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Koh Loi Bar and Grill
Nightlife & Bars
Chiang Rai

Koh Loi Bar and Grill

4.7(62 reviews)

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. Good to know: Koh Loi Bar and Grill can be tricky to find, so allow extra time if visiting for the first time — a map search or GPS is recommended. It opens at 14:00 daily and runs until midnight, making late afternoon a good time to arrive and settle in before the evening crowd picks up. Tuesday appears to be the only day it does not operate, so plan accordingly.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Koh Loi Bar and Grill, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

"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.

A very relaxing bar with an easy going owner Mike's is well worth seeking out, but a bit tricky to find. It's about a five minute drive or a twenty minute walk from the centre of Chiang Rai. If you're driving head towards the Phaya Mangrai Bridge and go down the service road to the left of the bridge and you'll make a u-turn under it and see Mike's on your left. If you're walking, take the service road on the right and it's the last building before the river. Food (all western dishes) and drink are all at very reasonable prices. Mike is very welcoming and you'll feel very much at home. For somewhere a bit different to the bars in the centre of town it's certainly worth the effort of going that bit further. I'll definitely be back there on my next visit to Chiang Rai.

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.

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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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

Moderate

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. 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)