Chiang Mai is home to some of the hippest bars in the country. Whether you want a fancy cocktail at a hidden-away bar, or a 360 degrees view over the city, or a retro-style bar with someone to talk to, or a craft beer bar, or something else entirely different, there’s a drinking den waiting for you to explore.
Knowing where to drink is key, and we have just what you need: here is our exclusive peek into the city’s trendiest bars to visit at the moment.
UPPER 5TH
Located (as its name implies) on the 5th floor of One Nimman, the stylish Upper 5th offers both and indoor lounge and open-air terrace, where you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree view of Nimmanhaemin plus beautiful sunsets over Doi Suthep at around 5.45-6 pm.
From morning until evening, they serve stylish coffee and fruit juices. At night, they also serve some snacks to go with your cocktail. Check out their signature drink: Watermelon-Wine made of Dry Vermouth, Peach and Vanilla syrup, Acid Solution, Soda and Watermelon Ice. Price THB 380.
To access, take the front elevator to the 5th floor, you will arrive directly inside the bar. Limited seats available.
Address: One Nimman. 5th Floor. Nimman Chiang Mai
Tel. 064-624 6928
Facebook: Upper5th
Open Everyday 9am to 1 am
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/rrY413VuQq5W3weN9
SAN. COCKTAIL
SAN. is a discreet minimalist cocktail bar, located near Nawarat Bridge. In addition to having a great atmosphere and friendly staff, this posh bar has a truly unique and innovative Japanese inspired cocktail list. Try their delicious drinks named Suika, Shiozakua Collins, Ichigo Sour or Sakura Manhattan and be transported to Japan within seconds.
Address: 73 1 Charoen Prathet Road. Chiang Mai
Tel. 081-914 6433
Instagram: san.cocktailchiangmai
Open daily 6pm. until midnight.
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/ZAgACkdTnjuyCFUh6
TIGER BAR - MALADEE RENDEZVOUS HOTEL CHIANG MAI
Located by the poolside of the newly hotel Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai, this unique Thai style retro bar is named after the famous Thai drink "The Running Tiger".
Tiger Bar offers artisan beverages from classic local drinks with a twist to personalized cocktails. A great place to relax in style.
Signature Drink: Chom Orn (with Gin, Rose Syrup, Honey, Lime Juice, Egg White). Price THB 300.
Address: 150/1 Charoen Prathet Road. Chiang Mai
Tel. 053-270 081-4
Facebook: Maladee Rendezvous Hotel Chiang Mai
Open daily until 10pm.
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/PXEw4YpF1QatRJ1p6
NOIR CMI
Great bars can sometime be difficult to find and this is what can happen when going to NOIR. This bar is great, stylish, with live jazz music and close to the night bazaar. But before you can enjoy this great place, you will have to drive on Charoenprathet road, turn into the Diamond Riverside Hotel, park in front of the traditional Thai wooden house and walk to the small door next to it. Look for a very tiny sign that says NOIR.
Passing this door, you will enter another world and this bar is worth the time spent looking for the tiny sign NOIR.
Address: 33/11 Charoen Prathet Road. Chiang Mai
Tel. 064-953 4221
Facebook: noir/cmi - Jazz interactive space
Open daily 7pm. until midnight.
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/2LnaqsQ7GiqqV7Dd6
MAI THE SKY BAR AT MELIA
The highest rooftop bar in Chiang Mai, Mai The Sky Bar is located on the 22nd floor of Melia Hotel with panoramic views of the city, the Ping River and the finest sunsets. This bar offers a really impressive drink menu including a large set of well-crafted cocktails, beers, wines and a wide selection of whiskey along with some very tasty bar bites.
Check out their monthly specials, until March 31st 2023, they have Sunset Happy Hour on Mondays (4pm to 7pm): Buy one and get one free on classic cocktails, draught beer and non-alcoholic drinks. Wednesdays are Señorita Nights (4pm to 12am) with free access and a glass of special ladies 'drink "Be fabulous and gorgeous".
The bar has an entry fee of THB 250 that is discounted from your drink's bill.
Address: 46-48 Charoenprathet Road. Chiang Mai
Tel. 052-090 699
Open Everyday
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/YGBETibkdjvrhfAY6
THE LOBBY LOUNGE AT SHANGRI-LA CHIANG MAI
Set in a relaxing Lanna-style setting, The Lobby Lounge, is the perfect place for "lobby socialising" and gazing at the views of the hotel's superb landscaped gardens. The bar features a light dining menu, afternoon tea and cocktails.
Don't miss tasting Shangri-La's signature drink: Chang Klan Full Moon, a mix of Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Juice and Sweet Basil topped with Proseco. (Price THB 270 ++)
Address: 89/8 Changklan Road. Chiang Mai
Tel. 053-253 888
www.shangri-la.com/chiangmai
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/v8m3QSA41P4HLqDp9
BAAN TA LOUNGE & LAWN
While the Raya Heritage Hotel is light and airy, the seductive Baan Ta Lounge & Lawn is awash with striking black decor. Adjacent to the riverside garden, this cozy bar promises to amaze visitors with delicate concoctions inspired by vintage recipes.
Baan Ta bar's signature cocktail is made with local Mekhong Rum, Thai herbs and passion fruit while the Long Mae Ping is a refreshing combination of local Phraya Rum and fresh fruit juices.
Offering a captivating space for pre-dinner cocktails or light meals, Baan Ta Lounge also offers buy-one get-one-free cocktails and mocktails every evening from 5pm. to 7pm.
Address: 157 Moo6, T. Donkaew. Mae Rim. Chiang Mai
Tel. 053-111 670
Facebook: Raya Heritage
Open daily until 10pm.
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/A8uD8mz9Yj8pyDCu5
RATREE BAR - FOUR SEASONS RESORT
Named after a variety of jasmine, Ratree Bar and Lounge has a casual Thai-style ambience complete with fine wines, creative cocktails and a selection of Thai and international snacks.
Watching the sunset over the rice fields surrounding Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is an unforgettable moment.
Check out the resort's famous signature drinks: the Bee's Knees, a cocktail made with Iron Ball Gin, lemon and longan honey. This drink combines locally-sourced gin and honey. Also, try the Wild Kitchen, inspired by a fusion of the culinary and beverage team's expertise, made with lemongrass and ginger-infused Tanqueray Gin, berry liqueur, honey, lemon and apple.
Sunset at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai is around 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. Check out regular Happy Hour - Buy one Get one's special promotions. Featured cocktails at THB 600.
Address:502 Moo1. Mae Rim-Samoeng old Rd. Chiang Mai
Tel. 053-298 181
www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai
Google Map: https://goo.gl/maps/AtaVHntEC1CWShYc6
March 2023.