Top Ten Cocktails Bar in Chiang Mai
Words: Monica Tindall
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Beyond Chiang Mai’s serene temples and bustling markets, a vibrant cocktail culture is rapidly blossoming, transforming the city’s nightlife into an exhilarating fusion of taste and talent. In dimly lit speakeasies tucked away in charming alleyways and hotel bars with sophisticated settings, mixologists are conjuring up elixirs that capture the essence of Thailand’s rich culinary heritage while incorporating innovative techniques and global influences. From traditional Thai ingredients like lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime to artisanal spirits sourced from local distilleries, Chiang Mai’s cocktail scene is a tribute to the city’s creativity, passion and promise to deliver a good time.
Top Ten Cocktails Bar in Chiang Mai
Forbidden Bar
Han Sen says I chose Forbidden Bar in Chiang Mai for its Negroni-only Happy Hour, but it really was just a happy coincidence. The team have a reputation for craft cocktails, friendly service and a relaxed yet sophisticated vibe.
On the third floor of a small contemporary commercial centre, the intimate space feels like a completely different world from the one we’ve just come from. Leather corner seats, a lounge, claw-foot tables, and bar stools accommodate around 20 people. Classic crimson-red floor-length velvet curtains and emerald green upholstered stools accent a dark wooden bar. The scene is lit with warm spotlights, soft uplighting and flickering candles. It’s just enough to create a polished setting reminiscent of an old-school gentlemen’s lounge without being overdone.
Must-try cocktails: Mango Sticky Rice & Afternoon Tea
Forbidden Bar
14, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
+66 0903176619
@forbiddenbar.cnx
Opening Hours
Daily: 6pm until late
Jack Bain’s Bar
If you’re seeking a fancy night out with a classy group of friends or a sophisticated atmosphere for a date night, consider Jack Bain’s Bar at 137 Pillars House, Chiang Mai. The bar is housed within a meticulously restored old teak homestead, once the office of one of Asia’s wealthiest and most powerful teak companies, the Borneo Teak Company. Take a seat at the leather-bound bar, which pays homage to the illustrious history of this property. Named after Jack Bain, the house’s last owner, it exudes sophistication and class from the past. The decor is a blend of leather and teak, complete with exquisitely carved ceilings. The cocktail selection is founded on the classics with an occasional contemporary twist punctuated with Thai influences.
Must-try cocktail: Special Negroni.
Jack Bain’s Bar @ 137 Pillars House
2 ถนน NHA Wat Kaet 1 Alley, Tambon Chang Moi
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000
+66 053 247 788
Opening Hours
5 pm – 11:30 pm
The Farmers’ Bar
About 20 minutes north of Chiang Mai, Terra and The Farmers’ Bar offer more than just a dining experience; they’re the essence of country living in Northern Thailand. Established in 2019, Terra and The Farmers’ Bar beckon with rustic charm and their commitment to showcasing the region’s finest local produce with a focus on sustainability and seasonality.
The Farmers’ Bar is an excellent location to begin or end a meal. It offers a full menu, including wine, beer, some local spirits and a list of classic cocktails. With manager Joe behind the bar, it’s hard to go wrong with any order. Originally from Mandalay, Joe has worked around the world in high-end properties, has classic cocktails down to a fine art form, and crafts original creations with innovative twists.
Must-try cocktails: Joe Kyaw’s Negroni & Rose Garden with a bubbly top-up
Terra & The Farmers’ Bar
512/6 Moo 1, Maesa Old Road, Rimtai, Maerim
Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand
[email protected] @farmersterra
+66-98-941 4149
*Pet-friendly
Daily: 8 am – 12 am
Tiger Bar
Besides the Rosemary Café & Bistro, Maladee Rendezvous Hotel is also home to Tiger Bar. Set against the pool backdrop, Tiger Bar, inspired by the Thai saying “The Running Tiger,” boasts a menu of artisan beverages. From traditional local refreshments to custom cocktails, this retro-style bar is tops for unwinding by the outdoor pool and jacuzzi. It’s just right for those looking for a tropical vibe to accompany their cocktails and those who enjoy a sweeter mix and highly photogenic presentations.
Must-try cocktail: Rose Gin Smash for something sweet and pretty
Tiger Bar @ Maladee Rendezvous Hotel
150/1 Charoen Prathet Road, Chang Klan Sub-District
Muang District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
+66 53 270 081
maladeehotel.com
Opening Hours
Daily 12 pm – 12 am
The Continental Bar
“Enter at your own risk,” says a neon sign providing the only light in a dark hallway as we find our way to The Continental Bar, delivering a clandestine allure. We ascend two narrow flights of stairs, push open an unassuming bookshelf, and step into a world of expertly crafted cocktails and upbeat vibes.
Conceived during the pandemic by four friends (Amber, Chochun, Earth and Zen) seeking solace in the cinematic world of John Wick, The Continental Bar embodies the spirit of the film’s covert hotel for assassins. The atmosphere is electric, fueled by an eclectic playlist of Postmodern Jukebox tunes. Earth, the reigning Thai World Class Cocktail Champion of 2023, is at the helm of The Continental Bar’s cocktail creations. With a touch of artistry and a dash of daring, Earth concocts libations with innovative flair.
Must-try cocktails: The Continental Ground (THB 380) & Helen (THB 380)
The Continental Bar
53 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
@thecontinental.bar
Opening Hours
Reservations Only
Before Dawn
Unlike The Continental Bar, which we walked past several times before entering, Before Dawn is easy to find, with Hollywood bulbs announcing its location. It also has neon lights, but song lyrics are the theme here: “You’ll never be alone, I’ll be with you from dusk to dawn” brightens the entrance.
Thai World Class Cocktail Champion 2023, Earth, is also the head bartender and partner in the business here. He says the story is super easy. People in the industry have to party after the crowd goes home, so they often end up drinking until dawn. They opened Before Dawn to give workers in the F&B scene a place to hang out after shifts until the wee hours. On top of a full page of signature craft cocktails, they have a small food menu to keep tummies full and people drinking.
Must-try cocktails: Let’s fall in love for the night and forget in the morning (THB 390) & (because I’m happy) clap along if you feel like a room without a roof (THB 370)
Before Dawn
5/5 Nimman soi 5 Suthep Muang
Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
@ beforedawn.28
Opening Hours
Daily 6pm – 12 am
Ronnie’s
Hidden beside the lobby of the Sayla Hotel (across the road from Before Dawn), Ronnie’s is a small owner-operated eight-seater bar. We’ve heard he has a love for Negroni, hence the intrigue. Blues and Soul music sets the backdrop for engaging conversation and slow imbibement of the classics. Marble countertops and fabric-upholstered stools transport us to the ambience of a cool saloon from the USA’s south. The décor, complemented by Ronnie’s polished appearance and stylish attire, breathes sophistication and refinement.
A native of Chiang Mai with a Spanish mother, Ronnie’s passion for mixology ignited during his time studying and working in New York. Upon returning to his hometown, he teamed up with his wife to transform the Sayla Hotel, introducing Ronnie’s Bar as a sanctuary for solo travellers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. The bar’s philosophy is unwavering: classic cocktails, meticulously crafted using only the finest spirits. No extravagant garnishes, no elaborate concoctions, just pure, unadulterated flavours.
Must-try cocktails: Old Fashioned (THB 380) & Negroni (THB 380)
Ronnie’s
4 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
+66 0819300187
Behind @thesaylahotel @ronnies.cnx
Opening Hours
Thursday – Tuesday: 7pm – 12 am
Wednesday: Closed
Walk-ins welcomed
Drinksmith & Co
Drinksmith & Co is a haven for cocktail connoisseurs in Chiang Mai. Founded by half-Thai, half-British owner “Not,” the bar is more than just a place to enjoy handcrafted libations; it’s a cultural hub where classic cocktails reign supreme, creativity flourishes, and the spirit of community thrives.
The bar’s philosophy hinges on two core principles: preserving the essence of classic cocktails and pushing the boundaries of innovation. Not and his team meticulously research and reimagine time-honored recipes, ensuring that each sip is consistent with what you’d expect from any top-rated bar in any capital around the world. Once the classics are perfected, they embark on a culinary adventure, transforming familiar flavours into novel creations inspired by Shakespearean sonnets, Hemingway’s prose, and the rich tapestry of Thai cuisine.
Drinksmith & Co’s polished interior boasts tall, inviting stools, while a separate lounge offers a more intimate space with plush leather couches, small dining tables, and shelves brimming with books and curios. Antique cabinets, vintage drink trolleys, and portraits of musical luminaries adorn the walls.
Must-try cocktails: Death in the Afternoon (THB 360) & Late Night Snacker (THB 360)
Drinksmith & Co
93/5 Samlarn Rd , พระสิงห์
Amphoe Muang Chiang Mai, Thailand
+66 85 030 1533
[email protected]
@drinksmith_cnx
Opening Hours
Wednesday to Monday: 6 pm – 12 am
Closed: Tuesday
Bitter Truth
Across the road from Drinksmith & Co lies Bitter Truth. Its unassuming façade belies an inviting interior with a cool, industrial-chic aesthetic. The textured cement and polished cement floors lend an air of rustic charm. At the same time, the glass wall entrance provides a seamless transition between the city’s vibrant energy and the bar’s intimate ambience.
We’re greeted by the warmth and vibrancy of the space, with the bar taking centre stage. The absence of pretentiousness and formality is immediately welcoming. Owner and bartender Foam proclaims, “Our character is homey and comfortable. We’re not serious guys. We have no serious face. We joke with the customers.”
Bitter Truth has been delighting discerning palates for four years, attracting a diverse clientele, including tourists and returning locals. The bar’s signature creations, inspired by seasonal fruits and imbued with a twist on classic concoctions, have earned it a well-deserved reputation as a haven for cocktail lovers.
Must-try cocktails: BTT 01 (THB 360) & BTT 06 (THB 360)
Bitter Truth Cocktail Bar
95, 2 Samlarn Rd, Tambon Phra Sing
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
@bittertruthcocktailbar
Opening Hours
Daily 6pm – 12 am
Off The Wall
In the heart of Chiang Mai, Off The Wall stands as a vibrant oasis, beckoning travellers and locals alike to enter a world of unexpected revelry. From its humble beginnings as an art-inspired communal space, Off The Wall has blossomed into a hub for creative expression, fostering a diverse and welcoming atmosphere that defies the typical tourist-centric experience.
The brainchild of an American Filipino and a Canadian Filipino brought together by fate, Off The Wall embodies their shared vision of a bar that embraces authenticity and inclusivity. Its three distinct areas – the main bar, the upstairs art gallery, and the lively backyard – each offer a unique blend of entertainment and engagement.
Whether you seek the thrill of karaoke, the tranquillity of an art exhibition, or the camaraderie of impromptu games, Off The Wall promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more. Its motto, #expecttheunexpected, is a testament to the bar’s commitment to keeping you on your toes, ensuring that every visit is an adventure.
Must-try cocktails: The Pink Drink (THB 165) & Whisky Sour (THB 165)
Off The Wall
22/2 Manee Nopparat Rd, Si Phum Sub-district
Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200
@offthewallcnx
Opening Hours
Tuesday to Sunday: 6:30 pm – 12 am
Monday: Closed
As dawn approaches, it leaves behind the echoes of laughter, clinking glasses, and the promise that the next pour is as diverse and delightful as the one before. Cheers to the vibrant characters, stories, and memories woven by Chiang Mai’s top cocktail bars, and a toast to their continued success.
Comment below if you recommend more bars to discover in Chiang Mai, and let us know your favourite cocktails, too.
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I’m curious about Death in the Afternoon.