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 visit.
Chiang Mai isn’t just known for cafes — not anymore. The city after dark has become one of the best areas in all Thailand to explore your palate. Of course, it’s always nice to see 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 bars 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, in our guide to the best bars in Chiang Mai.
[Hero and featured image credit: Surr Bar/Facebook]
Chiang Mai bars: 15 places to get the best cocktails up North
The White Rabbit
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.
More info: The White Rabbit
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 179/1 Floor 2 Phrapokklao Rd, Sriphum district, Mueang Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.9/5
Bitter Truth
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.
More info: Bitter Truth
Opening times: Open daily, 6-11.50pm
Location: 95, 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.7/5
Nophaburi Bar
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.
More info: Nophaburi
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 75/1 Samlaan Rd., Phasingh, Mueang, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.8/5
The Continental Bar
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.
More info: The Continental Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.8/5
Before Dawn
We have limited time before dawn, so 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.
More info:Before Dawn
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-12.30am
Location: 5/5 Nimman soi 5 Suthep Muang, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.9/5
Midlife Crisis
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 for 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.
More info: Midlife Crisis
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-12.30am
Location: Chang Moi Kao Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.8/5
Bar Foucault
Named after the French philosopher most known for critiques of humanist philosophy, Bar Foucault offers guests a taste of power through cocktails without the discipline and punish of his literary works. The drinks menu is inspired by the minds of famous philosophers — after all, where better to discuss their works than at a bar with something boozy in hand? With vibes so intimate and warm, you feel the looming sense of panopticon lifting. After an evening spent here, maybe hell isn’t other people.
More info: Bar Foucault
Opening times: Wed-Mon, 7pm-midnight
Location: 19 Chomdoi Rd Suthep, Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.8/5
Bar San
Bar San is a space for serious cocktails served with a warm, inviting hospitality. With slightly brighter lights at the bar, and a chic, rustic interior, it feels like sitting in a friend’s living room and watching them cooking something up for you after you offer to help and they said they got it. If you’re coming early, feel free to check out their food menu, and let the bartenders recommend a drink to pair.
The drinks menu at Bar San features twists on the classic that are simple yet so effective. Highlights include the “Midori Sake Sour,” a sour with sake and melon liqueur that’s simple in the way of “this is so great, why didn’t I think of this before?”, as well as the “Kicu Sidecar,” a spin on the classic Sidecar with apricot liqueur and chrysanthemum sake.
More info: Bar San
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight (Update September 2024: temporarily closed)
Location: 73 1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Ma
Google review rating: 4.9/5
THUUB Bar
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.
More info: THUUB Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 88 Chaiyapoom Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.8/5
Surr Bar
Inspired and named after surrealism art, Surr Bar is a cosy speakeasy with sleek gold walls adorned with fun artistic flourishes and the beautiful view of Nimman area. Whether it’s for an intimate date, or just wanting to unwind solo, the bar’s hospitality is always praised by those who enter.
The crowd favourite drink seems to be the “Surr ๆ,” which reminds us of a Vesper Martini with jasmine and turned into a sour drink, as well as the “Ambo,” a rum-based cocktail with hibiscus, dried rose tea, and egg white.
More info: Surr Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 12pm-midnight
Location: 8th floor, Art Mai Gallery Hotel, Soi3, Nimmanahaeminda Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.9/5
Forbidden Bar
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.
More info: Forbidden Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 6pm-midnight
Location: 4, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.7/5
Noir CMI
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.
More info: Noir CMI
Opening times: Open daily, 7pm-1am
Location: 33 11 Charoen Prathet Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Jack Bain’s Bar Chiang Mai
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.
More info: Jack Bain’s Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5-11pm
Location: Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 5/5
Caravan Bar
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.
More info: Caravan Bar
Opening times: Open daily, 5pm-midnight
Location: 37 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai
Google review rating: 4.6/5
Tags
Written by
Vichayuth Chantan
Digital Writer, Drinks and Dining
Writer by day, skinny legend by night, "Kook" Vichayuth works closely with Bangkok's F&B industry. His hobbies include bar-hopping, catching up with friends, and silently judging you from across the room.
Most Popular
