Wondering what to do in Chiang Mai during the evening? This city is filled with unique activities but some of the most memorable things to do can be found once the sun goes down. In fact, for such a small city in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has a surprisingly good nightlife! The city stays awake until nearly midnight every night (and sometimes later) with a great selection of dining options, bars, music venues, and even family-friendly activities.
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Shopping at a Night Market
Chiang Mai’s night markets are vibrant centers of activity, offering visitors a rich mix of local culture, cuisine and craftsmanship. Here is a revised guide to some of the city’s most famous night markets:
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is located on Chang Khlan Road and is open every evening from 5pm to midnight. This sprawling market offers a wide range of goods, including handmade items, clothing, electronics and artwork. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of street food offerings, making it a shopper’s and food lover’s paradise.
Sunday Walking Street (Tha Pae Walking Street)
Every Sunday evening, Rachadamnoen Road transforms into a bustling pedestrian market that stretches over a kilometer. From 16:00 to 22:30, vendors line the street selling everything from handicrafts to local delicacies. The market’s lively atmosphere is enhanced by street performances and the backdrop of historic temples, offering a unique shopping experience. For more details, visit our Chiang Mai Sunday Walking Street Market guide.
Saturday Walking Street (Wua Lai Walking Street)
Located on Wua Lai Road south of the old city wall, the Saturday market is held every Saturday from late afternoon until around 10:30pm. It is known for its selection of local produce and a slightly less crowded environment than the Sunday market, offering a more relaxed shopping experience.
Warorot Market (Kad Luang)
For those looking for an authentic local market experience, Warorot Market is a must-visit. Open daily, it is one of the largest and oldest markets in Chiang Mai and offers a wide range of goods, from fresh produce and traditional snacks to clothing and household items. The lively atmosphere of the market gives an insight into the daily life of Chiang Mai’s inhabitants.
Tips for visiting Chiang Mai’s night markets
- Timing: If you come early, around 5pm, you can avoid the biggest crowds and shop in peace
- Bargaining: Although prices are often reasonable, polite bargaining is common and can be part of the shopping experience
- Cash: Most vendors prefer cash transactions, so it is advisable to carry enough Thai Baht with you
- Local delicacies: Don’t miss out on trying local dishes such as sai ua (northern Thai sausage) and khao soi (curry noodle soup), which are available at many food stalls
A visit to these markets is not only an opportunity to purchase unique products, but also a sensory journey through the tastes, sounds and sights that make up Chiang Mai’s rich cultural heritage.
For a comprehensive guide to shopping in Chiang Mai, including detailed information on various markets and shopping centers, visit our Chiang Mai Markets and Shopping Malls page.
Eat Like A Local on a Food Tour
Chiang Mai is known far and wide as a haven for foodies, and an evening street food tour is the perfect way to discover why. Experience the city’s culinary wonders from a new perspective, tasting some of the city’s most famous dishes at the food markets and food stalls favored by locals. An English-speaking guide will show you where, what and how to eat, and even show you how to order your future favorite Thai food.
See the city’s best food markets transform at night into bustling hubs serving up Northern Thailand delicacies. Try Thai staples with a Chiang Mai twist, Northern specialties found nowhere else, scrumptious snacks and delectable desserts. Along the way, walk through historic neighborhoods and backpacker districts and past old shops and glowing golden temples. The cultural element is a perfect addition to this culinary whirlwind, and will help keep your appetite up – you’ll need it!
Experience a Traditional Khantoke Dinner
Part show, part dinner, part cultural celebration, Chiang Mai’s traditional Khantoke dinner is a specialty of northern Thailand and an experience you’ll never forget. Step back into time as you sit on the floor and are served an array of northern Thai delicacies like naam prik ong (a tasty dip made from tomatoes, roasted chilies, and minced pork) and gaeng hung lay (a rich curry with succulent pork belly). Sample the delicious dishes as you enjoy the show of traditional dances and energetic drumming and get to know Chiang Mai’s culture just a little bit better. Buy your tickets for the Khantoke dinner guarantee your seat.
Be Captivated by a Ladyboy Cabaret Show
No trip to Thailand is complete without a cabaret show. Prepare to be dazzled and awed by Chiang Mai’s best and brightest entertainers, enchanting masters of music, dance, and comedy dressed in beautiful and elaborate costumes.
Witness Chiang Mai’s biggest cabaret show at The Miracle Cabaret, a spectacular showcase of more than 200 performers in a theater that can seat more than 450 people. The Miracle Cabaret show is a display of modern and traditional performance art, combining musical elements from cultures all over the world.
The Siam Dragon Cabaret is another exciting option. Watch unbelievably talented resident performers sing, dance, and act out a brilliant show, complete with both modern and regional styles that highlight the unique beauty of Northern Thailand.
Both cabaret shows feature professional light and sound, gorgeous stage design, and the most talented performers in the city!
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Temple at Night
Climb into the sky while the sun sets behind the horizon with an evening trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. This sprawling temple is situated at the top of Doi Suthep, the mountain for which it is named. Climb the 306 tile steps guarded by naga dragons and be rewarded with a panoramic view of Chiang Mai city below.
You can come at any time of day to explore the temple itself, decorated with statues, gardens, murals, and Buddhist relics. But the very best time to come is in the late afternoon or evening, during “golden hour” when the sun sinks down behind the mountains. Watch the world transform as bright daylight shifts into soft gold hues, and the city below twinkles slowly into night lights.
See the Doi Suthep Temple at night
Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Thailand’s national sport is known as the ‘Dance of the eight limbs’ as both fighters use their arms and legs to swing, strike, punch, and kick at their opponent. Fights run throughout the week at different stadiums around town and are always entertaining, especially if it’s your first time witnessing this unique form of combat.
Watch the fight from your King VIP seat. See the beauty and danger together with the trained fighters of Thailand – though you may see a local take on a westerner. Every bout is an exciting one! You can even place bets on each round if you are in a betting mood.
There are alcoholic beverages available at the bars within the stadium. And if you need a cab or tuk tuk to get back to your hotel, you can easily find one after the night concludes in front of the stadium. The night outing lasts from 9 until around midnight.
Intrigued? Get your Muay Thai tickets now for the latest show.
Listen to Live Music
Although there is live music at many venues throughout the city, you can count on Boy Blues Band in the Night Bazaar and the Jazz Bar near Chang Phuak Gate to play every evening. While the musician’s jam, mingle with a unique mix of locals, expats, backpackers, and students. The music usually starts around 9 PM, but we recommend getting there a little early if you want to snag a seat.
- Website: www.facebook.com/northgate.jazzcoop
- GPS Location: 18.7952° N, 98.9870° E
- Address: 91/1-2 Sri Poom Road, Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Nimmanhaemin Road (Nimman)
Nimmanhaemin Road, affectionately known as “Nimman”,” is one of the liveliest and trendiest neighborhoods in Chiang Mai. Located to the west of the old city, this area has developed over the years into a center for modern culture, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Often referred to as “Coffee Street”,” Nimman offers an abundance of chic coffee houses, boutiques, art galleries and a lively nightlife.
Nimman highlights:
Culinary delights: From traditional Thai eateries to international dishes, Nimman offers a diverse gastronomic scene. The area is best known for its stylish cafés, making it a coffee lover’s paradise.
- Shopping and boutiques: Visitors can discover a range of boutiques offering unique fashion, accessories and local handicrafts
- Art and culture: The neighborhood is dotted with art galleries and creative spaces that reflect Chiang Mai’s rich artistic heritage
- Nightlife: When the sun goes down, Nimman comes to life with its bars, live music venues and clubs that cater to both locals and tourists looking for entertainment
One Nimman
Located in the heart of Nimmanhaemin Road, One Nimman is a stylish complex that seamlessly blends traditional Lanna architecture and modern design. This cultural and lifestyle destination offers visitors an exquisite selection of stores, restaurants and event spaces, making it a magnet for locals and tourists alike
Features of One Nimman:
- Shopping: Boutiques featuring local designers, handicrafts and unique fashion pieces
- Dining: A variety of restaurants and cafés serving both Thai and international cuisine in stylish settings
- Events and activities: The central courtyard regularly hosts events, workshops and performances, creating a vibrant community atmosphere
Whether you want to savor culinary delights, shop for unique items or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere, Nimmanhaemin Road and One Nimman offer a fascinating experience in Chiang Mai
- GPS Location: 18.8007° N, 98.9676° E
- Address: Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
Enjoy a Sundowner at a Rooftop Bar
Some of the city’s high-rise buildings have outdoor lounges where you can sip on cocktails while watching the sunset. If you’re looking for a hip but casual bar, check out Woods. If you want somewhere classy that serves gourmet cocktails, we recommend going to Rise Rooftop Bar at Akyra Manor or Myst MAYA.
- GPS Location: 18.7973° N, 98.9694° E
- Address: 22/2 Nimmanhaemin Road Soi 9, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50200
- Website: www.facebook.com/MystMAYA
- GPS Location: 18.8024° N, 98.9673° E
- Address: 55 Moo 5 5th Floor MAYA, Huay Kaew Road, Chang Phuak, Mueang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai 50300
Enjoy a Dinner Cruise
East of Chiang Mai’s Old City area is the Ping River, home to many riverside bars and restaurants. Although eating dinner at one of these popular establishments is fun any time you go, you can’t beat the experience of floating down the river on an intimate dinner cruise while enjoying traditional Thai dishes and excellent company. Seats are limited, so you’ll want to book your dinner cruise tickets in advance.
Visit the Chiang Mai Night Safari
Come face-to-face with wild animals such as exotic animals such as fierce white tigers and lions and friendly zebra and deer at the Chiang Mai Night Safari. This tour is available every evening with complimentary pickup from your hotel around 6 PM. It’s fantastic fun for the whole family, especially young animal lovers.
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