The capital isn’t the only place with all the fun nightlife and photogenic speakeasies. Chiang Mai has established itself as a destination for cocktail aficionados everywhere, and we know the best bars in Chiang Mai to head to.
Chiang Mai isn’t just known for cafes — not anymore. The city after dark has become one of the best areas in all of the kingdom to explore your palates. Of course, it’s always nice to see the all the creativity packed into a glass, but the highlight is certainly that during low season, it is entirely possible to hop to all of these places in one night. The abundance of transportation coupled with the fact that these bars are not too far apart, makes one night in Chiang Mai such an adventurous one.
Read on, see where you need to be, and what exactly to order.
[Hero and featured image credit: THUUB Bar/Facebook]
Chiang Mai bars: 12 places to get the best cocktails up North
The White Rabbit
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Certainly one of the must-visit destinations for bar lovers when in Chiang Mai, The White Rabbit is that place with the good lighting perfect for sitting at the bar and watching the bartenders work their magic. This speakeasy boasted itself, rightfully, as the recipient of the best bar in Chiang Mai, as well as being the No. 18 in all of Thailand according to Thailand’s 20 Best Bars. Signatures change monthly representing the seasons as well as the ingredients available.
You can find more information at The White Rabbit. 179/1 Floor 2 Phrapokklao Rd, Sriphum district, Mueang Chiang Mai.
Bitter Truth
Open daily, 6-11.50pm
Located in the Old Town area of Chiang Mai, Bitter Truth boasts a living room-style interior with an intimate atmosphere. Coming in hot at No. 20 on Thailand’s 20 Best Bars, the bar team presents cosy hospitality and a series of signature drinks for those who walk through the door. Of course, Chiang Mai is famous for their produce, and their drinks reflect that fact perfectly.
The “BTT 60” is a sweet-and-sour drink with a tequila and mezcal base, presenting beautiful notes of cilantro, longan, and apple cider vinegar. They also make an amazing Manhattan.
You can find more information at Bitter Truth. 95, 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Nophaburi Bar
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Apart from their warm hospitality, Nophaburi Bar is also known for a giant neon sign mounted on the wall that reads “This bar is better than Teens of Thailand, too.” A cheeky nod to Bangkok’s Soi Nana drinks scene, the vibes of the place are just as cheeky, with DJs playing on the regular, bartenders entertaining guests in front of the bar, and many nods and references to Thai culture scattered across the bar.
Nophaburi aims to show off Thai spirits, and their quality does not fall short. Try their take on the whisky sour called “Pitsamai” with a Thai brandy base. It’s a slight variation from the classic that boasts complex notes you’ll find in brandy, enhanced with a little lemon juice and syrup.
You can find more information at Nophaburi. 75/1 Samlaan Rd., Phasingh, Mueang, Chiang Mai.
The Continental Bar
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
When we opened the menu at The Continental Bar for the first time, a quote takes up the whole first page that reads “The moment you sat down at my table, you already lost.” Yes, the drinks concept is centred around the John Wick franchise. The neon sign welcoming you into the bar says, “Enter at your own risk.” Everything here seems like a threat, but the bartender explains the concept, and it clicks.
Drinks you should try on your first go include the “Mr. Wick,” a spirit-forward cocktail made from Samuel Gelston’s whiskey (a spirit we don’t see often in Thailand), gold rum, tiramisu, and apple yogurt, as well as the “Helen,” a floral, foamy cocktail with pink gin, jasmine, and lychee puree.
You can find more information at The Continental Bar. 53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Before Dawn
Open daily, 6pm-12.30am
We have limited time before dawn, the drink we choose has to count. Before Dawn houses Parbun Bunragsatrakul, winner of Diageo World Class Thailand 2023, and we’ve never seen anyone leaving the establishment without a smile on their face. The menu has beautiful signature cocktails that pair well with the food from their kitchen, and they boast an impressive wine list for those who are craving a glass or two.
For those who enjoy a good Bloody Mary, they have an inventive twist of this classic, produced with zero waste, too. The “Tomato Effect” is made through lacto-fermentation, a process that involves using bacteria to break down sugars in food to make lactic acid. The tomatoes left over after being juiced are dried to make thin crackers, added as a garnish on top.
You can find more information at Before Dawn. 5/5 Nimman soi 5 Suthep Muang, Chiang Mai.
Midlife Crisis
Open daily, 5pm-12.30am
Nobody likes a midlife crisis, but perhaps you can confront it just a bit better with a good cocktail in hand. Chiang Mai’s bar Midlife Crisis is centred around living in the now, with names of each drink inspired by cheesy love quotes on social media. With the menu created by Gov Kitibordee, winner of Dewar’s Highball Challenge Thailand, you know it’s going to be a good time.
Highlights you should try include the “#unpassionatepassionfruit” with a white rum base, hazelnut, orange, milk, passionfruit, and pandan foam, as well as the “#lovelesslotus,” a simple yet effective spirit forward cocktail made from Dewar’s with lotus and strawberry vermouth.
You can find more information at Midlife Crisis. Chang Moi Kao Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
THUUB Bar
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
THUUB is beloved by both locals and foreign visitors for their mixology. Sometimes you’re just in the mood for a simple Negroni, and they offer a good one at a reasonable price. Sometimes, you want to try something new. You want to embark on an adventure after sitting in the office all day, and THUUB is great at incorporating ingredients you normally wouldn’t expect in a cocktail. Still, it somehow works.
Highlights to try include the “Prai-Rum-Phan,” a drink for those with a sweet tooth with Thai rhum agricole, basil and pandan syrup, and candle-smoked coconut milk, as well as the “Thong-Suk,” a clash of cultures in a glass combining Irish whiskey, Irish cream, citrus, durian, and served with sweet sticky rice.
You can find more information at THUUB Bar. 88 Chaiyapoom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Forbidden Bar
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
We’re not saying we only visit Forbidden Bar because of their special buy-one-get-one on Negronis from 6-8pm, but it definitely does help. The bar is reminiscent of a classic gentlemen’s club with velvet and dark wood colour combos, with corner seats perfect for a photo opp or two. If you’re there alone, the bar seats are perfect to watch all the magic unfold.
Among their signatures, the most popular has to be the “Mango Sticky Rice.” We know there’s a lot of bars with their own versions in Thailand, but their take with tequila, sake, Jasmine rice syrup, mango puree, and a pinch of salt sparks joy in our hearts. Or perhaps you’d love the low-ABV “Queen Bees” with umeshu honey base, apple juice, and elderflower syrup.
You can find more information at Forbidden Bar. 4, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Looper & Co.
Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Looper & Co. is a cosy little coffee shop by day, and a cocktail bar by night. The best places in the house are certainly a toss up between the bar watching all the action, and the small round table by the window that you can watch the world go by outside as you take a sip. It’s an intimate place with DJs on the regular and bartenders who aren’t afraid to have fun with you. Although, we never got to ask about the big neon sign up front that says “Sex After Drinks.” Is it a suggestion? Is it an order? Is there a rate card for that? All the more reasons to return to the bar.
Whatever the mood you’re in, the “Honey Toast” is perfect for it. It’s a simple-yet-effective drink made with gin fat-washed with chocolate and butter. It’s fun, it’s creamy, and also works as a digestif.
You can find more information at Looper & Co.. 151 Ratchawong Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Noir CMI
Open daily, 7pm-1am
Chiang Mai has a certain vibe that cannot be shaken off — the calm, serene evening with welcoming people with smiles all around, now picture that with live jazz in the air. Noir CMI is certainly one of the best bars for a date night, with a variety of jazz available for your pleasure, from swing to neo-soul. The only trouble you may have is finding the entrance to this hidden bar.
Their signature drinks pay homage to famous jazz icons throughout history, such as Louis Armstrong, Chet Baker, Miles Davis, and more. The bar team also does an amazing array of classics, which happen to pair so well with the live jazz. Ask for a Reverse Manhattan, and you won’t be disappointed.
You can find more information at Noir CMI. 33 11 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Jack Bain’s Bar Chiang Mai
Open daily, 5-11pm
Tucked inside the historic 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, guests are invited to surround themselves with the building’s heritage and the charm that dates back to the 19th century. Perhaps pop by for an afternoon tea, and onto the bar for a refreshing glass of whatever you prefer. The cocktail selections scream “old world,” listing both common classics and lesser-known ones. They’re steeped in history, such as the Myanmar-made Pegu Club, or the Godfather that pairs whisky with almond liqueur.
Signature cocktails are slight variations on classics showcasing Thai ingredients. Highlights include “The Elephant Runner,” a twist on the Rum Runner with gold rum, fruit juices, and banana liqueur, as well as their take on an Old-Fashioned using bourbon and sweet vermouth.
You can find more information at Jack Bain’s Bar. Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Caravan Bar
Open daily, 5pm-midnight
Sophisticated yet spirited, Caravan Bar is one of the lively get-together places in Chiang Mai. This one-stop destination not only offers a wide range of boozy beverages, but also offers a wide range of seating options to chill in while adoring the wooden interior that spells out the old-world charm. From a mood-lit bar to a couch-filled lounge, there’s something for everyone at this trendy spot. As for the drinks, the extensive menu ranges from a curated wine list to a selection of single malts to cocktails.
Their signatures are cocktails inspired by ingredients people of Thailand knows and love, such as “Bakham Kham” centred around tamarind, “Hom Duan” with mint, “Khao Nuan” with jasmine, and more.
You can find more information at Caravan Bar. 37 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day and skinny legend by night, Vichayuth focuses on the hospitality industry of Thailand. You'll often find him at a bar finding new friends, discovering new drinks, and silently judging you from across the room.
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