Chiang Mai the largest city in northern Thailand was the capital of the Lanna kingdom from the 13th to the 18th centuries. The city’s picturesque mountainous terrain, historical attractions, its location on the banks of the Ping River and diverse entertainment and sporting options has made it a visitor magnet. The location of Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa is ideal to get to know the city’s many facets. This Chiang Mai resort is among those that offer relaxing holiday experiences.
Chiang Mai is the preferred destination of expatriates, many of whom reside there creating an interesting vibe and spawning go go bars and sports bars along Moon Muang Road known as an expat hang out. Another category that influences the night life in the city is students from the university who hang out at cafes’ and bars along Nimmanhemin Road. The diverse bars, nightclubs, live music venues found all over the city entertain the five million visitors who flock annually to Chiang Mai. Areas near the Thapae Gate, Nawarat Bridge, around the Night Bazaar and along the river are known for their lively bars and cafes. Loi Kroh Street is famous for its hostess bars and its Muay Thai boxing arena that stages fights three to four nights a week. Kalare boxing stadium behind the Night Bazaar also stages fights every other night. The 350 seat Play House Theater on Changpuak Road offers two nightly entertainments featuring contemporary jazz and modern dance. The city’s Karaoke bars are popular with everyone who can and cannot sing. It also has a few mobile bars, which are vans converted into tiny bars. Although bars and clubs close after 1 am and some areas in the city are no alcohol zones, the wee hours in Chiang Mai are still full of activity. The night bazaar on Chang Khlan Road is the busiest among the city’s bazaars. Here bargain hunters can find everything from handicrafts to paintings, jewellery, clothing and accessories and hi tech items. The city’s thriving coffee culture offers more places to hang out after dark.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.