The Simple
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 travellers. 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.
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.
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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: March – May (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 centre).
Location Info
104 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandVisitor 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 Simple
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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
Sax Music Pub
A lively live music pub near Chiang Mai's Old City with rock classics, cold beers, and a welcoming crowd.
Lost Hut
A budget-friendly, laid-back bar on Moon Muang Road, open nightly from 5 PM in Chiang Mai's historic Phra Sing area.
Sound Up
A casual, mid-range bar on Moon Muang Road in Chiang Mai's Old City, popular with tourists and locals.
SPACE BAR CNX
A tucked-away bar near Chiang Mai's old city, known for friendly staff and strong cocktails.
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 Simple
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)