#1
The North Gate Jazz Co-Op
4.7 (5,596)·Chiang Mai
Price level$$$$Budget
A beloved live jazz venue near Chiang Mai's old city walls, open nightly with a buzzing, budget-friendly vibe.
The 10 Best Nightlife Spots in Chiang Mai, Ranked
Live music runs through most of this list, from jazz rooms near the old city walls to rock and blues bars in the center, with two rooftops and a couple of big open-air dance venues breaking it up. North Gate Jazz Co-Op takes the top spot for its jazz and cheap drinks. Expect the Old City and Nimman to soak up most of your night, and mid-range prices where they're listed at all.
10 places$ to $$ price levelAvg 4.7 on GoogleUpdated Oct 2026
If you only read one line
- #2
MAI The Sky Bar
4.9 (1,783)·Chiang MaiRooftop bar atop the Melia Chiang Mai with panoramic city views, open nightly from 5 PM.
- #3
BlackLight CNX
4.9 (1,652)·Chiang MaiA blacklight bar on Ratvithi Road drawing a mixed crowd of locals, expats, and travelers for a lively night out.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Chiang Mai
My pick at each price level in Chiang Mai, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Shangri-La Chiang Mai4.6 (4,289 reviews)
Upscale hotel near Chiang Mai's Night Bazaar, offering spacious rooms, a pool, spa, and Szechuan dining.
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#3Mid-range · 4-star
U Chiang Mai Hotel4.8 (2,000 reviews)
Chic boutique hotel on Rachadamnoen Rd offering a fitness center, European bistro, and open-air bar.
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#9Budget · 3-star
Cross Chiang Mai Riverside4.8 (994 reviews)
A boutique riverside resort in Chiang Mai offering stylish rooms, a spa, pool, and upscale dining.
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- #4
Zoe in Yellow
4.2 (4,960)·Chiang MaiPrice level$$$$Mid-rangeChiang Mai's iconic open-air nightlife complex in the Old City, with DJ music, dancing, and mid-range drinks.
- #5
Warm Up Cafe
4.3 (2,972)·Chiang MaiPrice level$$$$Mid-rangeA Chiang Mai nightlife institution on Nimman Road, blending live music, a dance floor, and food.
- #6
Moment's Notice Jazz Club
4.7 (1,455)·Chiang MaiPrice level$$$$Mid-rangeA sophisticated jazz club on Wua Lai Road offering live bands nightly in a relaxed, music-first atmosphere.
- #7
The camellia cafe & music bar
4.7 (1,380)·Chiang MaiA cozy live music bar in Suthep serving casual food and drinks with nightly performances.
- #8
Surr Bar
4.9 (909)·Chiang MaiRooftop bar atop Art Mai Gallery Hotel in Nimman, offering city views and a lively evening atmosphere.
- #9
6ixcret show
4.8 (877)·Chiang MaiA well-regarded nightlife venue inside Chiang Mai's iconic Night Bazar Building on Tha Phae Road.
- #10
Boy Blues Bar
4.7 (990)·Chiang MaiPrice level$$$$Mid-rangeA live music bar in Chiang Mai's city center, drawing crowds nightly with rock bands and a buzzing atmosphere.
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