Your guide to Chiang Mai restaurants, hotels, guest houses and nightlife
Ban Wiang Guesthouse

Chiang Mai entertainment

The unique Northern Khantoke evening is charming
The unique Northern Khantoke evening is charming

Leisure and entertainment are two certain priorities among the people of Chiang Mai. Thailand's northern capital is a tourist town, but it is also home to 300,000 people, many of whom prefer a laid-back lifestyle focused on meeting and eating with friends, enjoying nature, taking it easy and partying with visitors.

Without losing its ancient charm, Chiang Mai has provided a myriad of simple entertainment options for its visitors and locals. This isn't Las Vegas, but rather a very quaint town comprising of numerous restaurants and bars, a number of discos, movie houses, bowling alleys and fun sports, cultural shows, museums and nature activities.

Choose from a range of luxurious hotels to suit all budgets and tastes or opt for a simple guest house tucked away out of sight in the Old Town. Outside of Chiang Mai are several excellent resorts and spas set among tropical jungle or rice paddies. One recent addition to Chiang Mai, is a slew of five star hotels where you can enjoy a truly luxury experience at affordable rates, we suggest a breakfast on the terrace at the Dhara Dhevi, lunch at the Four Seasons, high tea at the Chedi, cocktails at the trendy D2 or dinner at the Shangri La.

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Travellers footage: Dhara Dhevi: stunning hotel

Enjoy an evening of live music as you tuck into an abundant spread of Thai curries and snacks at the popular riverside restaurants, or catch a quiet bite to eat at a small noodle shop down a quiet lane. Afterwards, head to the lively bars on Moon Muang road or go shopping at the Night Market.

One unique way to absorb the classic northern culture is to attend a Khantoke dinner. Exclusive to Chiang Mai, they are enchanting evenings of Thai cultural dance and music, with northern specialities enjoyed at lap level, all within a stunning traditional giant teak pavilion.

Chiang Mai entertainment: select below.

Hotels

Hotels

From five star luxury at affordable prices, to exclusive boutique lodges, modest family hotels and sprawling resorts, Chiang Mai has a surprisingly large choice...more

Guest houses

Guest houses

Cheap cheap or cosy and convenient, Chiang Mai is packed with choices; most offer trekking, travel services and a great backpacker atmosphere, here are our favourites...more

Restaurants

Restaurants

Thailand’s greatest concentration of eateries. Our recommendations among an astonishing choice from romantic riverside hideaways, to posh international cuisine, and atmospheric al fresco venues...more

Bars and nightlife

Bars and nightlife

Join the locals in perpetual enjoyment mode, be it a beer garden, trendy spot, sports bar, karaoke lounge, girlie bar, upmarket saloon, thumping disco or music venue, try these ones...more

Spas

Spas

Chiang Mai is Thailand’s spa capital with dozens of choices for pampering and relaxation, providing the best value for money in the Kingdom. Treat yourself in one of these suggestions...more

Gay and Lesbian

Gay and Lesbian

Feel comfortable and welcome among Chiang Mai’s warm gay community and its network of venues, gay-friendly services, and meeting places. It’s a popular choice for good reason...more

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