Koh Loi Bar and Grill
Koh Loi Bar and Grill — now widely known as Mike's Bar — is a laid-back, unpretentious beer joint tucked about a five-minute drive from central Chiang Rai. Run by a foreigner and drawing a loyal mix of expats and locals, it occupies a comfortable niche as the kind of place where real conversations happen over cold drinks, without the polish or posturing of more tourist-facing venues. The food is home-style and made with care, and the atmosphere sits somewhere between relaxed and lively depending on the night.
This is decidedly not a hi-so establishment — reviewers are upfront that the ambience is basic and the vibe is unpretentious. That honesty is part of its appeal. It functions as both a bar and a grill, with cold beer and grilled food being the main draws. The crowd tends to skew toward long-term expats and regulars, which gives it a genuine community feel rather than a transient tourist one.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Koh Loi Bar and Grill, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
"A Gem in Chiang Rai – Mike’s Bar and Grill" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you’re looking for a place where the food is made with love, the beer is ice cold, and the atmosphere is equal parts cozy and lively – Mike’s Bar and Grill is it. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with smiles that feel like old friends you just haven’t met yet. The staff are attentive without being intrusive, and Mike himself has a knack for making every guest feel like a VIP. The menu is a journey in itself – from juicy steaks and homemade burgers to fresh salads and small bites that pair perfectly with a cold drink. Portions are generous, flavors are spot-on, and you can tell they don’t cut corners on quality here. The vibe is a perfect mix of local and international – a place where backpackers, expats, and travelers gather, and where conversation flows as easily as the beer on tap. Live music and sports on the big screens add extra energy, but you can just as easily tuck yourself into a quiet corner with great food and great company. In short: Mike’s Bar and Grill isn’t just a place to eat – it’s an experience.
Updated October 6th 2024, after worst flooding in 80 years. Mike and staff survived and many patrons (God bless you all) helped dig him out. He is open for business so stop by if you like to have a great time. Updated post from previous post made 1.5 years ago. Stopped by for a quick beer and ended up staying all day. Mike even cooked us some chicken. Waitress is very nice.
Someone described it as a dive. I wouldn't go that far. It's a very basic Chiang rai beer joint frequented by foreigners, mostly. Run by a foreigner, for foreigners! Ambience is questionable. For a quick beer and a chat, its ok.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 63 reviews on Google.
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Golden Triangle
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Koh Loi Bar and Grill: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Koh Loi Bar and Grill worth visiting?
Koh Loi Bar and Grill holds a 4.7★ rating from 63 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated nightlife & bars in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Koh Loi Bar and Grill?
Koh Loi Bar and Grill is typically open 14:00-00:00 — 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 Koh Loi Bar and Grill?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Koh Loi Bar and Grill located?
Koh Loi Bar and Grill is at To, 278, 17 หมู่ที่ 21 ถ. กลางเวียง ตำบล รอบเรียง, อำเภอเมืองเชียงราย เชียงราย 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
To, 278, 17 หมู่ที่ 21 ถ. กลางเวียง ตำบล รอบเรียง, อำเภอเมืองเชียงราย เชียงราย 57000, Thailandmikesbar.party/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Koh Loi Bar and Grill
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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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

Casa Mio Music & Wine Bar
A wine bar and live music venue on Klang Wiang Road, offering an evening alternative to Chiang Rai's typical bar scene.

Rooftop Chiang Rai
Casual rooftop bar near Chiang Rai's clocktower, serving cheap cocktails every evening from 5pm.

Vinyl & Wine
A cosy wine bar and live music venue in Chiang Rai serving food, wine, and nightly performances.

Analog Cocktails & Records
A tucked-away cocktail bar near Chiang Rai's Blue Temple, known for Thai-inspired drinks and great vinyl.
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 Koh Loi Bar and Grill
Find hotels in Chiang Rai 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 – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
