1. What are some popular bars and clubs in Chiang Mai?
Some popular bars and clubs in Chiang Mai include:1. Zoe in Yellow
2. Infinity Club
3. Warm Up Cafe
4. The North Gate Jazz Co-op
5. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant
6. Maldives Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
7. Brasserie
8. Mandalay Jazz Club & Cigar Lounge
9. The Garden at the Riverside Bar & Restaurant
10. Spicy Club Chiang Mai
2. What is the nightlife like in Chiang Mai?
The nightlife in Chiang Mai is vibrant and lively, with a mix of traditional Thai culture and modern influences. There are plenty of options for music lovers, from live jazz and acoustic performances to electronic dance music at clubs and bars around town.
3. Is there a red light district in Chiang Mai?
Chiang Mai does not have a designated red light district like other cities in Thailand such as Bangkok or Pattaya. However, there are areas known for their concentration of bars and entertainment venues such as the Night Bazaar area or Loi Kroh Road where one can find go-go bars, massage parlors, and other adult entertainment establishments.
4.Is there any age restriction for entering the bars and clubs in Chiang Mai?
While most bars and clubs do not have strict age restrictions, it is generally expected that patrons be over 18 to enter these establishments.
5.Is there any dress code for going out at night in Chiang Mai?
There isn’t a strict dress code for going out at night in Chiang Mai, but many venues prefer smart casual attire. In some cases, beach or athletic wear may not be allowed.
6.What is the average cost of drinks in bars and clubs in Chiang Mai? The average cost of drinks varies depending on the venue’s location, type, and popularity, but expect to pay around 100-200 baht (approximately $3-6 USD) for a beer or cocktail in most bars and clubs in Chiang Mai. Prices may be higher in more upscale or touristy establishments.
7.What time do the bars and clubs close in Chiang Mai? Most bars and clubs in Chiang Mai close at 2 am, although some may stay open later. Many venues also have an earlier closing time on weekdays compared to weekends.
8.Can I find live music in bars and clubs in Chiang Mai?
Yes, there are many venues that host live music performances throughout the week. The Riverside Bar & Restaurant, North Gate Jazz Co-op, and The Garden at the Riverside are popular choices for live music lovers.
9.Do I need to tip at bars and clubs in Chiang Mai?
Tipping is not expected at bars and clubs in Thailand, but it is appreciated. Some establishments may include a service charge on the bill, so be sure to check before leaving a tip. In most cases, a small amount (20-50 baht) per drink consumed is considered sufficient.
10.Is it safe for women to go out at night alone inChiang Mai?
Chiang Mai is generally considered a safe city for women to go out at night alone. However, as with any destination, it’s always important to use caution and common sense when traveling solo at night.
2. Where can one find live music venues in the city?
There are many live music venues in the city, including bars, clubs, concert halls, and outdoor venues. Some popular places to find live music include:
1. Downtown/Financial District: This area is home to several iconic music venues such as The Fillmore, Warfield Theatre, and Great American Music Hall.
2. Mission District: The Mission District has a lively music scene with many bars and clubs featuring live music, such as Amnesia, Elbo Room, and Brick & Mortar Music Hall.
3. North Beach: This neighborhood is known for its jazz clubs like Biscuits & Blues and The Saloon.
4. Haight-Ashbury: This iconic neighborhood has multiple venues for live music including The Independent and Sweetwater Music Hall.
5. SoMa: This area is home to large concert halls like The Bill Graham Civic Auditorium and The Warfield.
6. Golden Gate Park: During the summer months, there are often outdoor concerts held at Golden Gate Park’s Sharon Meadow or Lindley Meadow.
7. Waterfront/Embarcadero: You can catch live performances on the Embarcadero at Pier 39 or at the outdoor venue Chase Center.
Additionally, many local bars and restaurants also have live music nights throughout the week, so keep an eye out for flyers or check their websites for event schedules.
3. Are there any rooftop bars with a great view in Chiang Mai?
Yes, there are several rooftop bars with great views in Chiang Mai. Some popular options include:
– The Rooftop Bar at Maya Shopping Center: This bar offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
– The Astra Sky Bar at Akyra Manor Chiang Mai: This swanky rooftop bar boasts panoramic views of the city and an infinity pool.
– Myst Rooftop Bar at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort: Located on the top floor of the hotel, this bar offers views of both the city and Doi Suthep mountain.
– Palaad Tawanron Rooftop Bar: This rooftop bar is located in the heart of the Nimmanhaemin neighborhood, offering cozy vibes and great views.
– Mixology Rooftop Bar: This stylish rooftop bar offers a 360-degree view of Chiang Mai and a chic and modern atmosphere.
4. What kind of entertainment options are available in the Old City area?
The Old City area offers a variety of entertainment options, including live music performances, street performances, traditional dance shows, and theater productions. There are also many restaurants and cafes that offer live music or cultural performances during dinner. Other popular activities in the area include guided tours of historic sites, art galleries and museums featuring local works, and shopping for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Additionally, the vibrant nightlife scene in the Old City area includes bars and clubs offering live music or DJ sets.
5. Can you recommend any local hangout spots for nightlife?
Here are a few popular local hangout spots for nightlife in different cities around the world:
1. Austin, Texas: 6th Street – Known for its live music scene and a wide variety of bars and clubs.
2. London, England: Camden Town – A vibrant area with numerous pubs, live music venues, and nightclubs.
3. Tokyo, Japan: Shibuya – An energetic district with plenty of izakayas (casual Japanese pubs), karaoke bars, and clubs.
4. Berlin, Germany: Kreuzberg – A hip neighborhood with alternative bars and clubs offering electronic music.
5. New Orleans, Louisiana: Frenchmen Street – Lively street lined with jazz clubs and bars showcasing local musicians.
6. Sydney, Australia: Kings Cross – Bustling area filled with rooftop bars, cocktail lounges, and dance clubs.
7. Cape Town, South Africa: Long Street – A mix of backpacker bars, trendy cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
8. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Ipanema Beach – Popular beachside destination for nightlife with a variety of bars and clubs nearby.
9. Bangkok, Thailand: Khao San Road – Famous backpacker street with cheap drinks, street food vendors, and live music performances.
10. Barcelona, Spain: El Raval – Eclectic neighborhood with a diverse range of bars and clubs to choose from.
6. What is the dress code like for nightclubs in Chiang Mai?
The dress code for nightclubs in Chiang Mai can vary slightly, but most places have a smart-casual or casual dress code. This typically means no sleeveless shirts for men and no flip flops or shorts for both men and women. Some clubs may have a more strict dress code and require specific attire such as collared shirts or dresses for women, so it is recommended to check with the particular club beforehand. It is also important to note that some clubs may not allow entry to those wearing athletic wear or overly revealing clothing.
7. Are there any unique or unusual nightlife experiences in the city?
There are a few unique and unusual nightlife experiences in the city, such as:
1. Karaoke Boxx: This is a unique karaoke bar where you can rent your own private themed room with friends and sing along to your favorite songs.
2. Thompson Toronto Rooftop Lounge: This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city skyline, and has a glass-bottom pool that extends out over the edge of the building. It’s a popular spot for a fancy night out.
3. Handlebar: A quirky bar with a bicycle theme, this spot is known for its lively atmosphere and live music performances.
4. The Rec Room: This entertainment complex offers arcade games, virtual reality experiences, live performances, and delicious food and drinks all in one place.
5. Tilt Arcade Bar: Another arcade bar, Tilt offers classic video games, pinball machines, foosball tables, and more to keep you entertained all night long.
6. Dasha Supper Club: This luxurious club combines fine dining with dancing and live entertainment for a truly unique experience.
7. Flow Fridays at Everleigh Toronto: Every Friday night at this nightclub features live interactive art installations that change every week, adding an element of surprise to your night out.
8. Is it easy to find taxi or transportation services at night for getting around?
It depends on the location and the availability of transportation services in that area. In some cities, it may be easy to find taxis or other forms of public transportation at night. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, it may be more difficult to find these services at night. It is always recommended to plan ahead and research transportation options before traveling at night.
9. Are there any cultural shows or performances worth seeing in Chiang Mai?
Yes, there are several cultural shows and performances worth seeing in Chiang Mai. Some popular options include:
1. Khantoke Dinner Show: This is a traditional Lanna-style dinner accompanied by a cultural show featuring traditional music and dance performances.
2. Chiang Mai Cabaret Show: This lively show features drag queen performers showcasing Thai and international music, dance, and comedy.
3. Siam Niramit Chiang Mai: This grand production showcases Thailand’s history, culture, and traditions through stunning visual effects, live performances, and special effects.
4. Elephant Nature Park Show: At this sanctuary for rescued elephants, visitors can watch daily shows where the elephants demonstrate their natural abilities and interact with trainers.
5. Sunday Night Walking Street Market: This weekly market features street performances such as live music and traditional Thai puppet shows.
6. Traditional Thai Puppet Show at Baan Kang Wat: This community arts village hosts a weekly puppet show featuring classic Thai folk tales performed with handmade puppets.
7. North Gate Jazz Co-Op: Every night, this venue hosts live jazz performances by local musicians in a relaxed outdoor setting.
8. Kalare Night Bazaar Music Stage: Located within the popular night bazaar area, this stage features nightly live music performances from various genres such as reggae, rock, and pop.
9. Tribal Museum Hilltribe Cultural Performance: This museum offers daily cultural performances from different hill tribe groups showcasing their traditional dances, costumes, and music.
10. Where can one find LGBTQ-friendly places to go out at night?
1. LGBTQ community centers or organizations: These often have lists or recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly nightlife options in the area.
2. Online directories: Websites like GayCities and Pink Spots offer user-generated reviews and recommendations for LGBTQ-friendly establishments.
3. Social media groups and pages: Joining a local LGBTQ Facebook group or following a popular Instagram account can give you insight on the best places to go out at night.
4. LGBTQ-specific travel guides: Many travel sites, such as TripSavvy and Lonely Planet, offer guides that highlight LGBTQ-friendly places to go out at night in various cities.
5. Word of mouth: Ask your friends and acquaintances in the LGBTQ community for their recommendations on where to go out at night. They may have insider knowledge on the best spots.
6. Pride events: Attending local Pride events can give you a taste of the city’s LGBTQ nightlife scene, as well as introduce you to other members of the community who can share their favorite spots with you.
7. Yelp or Google reviews: Some people leave comments about the diversity and inclusivity of establishments on these types of platforms, so it’s worth doing some research before heading out for the night.
8. LGBTQ publications or blogs: Many cities have LGBTQ-focused magazines or blogs that feature articles and reviews on queer-friendly nightlife options.
9. Hotel concierge: If you’re staying at a hotel, don’t be afraid to ask the concierge for their recommendations on where to go out at night in the area.
10. Apps: There are several apps specifically designed to help users find LGBT-friendly bars, clubs, and events in their area, such as Grindr, Gay Cities Guide, Hornet, and Qrushr.
11. Are there any all-night markets or street vendors selling food and drinks?
It depends on the location. Some cities may have all-night markets or street vendors selling food and drinks, while others may not. It is best to research the specific city you are visiting to see if there are any options available. In general, larger cities and tourist areas are more likely to have all-night markets or street vendors.
12. What is the drinking age and how strictly is it enforced in Chiang Mai?
The legal drinking age in Chiang Mai, Thailand is 20 years old. However, it is often not strictly enforced and it is not uncommon for minors to be served alcohol in restaurants or bars. It is important to note that the legal drinking age may be strictly enforced in certain establishments, such as nightclubs or events with strict entry requirements. It is always best to carry a valid form of identification when consuming alcohol in Chiang Mai to avoid any issues.
13. Is bar hopping a popular activity, and which areas are best for it?
Yes, bar hopping is a popular activity in many cities, particularly for young adults. Some areas that are known for their vibrant nightlife and have many bars close to each other include:
1. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada: With a variety of themed bars, trendy clubs, and casinos lining the famous strip, this is a popular destination for bar hopping.
2. Bourbon Street, New Orleans: Known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant music scene, Bourbon Street has numerous bars and clubs that cater to different tastes.
3. Lower East Side, New York City: This neighborhood is known for its diverse range of bars and pubs that offer everything from craft beers to innovative cocktails.
4. Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego: The Gaslamp Quarter has a mix of rooftop bars, speakeasies, and dance clubs that make it a popular spot for bar hopping in Southern California.
5. Buckhead Village, Atlanta: With more than 200 restaurants and bars packed into less than one square mile, this neighborhood is known as the entertainment district of Atlanta.
6. River North (or “RiNo”), Denver: This hip neighborhood has an abundance of breweries, indie bars, and live music venues that attract crowds looking to hop from one spot to another.
7. Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona: Known for its buzzing nightlife scene and pedestrian-friendly streets filled with bars and lounges, this is another popular area for bar hopping.
Overall, most major cities have at least one area that is known for its concentration of bars and pubs where visitors can easily walk from one place to another to experience different vibes throughout the night.
14. Are there any popular events or festivals that involve nightlife celebrations?
Yes, there are many popular events and festivals that involve nightlife celebrations, including:
1. Carnival – This annual festival is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and New Orleans. It is known for its vibrant parades, street parties, and all-night revelry.
2. New Year’s Eve – This is a global celebration that involves parties, fireworks displays, and other nightlife activities to ring in the new year.
3. Music festivals – There are countless music festivals held throughout the year featuring popular artists and DJs. Some famous ones include Coachella in California, Tomorrowland in Belgium, and Glastonbury in England.
4. Oktoberfest – This traditional German beer festival attracts millions of visitors each year with its lively atmosphere and abundance of beer halls.
5. Pride parades – These colorful events celebrate LGBTQ+ rights and culture with lively street parties and club events.
6. Mardi Gras – Another popular event in New Orleans that features parades, street parties, and costumes during the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday.
7. St. Patrick’s Day – Celebrated around the world with plenty of pub crawls, live music performances, and green-themed parties.
8. Las Vegas shows – The “entertainment capital of the world” offers a wide variety of night-time entertainment options from concerts to magic shows to comedy acts.
9. Electronic dance music (EDM) rave parties – These high-energy dance events take place at clubs or outdoor venues often with renowned DJs headlining.
10. Christmas markets – Cities like Vienna, Prague, and Frankfurt come alive at night during the holiday season with charming Christmas markets offering traditional food, drinks, shopping stalls and festive decorations.
15. How much should one expect to budget for a night out in Chiang Mai?
The budget for a night out in Chiang Mai can vary depending on personal preferences and activities. However, on average, one can expect to spend around 500-1000 baht (15-30 USD) for dinner at a mid-range restaurant, 200-400 baht (6-12 USD) for drinks at a bar, and 200-300 baht (6-9 USD) for transportation. Total costs may also include additional expenses such as entrance fees to clubs or other activities. Thus, the total budget can range from approximately 900-1700 baht (27-51 USD) for a night out in Chiang Mai.
16. What are some safety precautions to keep in mind when enjoying the nightlife scene here?
1. Always be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
2. Stick to well-lit and populated areas.
3. Avoid walking alone, especially at night.
4. Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.
5. Don’t carry large amounts of cash.
6. Stay with a group of friends or use the buddy system.
7. Research the area before going out to familiarize yourself with any potential dangers.
8. Never leave your drink unattended and watch out for signs of being drugged.
9. Have a plan for getting home safely, whether it’s using a designated driver, calling a taxi or using public transportation.
10. Avoid confrontations or arguments with strangers.
11. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, leave the situation immediately.
12. Always have emergency contact information on hand in case of an emergency.
13. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers or drinking excessively.
14. Follow all traffic laws and use caution when crossing the street, especially at night.
15. Keep important documents such as ID and passport in a safe place while enjoying nightlife activities.
16. Familiarize yourself with emergency services and know how to contact them if needed.
17. How late do bars and clubs generally stay open?
Bars and clubs typically stay open late, usually until 2 or 3 am. However, this can vary depending on location and local laws. Some cities have a “last call” time earlier than 2 or 3 am, while others may allow bars and clubs to stay open later. It’s always a good idea to check with specific establishments for their hours of operation.
18. Can you recommend any good spots for karaoke or sing-along nights?
Some popular spots for karaoke or sing-along nights include: 1. Big Daddy’s Antiques in Venice Beach
2. The Backdoor in West Los Angeles
3. Trunks Bar in West Hollywood
4. Boardwalk 11 Karaoke Bar & Grill in Culver City
5. Brass Monkey in Koreatown
6. The Liquid Kitty in Santa Monica
7. Casablanca Bar & Grill in Silver Lake
8. Max Karaoke Studio in Little Tokyo
9. Belasco Theater Downtown Los Angeles (Thursdays)
10.Noonas LA in Koreatown
19. Is it better to visit during weekdays or weekends for a livelier nightlife experience?
It depends on the specific location and time of year, but in general, weekends tend to offer a livelier nightlife experience as more people are off from work and able to go out. However, some places may have a popular weekday nightlife scene as well, such as college towns or tourist destinations with events or festivals happening during the week. It’s best to research the specific destination you are interested in for its particular nightlife scene.
20.Can you suggest some reputable companies that offer pub crawls or bar tours?
Sure, here are some reputable companies that offer pub crawls or bar tours:
1. The Pub Crawl Co.: This company offers pub crawls in various cities around the world, including Dublin, London, and Amsterdam.
2. SANDEMANs NEW Europe: This company offers free walking tours as well as paid pub crawls in cities like Barcelona, Berlin, and Prague.
3. Backpacker Pubcrawl: This company offers pub crawls in popular European cities like Paris, Rome, and Budapest.
4. New Europe Pub Crawls: This company offers pub crawls in cities throughout Europe, as well as in Tel Aviv and Istanbul.
5. Wild Walks: This company offers walking tours and pub crawls in Irish cities like Dublin, Galway, and Cork.
6. City Wonders: This company offers pub crawl tours in Rome and Florence.
7. Thirsty Swagman: This company specializes in bar hopping tours and events in destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
8. Beer Adventures App: This app offers self-guided beer tours with insider tips for more than 160 cities around the world.
9. Urban Adventures: This global tour company offers unique bar-hopping experiences in various cities around the world.
10. Ultimate Party Adventure: This company specializes in party cruises and bar-hopping experiences on a private yacht in Ibiza or Barcelona.