PUBLISHED August 8th, 2017 07:00 am | UPDATED July 22nd, 2024 03:02 pm
The land of misty mountains and colourful hill tribes might not be known to be a nightlife capital (nor can it compete with Bangkok), but for those who are after a tipple or two will still find their way. So, be it craft beer or a craft cocktail, rooftop venue or by the river, Chiang Mai has a diversity of bars to suit any fancy. Here are some of the best that come with our recommendations:
akyra RISE BAR
RISE is one of those places that are perfect for completing a glamorous night out. Set in a prime rooftop location at akyra Manor, the bar boasts a sleek décor and infinity pool framed by glass walls. While there isn’t much seating available – guests occupy one of the five tables or bar seats – RISE more than makes up for the lack of seating space with its extensive cocktail menu and uninterrupted views.
akyra RISE BAR is located at 22/2 Nimmana Haeminda Road Soi 9, Su Thep, Muang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai, p. +66 53 216 219. Open 3pm-1am daily.
OASIS Rooftop Garden Bar
When most of Chiang Mai’s rooftop bars are either located far out away from the town centre or come with lacklustre views, OASIS stands out with its centralised location and stunning sunset vistas. The décor is a blend of old and new; the bar’s rustic ambience is set off perfectly by contemporary furnishings. Cocktail aficionados will appreciate the menu’s wide-ranging array of tipples, which includes unordinary finds like the Tom Yum Mojito. A good selection of Belgian beers and whiskeys adds variety to the menu.
OASIS Rooftop Garden Bar is located at 13/1, Sripoom Road, Soi 1, Chiang Mai, p. +66 88 805 1981. Open 6pm-12am daily.
Woods Bar
As one of the newer additions to Chiang Mai’s rooftop bar scene, Woods made its appearance at the 12th storey of the Prestige Hotel complete with hanging lights, pool, a spacious floor area for poolside dancing or mingling and sweeping city views. The ambience here is warm and inviting – just right for relaxed evenings where you’re not quite in the mood for dressing up.
Woods Bar is located at 231/12 1004, Tambon Su Thep, Chiang Mai, p. +66 61 268 7766. Open 6pm-12am.
Beer Lab
Beer Lab draws locals and tourists alike with its mind-boggling selection of craft beers – they claim to have the largest selection in this part of the country with over 200 types of bottled beer and 18 on tap. Expect popular American labels as well as imports from Europe and Japan. Knock back a few pints while you soak up the vibrant vibes of this bustling bar.
Beer Lab is located at Kantary Terrace, Nimmanhaeminda Road, Chiang Mai, p. +66 97 997 4566. Open 5.30pm-12am daily.
Namton’s House Bar
A diversity of craft beers – there’s 12 rotating taps featuring local and international craft beers, alongside fridges stocked with bottled beers from across the globe – coupled with friendly service and a charming ambience makes Namton’s the to-go venue for craft beer lovers seeking a great way to spend their evening.
Namton’s House Bar is located at Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Rd, Thesaban Nakhon, Chiang Mai, p. +66 86 911 1207. Open 3pm-11pm. Closed on Wed.
Deck1
Stylish and contemporary, Deck1 offers a great way to spend your evening sipping cocktails by the riverside. Enjoy views out to the river whether you’re seated indoors or outside – although we prefer the latter as twinkling fairy lights hanging from the trees adds on to the lovely ambience. And if you’re hungry after a couple of sundowners, there’s no need to head elsewhere – Deck 1 dishes out tasty and beautifully presented Thai and fusion fare.
Deck1 is located at 1, 14 Chareonraj Rd. Wat Kate Muang Chiang Mai, p. +66 53 302 788. Open 7pm-12am daily.
Jack Bain’s Bar
With its wood-dominated interior, ceilings adorned with hand-carved details and colonial-era charm, Jack Bain’s Bar ticks all the right boxes as the to-go venue for a special evening. The spacious layout offers plentiful seating options; sink into a plush armchair in the lounge area, chill out by the bar or settle down comfortably at the covered terraces with views out to lush gardens. The skilled bartenders also serve out craft cocktails inspired by local flavours. Go for signatures like The Teak, made with a combination of whisky, sweet vermouth, orange bitter and grapefruit or try out classics – like Mint Julep and Old Fashioned – that are given an innovative Thai twist.
Jack Bain’s Bar is located at 2 Soi 1 Nawatgate Road, Chiang Mai, p. +66 53 247 788.
The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar
The Service 1921’s name hints at the longstanding history of its venue – it’s set within a finely preserved villa that used to be the British Consulate. What used to be a torture chamber is now a private drinking room, while a secret meeting room, tucked away behind floor-to-ceiling book shelves, has been refurbished into a private dining room. Here, the carefully crafted concoctions, like the refreshingly tart Pomelo Julep or Tea Time (featuring vodka infused with Earl Grey tea) might be pricier than drinks you’d find elsewhere, it’s well worth a splurge for the venue’s exquisite charm and excellent fare.
The Service 1921 Restaurant and Bar is located at 123- 123/1 Charoen Prathet Rd, Changklan Muang Chang Wat, Chiang Mai, p. +66 53 253 383. Open 12pm-10pm daily.