a great vibe and the place has a really cozy setting. However, the service was a bit slow — we waited around 45 minutes for the food, and some tables were not cleaned promptly. With a little improvement in service speed and attention, this place could easily be excellent.
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
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Tha Phae Gate
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Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Bustling night market featuring street food vendors & local crafts, plus souvenirs.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop golden Buddha temple near Chiang Mai offering panoramic city views, free entry, and genuine tranquillity.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
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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)