The Continental Bar
Tucked along Lane 5 of Nimmana Haeminda Road, The Continental Bar sits at the heart of one of Chiang Mai's most energetic neighbourhoods. The Nimman area is a favourite among both expats and visitors, and this bar has carved out a consistent following thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and reliable quality. It strikes a balance between casual and convivial, making it equally suited to a quiet drink after a day of sightseeing or a longer social evening.
The venue draws a mixed crowd of locals and travellers, giving it an easy, unpretentious energy that tends to put people at ease. The surrounding stretch of Nimmana Road is dense with cafes, restaurants, and other bars, so The Continental sits within a natural circuit for those who enjoy moving between venues on foot. The pedestrian-friendly lane makes it simple to arrive, linger, and continue exploring the neighbourhood at your own pace.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Continental Bar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
No riding, no tricks: a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
The Continental Bar: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Continental Bar worth visiting?
The Continental Bar holds a 4.9★ rating from 182 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of The Continental Bar?
The Continental Bar is typically open 18:30-00:00 — 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 The Continental 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: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is The Continental Bar located?
The Continental Bar is at 53 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 centre).
Location Info
53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailandnightify.co/book/the-continental-bar/googleVisitor 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 The Continental Bar
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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
Do You Ever Social Club
A laid-back Thai bar near Chiang Mai University with affordable drinks, eclectic decor, and a local crowd.
CMBC Chiangmaibarcompany
Hipster dive bar in Nimman with vinyl DJs, strong sound system, and unbeatable happy hour deals.
ARISE Rooftop Bar - Nimman
A glass-sided pool, a proper cocktail bar and Nimman spread out below you at sunset.
Forbidden bar
A well-regarded bar on Nimman's lively Lane 5, drawing locals and travellers to Chiang Mai's nightlife scene.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand
Pattaya Walking Street
Loud, neon, adults-only after dark, and the seafood is easier before the 9pm crush.
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 The Continental Bar
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)