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Nightlife & Bars
Chiang Rai

Koh Loi Bar and Grill

4.7(63 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.

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.

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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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/
Opening Hours
Monday14:00–00:00
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday14:00–00:00
Thursday14:00–00:00
Friday14:00–00:00
Saturday14:00–00:00
Sunday14:00–00:00

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). 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

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

Analog Cocktails & Records
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A tucked-away cocktail bar near Chiang Rai's Blue Temple, known for Thai-inspired drinks and great vinyl.

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