25 BEST Restaurants & Cafes to Check Out in Chiang Mai, Thailand - Where the Locals Like to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy Nightlife

25 BEST Restaurants & Cafes to Check Out in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Where the Locals Like to Eat, Drink, and Enjoy Nightlife
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
| Comment

🌟 Update: You can now take our travel guides offline! Check out our PDF shop.

I'm not sure if this ever happens to anyone while they are on the road, but in late 2020, I went on a 3-day trip to Chiang Mai. I wanted to attend the famous Yi Peng Festival to write about it, and one thing led to another: I ended up making new local friends who showed me around the city.

As it turned out, my local friends are extremely enthusiastic about eating and showing me all the hidden places that a local tourist like me would never notice.

Days passed as they took me around the city, letting me try all sorts of things, from grilled intestines to frogs - yup, frogs. As a local tourist, I tried them all without hesitation.

My supposed 3-day trip turned into weeks, and then months. Three months later, after eating my way through Chiang Mai City and gaining over 4 kg in the process 😱, I have decided to document my food adventure and list all the best restaurants and cafes in Chiang Mai that my local friends took me to.

Basically, I gained 4 kg for you guys 😂. Here are the 25 best restaurants and cafes that you should check out in Chiang Mai. I will divide this foodie guide into 5 sections: Breakfast, Lunch/Dinner, Cafes, Snacks & Desserts, and Night Out.

Without further ado, let's begin with the best place to have breakfast in Chiang Mai:

26 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai According to the Locals20 best things to do in Chiang Mai according to the locals

Chiang Mai Best Restaurants and Cafes Map

Chiang Mai Best Restaurants and Cafes Map

3 Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai for Breakfast

1. Khat Krata Lert Rot Breakfast

Fried egg on a pan breakfast at Khat Krata Lert Rot Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Khai Krata Lert Rot Breakfast is one of my favorite breakfast places that I often frequent when I want a good portion of Thai traditional breakfast. They sell a variety of Khai Krata or fried egg on a pan with seasonings, a local breakfast among the locals.

The interior of Khai Krata Lert Rot Restaurant in Chiang Mai

I have tried many Khai Krata dishes in my lifetime, but there is something about the seasonings they put in their dish here that makes it stand out from the rest.

A person eating a fried egg on a pan breakfast at Khai Krata Lert Rot Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Khai Krata dishes often have minced pork, cha lua (the Vietnamese Pork Sausages), Chinese Sausage, fried garlic, and vegetables like parsley on top of a sizzling fried egg in a pan, hence the name.

No time to read?

You can save this page to Pinterest and come back later.

Save 25 BEST Restaurants & Cafes to Check Out in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Pinterest. Save for Later

It's this mix of seasonings that brings all the delicious tastes of Southeast Asian cuisine into one dish for the price of around 60 THB. If you are more famished than usual, you can order the set breakfast that comes with 2 Vietnamese pieces of bread, a choice of orange juice or coffee, and the Khai Krata dish for around 65-85 THB.

The Vietnamese Coffee from Khai Krata Lert Rot Restaurant in Chiang Mai

On top of that, you can also order a 40 THB Vietnamese Coffee, which is one of my favorite types of coffee. It comes with this old-school French press on your cup, and you have to wait for the coffee to drip through for about 5 minutes.

The thickness of its coffee, the condensed milk, and simply the anticipation of waiting make Vietnamese Coffee one of my favorite coffees in the world. Khai Krata Lert Rot Breakfast's operating hours are from 6 AM to 2 PM every day.

2. Ja Ae Congee

The Ja Ae Congee food cart in Chiang Mai

Ja Ae Congee is another breakfast place I often frequented when I was in Chiang Mai. Located in front of the old Chiang Mai Night Bazar, Ja Ae Congee is just a food cart on the street that serves delicious congee for breakfast.

Congee from Ja Ae Congee in Chiang Mai

They serve a huge portion of congee that goes great with the Pa-Tong-Go (the Chinese fried dough), and Kanom Krok (coconut-rice pancakes), which are sold by this lovely "auntie" near the congee place.

The auntie making kanom krok in front of Ja Ae Congee in Chiang Mai

Their congee prices range from 30 - 60 THB, 10 THB for one pair of Pa-Tong-Go, and 20 THB for the Kanom Krok. When you are buying the Kanom Krok, show the auntie my photo and see if she remembers me 😉. We have become quite acquainted over the past 3 months of buying from her constantly.

Ja Ae Congee's operating hours are from 6 AM to 10 AM every day.

3. Nana Bakery

Plain croissant from Nana Bakery in Chiang Mai

Nana Bakery is the go-to place for me whenever I feel a strong craving for croissants in Chiang Mai, which happens more often than I'd like to admit.

Plain and almond croissants from Nana Bakery in Chiang Mai

Nana Bakery bakes fresh, crispy croissants every day in both bite-sizes and large, with a variety of flavors ranging from plain to chocolate to ham & cheese. The bite-size croissants cost as low as 15 THB per piece, and the large size goes for about 35 THB only, so you can mix and match the flavors when you order.

Plain and almond croissants from Nana Bakery in Chiang Mai side by side

They also used to have breakfast menus and a seating area, but due to COVID-19, they no longer allow eating at the bakery. However, you can still order takeaways, which is what I did.

Nana croissants used as an ice cream croissants in Chiang Mai

I often order at least 10 croissants with different flavors whenever I'm at Nana Bakery. I told you, I have a strong craving for croissants 😆. Nana Bakery's operating hours are from 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and Sundays.

15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try

10 Best Restaurants in Chiang Mai for Lunch/Dinner

4. Chang Phueak Suki

The dry sukiyaki with pork from Chang Phueak Suki in Chiang Mai

Another popular place to eat that you shouldn't miss in Chiang Mai is, in fact, a street food cart at Chang Phueak Evening Market called Chang Phueak Suki.

Chang Phueak Suki at the Chang Phueak market in Chiang Mai

They are known for their fresh sukiyaki dish and their delicious sauce, as well as their generosity when it comes to the vegetables they include in their dishes. Their sukiyaki dish is one of the most delicious sukiyaki you will ever taste, and it's only 60 THB. That's a steal.

Suki being prepared at Chang Phueak Suki in Chiang Mai

I highly recommend ordering "Dry Suki with Pork" - you'll love it! Despite the greatness of this place, it's incredibly popular. If you arrive at 6 PM, you'll likely have to wait for hours to get your dish. However, I have a secret tip to help you avoid the queue.

The available meal at Chang Phueak Suki in Chiang Mai

Chang Phueak Suki has another branch that is more efficient, and you do not have to wait as long. It is located near Chiang Mai University. The Chang Phueak Suki university branch tastes just as good, and you do not have to wait in line for hours to eat like the one at the Chang Phuenk Evening Market.

Chang Phueak Suki at the evening market opens from 5:30 PM to midnight, whereas Chang Phueak Suki at the Chiang Mai University opens from 9 AM to 11 PM. So, if you don't want to wait in line, go eat at the university branch!

5. Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm

Beef Khao Soi from Khao Soi Lung Prakit Restaurant in Chiang Mai

One of the best Khao Soi I have ever tasted in Chiang Mai is from Khao Soi Lung Prakit Kaat Gorm or Khao Soi Lung Prakit for short, thanks to my local friends who took me to this place when I was staying in Chiang Mai.

Khao Soi and Chicken Rice from Khao Soi Lung Prakit Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Khao Soi from Khao Soi Lung Prakit Restaurant is known for its aromatic Khao Soi soup, which has a little spice added to it. The Khao Soi Beef here is to die for. The spicy, thick soup brings out the taste and texture of the beef that no other Khao Soi restaurant can replicate. I highly recommend you try the Khao Soi Beef when you are here.

The entrance of Khao Soi Lung Prakit Restaurant in Chiang Mai

The place is extremely popular among the locals and tourists alike, so much so that the restaurant has been featured on Netflix - something that the owner is extremely proud of.

The entrance of Khao Soi Lung Prakit Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Khao Soi Lung Prakit is so popular that it was featured on "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix by Phil Rosenthal, and you can watch his reaction online here. Their Khao Soi dishes cost about 50 THB, and the restaurant's opening hours are between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.

6. Kanom Jeen San Pa Koi

Kanom Jeen San Pa Koi in Chiang Mai.

If you had told me a year ago that there is a place in Chiang Mai where you can buy dinner for 20 THB, I would have thought that you were crazy. The existence of Kanom Jeen San Pa Koi has proven just how little I knew about Chiang Mai.

Kanom Jeen San Pa Koi is a restaurant that sells Kanom Jeen, which are soft noodles, with a variety of curries on top. It's one of the most popular Northern Thai dishes, and there are several types of curry to choose from, such as green curry and nam ngiaw (red curry).

The restaurant is several decades old, and the locals have been eating at Kanom Jeen San Pa Koi since they were young. It was 20 THB then, and surprisingly, it is still 20 THB today! That's the cheapest dinner ever!

Their Kanom Jeen comes in a small bowl with a choice of your favorite curry, but since it is small, I would often order 2-3 bowls with different curries so I can taste them all. I suggest you do the same. San Pa Koi's opening hours are between 11 AM and 11 PM on weekdays and Saturdays.

7. Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant

The restaurant front of Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant in Thailand.

One of the most popular restaurants among the locals, which was also recommended to me by my friend from Lampang, is Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant, a local restaurant that still maintains the spiciness and deliciousness of the unique palate of Northern Thai food.

The recommended menu of Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant in Thailand.

It is also extremely cheap, with a ton of options for you to choose from, which makes it even better. You can try many things at once, even if you are traveling solo.

The waiting area of Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant in Thailand.

The restaurant opens from 9 AM to 8:30 PM, and in order to get a table (it gets crowded at lunchtime and dinnertime), you will have to wait in a queue at its café in front of the restaurant. Thankfully, while you wait to be seated, you can order the food right away so that by the time you have a table, your food will be ready for you.

The dishes I ordered at Han Teung Chiang Mai Restaurant in Thailand.

Dishes I recommend are Deep Fried Steaky Pork, Papaya Tempura Salad, and Stir-fried Fermented Pork with Egg. They are all delicious and not too spicy (by Thai standards 😉).

8. Rod Yiam Restaurant

The interior of Rod Yiam Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Rod Yiam Restaurant is the original beef noodle restaurant that has been open since the 80s. It was even internationally recognized back in the days when the newspaper called them the new Thai-style fast food place that would rock the US.

Beef Noodle Dish from Rod Yiam Restaurant in Chiang Mai

I'm not sure if they went ahead with their expansion to the US back in the day, but now they have become the old-school beef noodle places that every local knows and loves.

A Beef Noodle bowl from Rod Yiam Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Their delicious beef soup, which is thick and spicy, together with their juicy beef balls, won my heart instantly when I first tried it. The restaurant's attention to neatness, cleanliness, and maintaining hygiene is evident from the cleanliness of the space, which is not easy to find in old restaurants in Thailand.

The front of Rod Yiam Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Their beef noodle costs around 50 - 60 THB. Another must-try dish is the curry beef on rice, which I highly recommend. Rod Yiam Restaurant has many branches run by each sibling of the family, but the best Rod Yiam, and the original, is at Sri-Poom Corner by the old wall, so be sure you go to the right one. Rod Yiam Restaurant's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 5 PM every day.

9. Chang Moi Ka Fae Restaurant

The entrance of Chang Moi Ka Fae in Chiang Mai

Chang Moi Ka Fae Restaurant is another old-school beef noodle shop that has been open for decades, and the locals have been eating there since they were children.

The interior of Chang Moi Ka Fae in Chiang Mai

Their simple but delicious beef noodle and beef balls are what has won over the hearts and minds of the locals in Chiang Mai City. The restaurant is also in their old, original wooden house that maintains the vintage vibe of the 90s perfectly with its decors.

A beef noodle bowl from Chang Moi Ka Fae in Chiang Mai

If you are looking for a nice beef noodle to eat that isn't too far from the Three Kings Monument, then this place is a must-try. Chang Moi Ka Fae Restaurant's opening hours are between 10 AM and 2:30 PM every day.

10. Musashi Contemporary Sushi Bar

Sushi set at Musashi Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Musashi Contemporary Sushi Bar is a great place to eat if you want a bit of a change from all the greasy street food and want to eat something healthier.

A chef preparing sushi at Musashi Restaurant in Chiang Mai

Their menu of freshly-made sushi and rolls, which have an identity of their own, is what makes Musashi one of my favorite places to dine at. They have creative signature items on their menu, such as Godzilla, Pimp, and Fire Dragon, that will pique your curiosity.

Medlada Roll from Musashi Restaurant in Chiang Mai

They even have a menu called "Medlada" named after one of the owners, which is made out of tuna, salmon, crab sticks, and all sorts of fresh vegetables that are to die for.

New menu from Musashi Restaurant in Chiang Mai

The prices of the food at Musashi range from 60 - 300 THB, making it great for any type of budget. If you are looking for healthier food to eat in Chiang Mai, this is the place to be. Musashi Restaurant's opening hours are between 11 AM and 10 PM every day.

11. Baan Suan Mae Rim

Food from Baan Suan Mae Rim in Chiang Mai

Baan Suan Mae Rim is a family-style restaurant located in the Mae Rim district, which is 20 km away from Chiang Mai City Center. It is a great restaurant if you are in a big group or a family, with several Thai dishes to choose from.

The glass noodle with salted eggs and savory pork dish from Baan Suan Mae Rim in Chiang Mai

They serve all kinds of Northern Thai dishes, from stir-fried fermented pork with pickled garlic to glass noodles with salted eggs and savory pork. Both are highly recommended and cooked in a familiar and easy-to-eat taste without being too overly spicy.

A curry from Baan Suan Mae Rim in Chiang Mai

The prices of the food here are moderately priced, with a dish starting at 90 THB and going up to 300 THB. Not recommended if you are a solo traveler, but if you are in a group of 2 or more, you will love all the options you have here.

Grilled Frog Legs from Baan Suan Mae Rim in Chiang Mai

The restaurant is also located outside of the city, with a garden seating area by a small reservoir, perfect for a nice romantic dinner. Baan Suan Mae Rim's opening hours are between 10 AM and 10 PM every day.

12. Ohkajhu Restaurant

Ohkajhu Restaurant in Thailand

Ohkajhu Restaurant is a popular chain restaurant originating from Chiang Mai that has since expanded throughout Thailand. The restaurant is known for its generous portions of salads and fusion food, guaranteeing a full stomach when you walk out of the restaurant.

The restaurant is known for its organically and locally grown vegetables sourced from their own farms in Chiang Mai, and they serve tasty Thai-Western fusion food ranging from salads to steaks. The price is quite high, but the portion you receive for each dish you order is worth every penny you spend.

There are several branches in Chiang Mai, but the one nearest to Chiang Mai City is at Nim City by the airport, and it is in this large building with plenty of seats and parking lots. Ohkajhu Restaurant's opening hours are between 9:30 AM and 9:30 PM every day.

13. Auf de Au Garden German Buffet

A german dish from Auf de Au garden in Chiang Mai

Auf de Au Garden is, hands down, one of the best German buffet restaurants in Chiang Mai that serve fresh German food at an inexpensive price. From bratwurst to Schweinshaxe (German Pork Knuckle), you will find them all here.

The entrance of Auf de Au garden in Chiang Mai

Auf de Au Garden is owned by a German guy who runs a guesthouse in the middle of Chiang Mai City. He has turned the building in front of his guesthouse into a German restaurant.

The buffet at Auf de Au garden in Chiang Mai

And I know, I know, this restaurant may not be serving Thai dishes or frequented by the locals, but when I took my local friends here, they were extremely impressed by it, especially the buffet price of only 169 THB for lunch and 199 THB for dinner (they only have German Pork Knuckle and cheesecakes at dinner).

Breads at Auf de Au garden in Chiang Mai

If you are looking for an authentic German food fix or want to have a German feast at an affordable price while you are in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend Auf der Au Garden Restaurant.

A table full of German food at Auf de Au garden in Chiang Mai

Auf de Au Restaurant opening hours are between 9 AM and 2:30 PM for lunch and 5 PM and 9 PM for dinner every day. At lunch, the buffet costs 169 THB whereas dinner costs 199 THB per person and comes with the famous German pork knuckle and homemade cheesecakes extra from the lunch option.

4 Best Cafes in Chiang Mai for Coffee Lovers

14. The Baristro x Ping River

The entrance of The Baristro x Ping River in Chiang Mai

One of the best cafes I often frequent when I want to just sit and relax by the Ping River is The Baristro x Ping River. The cafe is in this concrete house with a large platform with many seating areas outside by the Ping River.

A coffee on a table at The Baristro x Ping River in Chiang Mai

It is my favorite cafe in Chiang Mai for many reasons. Firstly, they have one of the coziest atmospheres out there, with many seating areas to choose from. Secondly, it is right by the River Ping, and the outside seating area gives me a great view of the mighty river.

The bar at The Baristro x Ping River in Chiang Mai

Thirdly, they have fast internet and power outlets all over the cafe, allowing me to sit there and work for hours while enjoying my coffee. Finally, they have a very creative coffee menu and pastries, as well as the classics, to choose from.

A digital nomad workstation at The Baristro x Ping River in Chiang Mai

The Baristro coffees cost around 60 - 120 THB, which is considered pretty cheap for what you get and its unique locations. The cafe opens from 8 AM to 7 PM every day. I highly recommend the Baristro if you are looking for a nice, spacious place to sit and relax.

15. Fern Forest Cafe

The interior of Fern Forest Cafe in Chiang Mai

Fern Forest Cafe is a popular cafe inside these beautiful white wooden houses that were renovated from an old house with a courtyard, under the shade of huge fern trees. Hence, the name Fern Cafe.

The entrance of Fern Forest Cafe in Chiang Mai

It is a popular cafe for both the locals and expats who are looking for a quiet place to hang out and chat with friends over coffee and pastries. There are three seating areas: the courtyard under all the large fern trees where I often sit, the first floor with sofas, and a quieter second floor with a large window overlooking the courtyard.

Coconut cream cake from Fern Forest Cafe in Chiang Mai

They serve coffee, drinks, and pastries as well as breakfast and lunch, with prices ranging from 90 THB to 350 THB. It's a bit pricey, but the food is of high quality, and the setting and vibe are great for a nice hangout with friends.

A drink from Fern Forest Cafe in Chiang Mai

I highly recommend you try their coconut cream cake. You won't regret it! Fern Forest Cafe's opening hours are between 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM every day. The kitchen is closed at 8 PM sharp.

16. Chu Jai @ Jing Jai Market

People enjoying coffee at Chu Jai Cafe in Jing Jai Farmers Market in Chiang Mai

Chu Jai @ Jing Jai Market is not so much a cafe but simply a guy with his bamboo yoke who sits on the floor at Jing Jai Farmer's Market and makes drip coffee for you.

The guy at Chu Jai Cafe making coffee in Jing Jai Farmers Market in Chiang Mai

What makes Chu Jai stand out is the way he accepts payment for his coffee. He uses the concept of pay-it-forward, where he will make your coffee and you can pay whatever you want. It is one of the coolest ideas, and he has become quite a popular face at the Jing Jai Market.

A hand drawn coffee cup from Chu Jai Cafe at Jing Jai Farmers Market in Chiang Mai

He is also from the Karen ethnic hill-tribe and owns his own coffee farm in the mountains. He would come down every weekend with his makeshift café, sit in his usual spot, and make coffee for free. I guarantee you won't find anything like this in a big city like Bangkok!

A guy folding a coffee filter at Chu Jai Cafe @ Jing Jai Market, Chiang Mai

Chu Jai's opening hours are between 6:30 AM and 1 PM on Saturday and Sunday at the Jing Jai Farmer's Market. You will have to look for him a bit as he may switch places, but you should easily notice him by the crowds that sit around on the floor chatting up with him.

17. Akha Ama Coffee

A bagel and a cup of coffee at Akha Ama Coffee in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is one of the most popular locations for digital nomads who live and die by how great the supply of coffee is, so you will find an abundance of nice, cozy cafes for you to pick from. One of my favorite cafes is Akha Ama Coffee, located right in the center of Chiang Mai's Old Town.

Akha Ama Coffee shop interior in Chiang Mai

They serve a mean and delicious cup of latte with some light snacks to go with it. They have both outside and inside seating areas and are perfect for those who are just looking for a quiet place to relax and catch up on books or work.

4 Best Cafes in Chiang Mai for Snacks and Desserts

18. The Volcano

Extra cheesy toasts from The Volcano in Chiang Mai

The Volcano is a local franchise that sells extra cheesy toasts among other types of toast-specific snacks that are quite popular among the young locals. They are well-known for their extremely soft toast and their unique flavors that go extremely well with the freshly grilled toasts.

The staff at the Volcano, Chiang Mai.

From the Volcano's classic extra cheesy flavor that even Pizza Hut's cheesy crust would have to step aside for, to lime flavored ice cream inside the toast, it is one of my favorite places to stop for a snack.

There are several branches all over Chiang Mai, but the easiest one to visit is the branch behind Chiang Mai University. They also have a second floor where you can sit and enjoy the snack at your own leisure. The Volcano's opening hours are from 12 PM to 10 PM every day.

19. Roti Mataba by Pa Dae

The Roti Mataba by Pa Dae food cart in Chiang Mai

Roti Mataba by Pa Dae is a place I often frequent for a late-night dessert, so much so that Pa Dae (Auntie Dae) recognizes me 😆 as I constantly praise her skills and, more importantly, her stunning earrings.

Auntie Dae preparing the roti at Roti Mataba by Pa Dae food cart in Chiang Mai

Every evening, Auntie Dae and her family would come out to this same spot in front of Wat Mahawan, sporting her iconic over-the-top earrings, and make delicious roti for those late-night snackers.

Piled up roti at Roti Mataba by Pa Dae food cart in Chiang Mai

Roti Mataba by Pa Dae has many types of roti on her menu, but the best ones that I highly recommend you order are the Roti Cheese, which cost only 20 THB. It's a small portion, so you might want to order a few, but trust me, her roti's crispiness and softness are nothing like any roti you've tried before in Thailand.

Auntie Dae and her family making roti at Roti Mataba by Pa Dae food cart in Chiang Mai

Roti Mataba by Pa Dae's opening hours are from 6 PM to 12 AM every day. The place attracts quite a lot of local tourists, so if you don't want to wait, I recommend you visit around 6 PM or later in the night, at 10 PM onward.

20. Khao Neaw Mana

Mango and Sticky Rice from At Khao Neaw Mana

Khao Neaw Mana is a nice, small hidden gem located in front of At Chiang Mai Restaurant. They are known for serving one of the juiciest pieces of mango with sticky rice and coconut milk around.

The store front of >Khao Neaw Mana

The mango and sticky rice cost around 40 THB, which is way cheaper than if you buy it in Bangkok. Khao Neaw Mana's opening hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.

21. Patan Ice Cream

Patan Ice Cream food cart on the street of Chiang Mai

Patan Ice Cream is a locally-owned ice cream franchise that has been selling Thai-traditional coconut ice cream with seasonings like nuts, sticky rice, and more for decades. Patan's Ice Cream is well-loved by the locals who grew up in the 90s.

Ice creams being served from Patan Ice Cream food cart on the street of Chiang Mai

My local friend told me that whenever they heard the bell ring sound, they would run out and chase the ice cream bike just to buy one. It is that good. Patan Ice Cream is not actually one shop but a slew of ice cream bikes that go around Chiang Mai City and sell ice cream.

Ice creams inside a 2-pieces bread from Patan Ice Cream food cart on the street of Chiang Mai

So if you ever see an ice cream cart like this, be sure to give it a try. You can order your ice cream in a cup, a cone, or the best way of all, stuffed in a 2-piece bread, for only 10 THB. It's that affordable!

If you can't seem to find this ice cream bike, you can also visit their shop located in the Patan district of Chiang Mai. Patan Ice Cream Shop's opening hours are from 8 AM to 5 PM every day.

4 Best Bars in Chiang Mai for a Night Out

22. The North Gate Jazz Co-op Bar

The entrance of the crowded North Gate Jazz Bar in Chiang Mai

One of the last things I thought I would be enjoying in Chiang Mai is jazz, but lo and behold, I found a funky jazz bar that I actually enjoy in Thailand! It's called The North Gate Jazz Co-op Bar and they present a regular lineup of live jazz artists every day for you to enjoy.

A band playing jazz at the North Gate Jazz Bar in Chiang Mai

There are around 2-3 bands every night, which often consist of talented local students and foreigners alike, and they play both Thai and English jazz songs.

A person singing at the North Gate Jazz Bar in Chiang Mai

Every Tuesday is a co-op day at The North Gate Jazz Bar, where the audience can come up and jam with the band, creating a dynamic back and forth between the performers and the audience.

An audience at the North Gate Jazz Bar in Chiang Mai

You will find all kinds of people here, from the locals who regularly come here to the world travelers and local students. It is a mix of good vibes, good people, and the underground feeling that makes the North Gate Jazz Bar one of my favorite places to visit at night in Chiang Mai.

A trumpet player and a guitarist at the North Gate Jazz Bar in Chiang Mai

The North Gate Jazz Bar opens from 7 PM to 12 AM every day. They have a few selections of liquor, and the place is small, but it gets packed every night. If you enjoy jazz, there is no better place to be than here.

23. Ae Te South Gate Bar

The entrance of Ae Te South Gate Bar in Chiang Mai

Ae Te South Gate Bar is a great place to hang out at night and enjoy a beer with live music while appreciating the beauty of Chiang Mai's ancient wall.

Live music playing at Ae Te South Gate Bar in Chiang Mai

Located right at the South Gate of Chiang Mai Old City, Ae Te Bar has a front row seat with a view of the beautiful gate. They have three floors, all with tables by the balcony, and a rooftop overlooking the South Gate.

A bar at Ae Te South Gate Bar in Chiang Mai

You can grab a beer, come up to the rooftop, and enjoy a nice night out with friends with the stunning view of the wall. The view doesn't get any better than that.

2 women sitting by the balcony Ae Te South Gate Bar in Chiang Mai

They also switch between live music and a DJ playing western music, and not the kind that will make your ears bleed, but the good ones from modern to old-school. The music is not super loud, so you can still talk to one another, or you can retreat to the rooftop for a quieter atmosphere.

Fireworks going off at the rooftop of Ae Te South Gate Bar in Chiang Mai

If you are looking for a place to sit and enjoy good music other than jazz, this is the place to be. Ae Te South Gate Bar's opening hours are from 9 AM to 12 PM every day.

24. Thapae Grill

The entrance of Thapae Grill in Chiang Mai

Thapae Grill is only recently opened and due to its central location, right at the Thapae City Gate in a 3-story building with a rooftop, the place instantly caught my attention. They sell deliciously spicy mala Chinese barbecue and beers that go surprisingly well together.

People drinking at sunset on the rooftop of Thapae Grill in Chiang Mai

Their mala Chinese barbecues are spicy but not too much, which makes them great to eat while you drink your beers. They have a ton of seating areas, but the most popular place to sit at Thapae Grill is on the rooftop, where you will be able to enjoy your drinks and barbecues while watching the sunset over Doi Suthep.

The mala barbecues from Thapae Grill in Chiang Mai

On Sundays, there is also a walking street below, which makes the Thapae Grill one of the best places to be if you wish to see the crowded Walking Street from above.

The view from the rooftop of Thapae Grill in Chiang Mai

The price of one mala barbecue is 15 THB, which is not expensive, and they have a ton of selections for you to choose from. You can order them before you enter, and they will deliver them to you on the rooftop. Thapae Grill's opening hours are from 5 PM to 12 AM every day.

25. Warm Up Cafe / Zoe in Yellow

Last but not least, if you are looking for a place to dance away the night, there are 2 clubs that are popular among the locals. One is Warm Up Cafe, which is the most popular club among the Thais. They have several sections for each type of music for you to enjoy.

If you want to attract more international crowds, Zoe in Yellow is also a great option for you. This club is equally popular but it caters more towards the international market. So, if you are looking for a more western vibe, this is the place to be.

Chiang Mai Travel Video

Watch it on Youtube

Further Reading for Northern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Northern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Thailand that you might find useful:

Categories DestinationsThailandSoutheast AsiaAsiaNorthern Thailand

Leave a Comment

Please do not use your business name to comment.