The Simple
A live music bar in Chiang Mai's old city with nightly bands, strong drinks, and a famously welcoming owner.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 20:00–00:30
- Price
- $$$$
- Budget
Carry Your Passport or a Copy
Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, the big clubs most of all. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.
Details
Full opening hours
Is this your business?Feature it
Chiang Mai after dark
Something to book for the evening in Chiang Mai.
Why go, and how to do it well
Tucked along Ratchapakhinai Road in Chiang Mai's Phra Sing district, The Simple has built a loyal following around one core offering, live music performed every single night. The in-house band draws consistent praise from visitors, with the quality of performances standing out as the main reason many guests return on consecutive evenings. The combination of talented musicians, an energetic atmosphere, and an owner known for making strangers feel immediately at home gives the bar a distinctly personal character that sets it apart from more generic nightlife venues in the area.
Visitors can expect a casual, convivial setting where the crowd is a genuine mix of locals, expats, and international travelers. Staff are noted to be comfortable communicating in Thai, English, and Korean, making the bar accessible to a wide range of guests. Drinks are described by regulars as strong and reasonably priced, adding to the appeal for those looking for good value alongside the entertainment.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026
Stay within reach of The Simple
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Chiang Mai after dark
Something to book for the evening in Chiang Mai.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of The Simple, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minSax Music PubNightlife & Bars · 10 m · 4.7★
- 1 minBodhi Serene, Chiang MaiHotels & Resorts · 20 m · 4.3★
- 1 minSiam Thai Massage in chiangmai 시암 타이 마사지 – 태국 전통 마사지 & 힐링 마사지Wellness & Spas · 70 m · 4.9★
- 1 minChabaPrai MassageWellness & Spas · 110 m · 4.9★
- 2 minChiang Mai Breakfast WorldRestaurants & Food · 130 m · 4.3★
- 2 minAnother WorldRestaurants & Food · 150 m · 4.9★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Simple, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
This is a must visit! We’ve been 2 nights in a row and the music has been incredible. The Simple Band has been the best music we’ve seen live in a very long time - great singer and great to listen to each band member have their solo. They play every Thursday. I’m surprised this place isn’t packed. I’d recommend this place to anyone visiting Chang Mai!
Best bar in Chiang Mai hands down. As soon as you walk in the owner makes you feel like a friend and family. Live music every night and just the best vibe. Strong drinks at a great price point. Don’t skip on this place!
Best live music bar in Chiang Mai! Affordable, good vibes & great bands. We came back here nearly ever night, the owner is super friendly :)
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 672 reviews on Google.
104 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Open in Google MapsMore nightlife & bars nearby
All within a 3-minute walk of The Simple.
Sax Music Pub
Lost Hut
Sound Up
SPACE BAR CNX
Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars
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.
Arrange Your Ride Home
Use Grab (ride-hailing app) to get home safely — taxis outside nightlife areas late at night often refuse meters. Set up the app before going out, and keep your phone charged.
The Simple: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Simple worth visiting?
The Simple holds a 4.9★ rating from 672 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of The Simple?
The Simple is typically open 20:00–00:30 — 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 Simple?
The Simple is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other nightlife & bars in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit The Simple?
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: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is The Simple located?
The Simple is at 104 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, 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 center).
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