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Troubadour Blues bar
Nightlife & Bars
Chiang Mai

Troubadour Blues bar

4.9(130 reviews)

Tucked just off the main ring road bordering Chiang Mai's old city, this intimate blues bar has built a loyal following among both locals and travelling music enthusiasts. Live performances are the main draw, with blues acts and jazz bands taking the stage as the evening progresses — visitors report the music quality as a genuine highlight, with many returning multiple times during a single trip to Chiang Mai. The atmosphere inside is relaxed and characterful, with a crowd that takes its music seriously. The bar has the feel of a neighbourhood local rather than a tourist venue, which adds to its appeal for those wanting an authentic evening out away from the busier nightlife strips. Service receives consistent praise, and the compact setting makes for an engaging live music experience where no seat feels far from the stage. Good to know: a small number of visitors have noted the venue has a strong regular crowd and an established local feel, so arriving with an open and sociable mindset tends to make for a better experience. The bar sits in a walkable area, convenient for those staying near the old town. Opening hours are not widely listed online, so checking locally or asking at your accommodation before heading out is worthwhile. Friday and Saturday nights are likely to be the most lively, with live acts typically getting going in the evening.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Troubadour Blues bar, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Awesome live music venue, off the main ring road around Chiang Mai old town. A stone's throw from the hotel we were staying at, and so enjoyable a night out that we ended up spending half the evenings of our trip there. Really friendly bar staff, sensibly-priced drinks, a great sound system, and some awesome, incredibly talented acts who are clearly in love with their art. Best way to top the day off.

Best music in Chiang Mai, a hidden gem! We walked in on a Friday night and got a table right away. Service is great, go have a drink, listen to some amazing music and support this little blues bar.

We came came back to this place multiple times while in Chiang Mai . The music is exceptional, the staff are great and the atmosphere is amazing.

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

High

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 Troubadour Blues 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.

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