Chiang Mai's nightlife is generally less exuberant and outrageous than Bangkok's. However, there are still plenty of options when it comes to going out. Bars, which frequently host live music at some point in the evening, are scattered throughout the city but most are to be found on the east bank of the Ping River, around Tha Pae Gate, or adjacent to Chiang Mai University in the west of town. Some of the big hotels have western-style nightclubs attached. Otherwise head to the Thai equivalents, but go late because they tend to only get going as the night wears on. The city's gay scene is centred on the roads off the west side of Thanon Chotana.

Decent bars include Pinte Blues Pub at 33/6 Thanon Moonmuang, which is one of the city's longest running establishments and a great place for an idle chat over cheap drinks with blues in the background. Riverside at 9 Thanon Charoenrat has candlelit terraces by the waterside, decent Thai and western food, an extensive drinks list, convivial atmosphere and live bands on two stages. The Writer's Club and Wine Bar at 141/3 Thanon Ratchdamnoen is run by an Englishman and is well-liked by western residents and visitors alike, who congregate for good Thai food and a range of beers and wine.

Chiang Mai's number one nightspot is Spicy, at 82 Thanon Chaiyapoom. Open when everywhere else has closed down, this lively venue has international DJs, and copious food and drink on offer. Smooth, at 68/2 Thanon Chiang Mai-Lamphun, is a fun and full-on club frequently packed with Thais dancing to techno. Gi Gis, also on Chiang Mai-Lamphun, is another popular non-hotel disco.

For live music, head to Brasserie at 37 Thanon Charoenrat. Doubling as a decent riverside restaurant, it is a great venue for some of the city's best blues and rock bands. Everything from country to jazz music is on offer at the fashionable Good View at 13 Thanon Charoenrat, whilst the elegant Chang Gallery at 29 Thanon Charoenrat specialises in jazz and blues. Fine Thanks at 119 Thanon Nimmanhemin, which hosts Thai and western pop-rock bands, is popular with Thai students but welcomes tourists too.