The Moat House
Sitting right on Mun Mueang Road along the edge of Chiang Mai's old city moat, this bar and pub has carved out a reputation as one of the more characterful spots in the area. It operates as both a drinking venue and a proper dining destination, with visitors praising dishes like lamb shank massaman curry and consistently good food overall. The venue also hosts live events — from Burns Night celebrations complete with bagpipes to official afterparties for local sporting tournaments like the Chiang Mai 11s rugby tournament — giving it a social energy that goes beyond a standard bar.
The atmosphere leans relaxed and welcoming, with a spacious, airy interior and outdoor seating along the walkway that makes it a natural choice for people-watching over an evening drink. It draws a genuinely mixed crowd of locals, expats, and travellers, and the mid-range pricing means a full evening of food and drinks remains accessible without feeling like a trade-off on quality. Solo visitors, groups, and couples all appear to find their footing here comfortably.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Moat House, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
The Moat House is such a cozy place to chill. Located right on the main road, the restaurant is spacious, airy, and easy to find—perfect for a casual hangout or a relaxed evening drink. They offer a good selection of food and drinks, and everything is reasonably priced. Definitely great value for the quality and atmosphere you get. The staff is lovely and very friendly, making the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for a laid-back spot with good vibes, fair prices, and great service, I definitely recommend The Moat House.
We stopped because of the menu options and the ability to sit outside on the walkway to people watch casually. The food was stellar! The service was very good and priced right.
Had the lamb shank massaman curry, which ok. Sadly the mash was a bit hard, and the shank was a bit cold. 😅 Just make the mash a bit more creamy, and make sure the shank is hot. Other than that, the dish was a banger! 😁
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 538 reviews on Google.
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The Moat House: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Moat House worth visiting?
The Moat House holds a 4.6★ rating from 538 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of The Moat House?
The Moat House is typically open 08:00-23:45 — 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 The Moat House?
The Moat House is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit The Moat House?
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 Moat House located?
The Moat House is at 3, 33 Mun Mueang 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
3, 33 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailandwww.themoathouse.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)
Where to stay near The Moat House
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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
Rumpair - Thai cocktails & Foods
Thai cocktail bar on Chiang Mai's old city canal, known for local spirits and solid food.
Thapae Boxing Stadium
Chiang Mai's in-town fight venue near Thapae Gate — regular evening cards mixing local prospects, stadium veterans and foreigners from northern camps.
SPACE BAR CNX
A tucked-away bar near Chiang Mai's old city, known for friendly staff and strong cocktails.
Jungle Night Bar
A rooftop canal-side bar in Chiang Mai's old city serving cocktails in a relaxed, atmospheric setting.
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 Moat House
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)