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Regarded as an all-in-one paradise, Chiang Mai has evolved into an ideal destination for those looking for a good nightlife. There is notably good dispersion of bars and pubs around the city and nightlife is better than one might expect.
The nightspots catering especially to foreign guests are confined to the area along the Moon Muang Road near the Thapae Gate, Loi Kroh Road and along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge. Also, the lanes (sois) near the night bazaar are home to a large number of pubs, many of which cater to specific nationalities.
 You’ll find the atmosphere in these nightspots to be is welcoming and relaxed. The only downside though, as is the case everywhere in the country, is the regulation that all night venues must close at midnight, or until 2 a.m. at the most in certain designated zones. Many places ignore the rules and stay open beyond 2 a.m.
Moon Muang
Just inside the city moat, Moon Muang is a great place for a pub crawl because of the close proximity of the bars from each other. They specifically feature live international music, with repertoires that include love songs, soul, blues and pop favorites. There are also a number of discos which have talented DJs spinning dance floor anthems, cutting edge trance and house, and retro classics.
Loi Kroh Road
Parallel to Changklan Road, this stretch has rows of bars whose atmosphere is similar to Bangkok’s Nana Plaza. From dusk till the bars’ closing time, the place teems with women inviting customers for a drink or two in the pubs they work for. Needless to say, a place to be for some easy company.
Along Ping River on Charoenrat Road
On the eastern bank of the Ping River near the Nawarat Bridge is a nightlife institution for the more affluent partygoers. The setting here is more romantic and the bars are generally more voguish. It is famous for its jazz, rock, pop, Thai, country and western live music, and for its fabulous restaurants that serve Thai, western, and Chinese food. Live entertainment starts at around 7 p.m.
Night Bazaar vicinity
The area around the Night Bazaar is a livelier and friendlier night venue, thanks to its market ambiance. Because the night market is open way beyond midnight, bars in the vicinity remain open till the wee hours. Also, further down Changklan Road is a small arcade, known for its “peak climbing wall” and its cluster of informal bars.
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