Chiang Mai’s Thriving Bar Scene: An Insider’s Guide

Tired of large bottles of Chang and buckets of SangSom? While sinking shots with other backpackers is a rite of passage for many travelling in the Land of Smiles, Chiang Mai boasts a thriving, lesser-known bar scene – with a distinctly local flavour – that may be more to some travellers’ tastes.

You just need someone to point you in the right direction (and be willing to spend a little more than your average bottle of Singha) to uncover some of Chiang Mai’s coolest drinking dens. As with many small-scale venues in Thailand, opening times and even locations often change randomly or without notice, so check the bars’ Facebook pages before you plan your evening to make sure they’re open.

Sip on some of Chiang Mai’s best cocktails at Drinksmith

A relatively recent addition to Chiang Mai nightlife, Drinksmith has quickly made a name for itself, serving some of the most creative and highest-quality cocktails in town. Although located in an unexpected area at a Thai strip mall towards the airport, this bar impresses not only with its drinks but also with its moody ambiance. Here, delicately balanced cocktails are crafted to perfection using hard-to-find spirits, bitters, tonics, and ice that’s been cut by hand in-house. Choose classic cocktails that are elevated with unique liquors or try one of Drinksmith’s signature concoctions, like the ‘Forbidden Fruit’ featuring Yukari salt, smoked thyme, Japanese yuzu orange, rum, and hand-carved ice stamped with their logo.

Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar at Hotel Yayee

While Bangkok is known for its sheer number of rooftop bars, you’d be hard-pressed to find any bar as charming as the one at Chiang Mai’s Hotel Yayee. The decor of this chic rooftop bar, along with the adjoining Hungry Heart Cafe, looks like it was lifted straight from Pinterest, complete with hanging ferns, succulents, and marble bar tops. Known for its creative signature drinks, this cocktail bar offers a variety of imaginative beverages that tantalize the taste buds and loosen the lips – although it’s worth noting that some of their offerings are a bit on the weaker side. The stunning mountain views perfectly complement the drinks.

Choose from a range of microbrews at Namton’s House Bar

In a wooden house on the east side of the river, Namton’s House Bar is the go-to spot for beer lovers, featuring a wide range of microbrews from around the world available on tap and by the bottle or can. This welcoming, low-key bar also serves a menu of standard Western pub favorites alongside your cold brews, including salads, burritos, and burgers. While Thai beer giants Singha, Chang, and Leo are known for their affordability, imported beers have a higher markup due to strict tax laws – don’t be surprised if you’re paying as much (or more) for a bottle than you would at home.

Hang with the locals at We Didn’t Land on the Moon Since 1987

Just learning the name of We Didn’t Land on the Moon Since 1987 will make you feel like part of an exclusive club. This small, quirky bar down Th Tha Pae Soi 2 is a blend of grunge, artsy vibes, and minimalist charm. While drinks are standard (Singha, SangSom, and mojitos), it’s the eclectic crowd that promises a memorable experience.

Find the expat crowd at Small House Kafe

Small House Kafe has long been popular among expats in Chiang Mai, hosting English teachers, digital nomads, NGO workers, and former gap-year travellers who have postponed their return flights for yet another week. Although the bar itself is relatively small, ample outdoor seating makes it a favored spot to meet friends for an evening of beers and conversations while watching the sunset. Conveniently, the bar is just across the street from another expat hangout, Corner Bistro, allowing patrons to move easily between the two, especially on Friday nights when Corner Bistro attracts crowds with its weekly Fries & Hip Hop evenings.

Try Thai-inspired cocktails at Nophaburi Bar

Fitting only around 10 people, Nophaburi Bar epitomizes Thai hipster cool, complete with a stylish white scallop-tiled bar, a vibrant hot pink neon sign, and an attached vintage clothing shop. Signature cocktails here are crafted around Thai-made spirits, such as Mekhong rum, and often feature local aromatics and fruits.

Enjoy craft beer at Parallel Universe of Lunar 2 on the Hidden Moon

Another venue with an unusual name, Parallel Universe of Lunar 2 on the Hidden Moon serves craft beers with impressive floor-to-ceiling views and balconies overlooking Doi Suthep and Th Nimmanhaemin. This partially open rooftop bar, located in the One Nimman shopping centre, makes a strong first impression thanks to the elevator opening right into the airy space. The bar features 10 local and international craft beers, along with a wide variety of bottles. Arriving early during the week (the bar opens at 5 pm) increases your chances of having the spot to yourself.