We shouldn’t need to point out that the title above is not actually related to a wine, nor is it anything to do with the United Nations (yet), or a travel story. You should be aware, as should most of the cognizant world, that the biggest sporting event on the planet will be taking place in South Africa from June 11th to July 11th. The 2006 World Cup was the most watched sporting event ever, and to be sure the upcoming World Cup will be just as big.
What many a Chiang Mai expat is asking is: Where should I watch the games? Will they be open for the late games? Big screen? English commentary? Good food? Good atmosphere? Etc etc. Citylife, being as savvy as anyone when it comes to football, partying, and staying out late, has come up with the definitive World Cup Watch Guide, otherwise – in some very small circles – known as the WCWG.
Note that at the time of writing the police had not yet told us if they will give places concessions to stay open late, therefore it is best to double check all information.
WCWG Chiang Mai 2010
Public Places
Games will be shown on the big screen at Think Park on Nimmanhaemin/Huay Kaew Junction.
For the Youngsters
Warm Up said they’ll be showing the games. Always a good place for a party, whether it be inside the main room with the teenies or in the lounge with decent electronic music. They will, they tell us, do something special for the big games.
The JJ market area might not show the late games but will certainly have the earlier games on. Beer promos are everywhere so ask the staff about that. You might not get commentary as there will be music playing. Lots of young people, lots of drinking, friendly area. Just around the corner from JJ, on the first left before you get to all the pubs is a little gem called ‘Inside Park’. Here they have good food, beer promos and big screen football as well as loads of smaller screens. Very popular with young(ish) locals.
Chalerm Krung has six screens of football and a refill beer promotion. It’s the noisy joint opposite the Panna Condo on Nimmanhaemin Road.
Focused on Football
The UN Irish Pub has gone to great lengths to make this a special World Cup. They have tons of screens and you’ll be certain to bump into serious football fans. O’Malley’s will have four stations of football and you’re bound to meet a lot of fellow expats.
‘Til the Sun Comes Up
John’s Place has been staying open ’til dawn forever and they always have major sporting events there. Moon Muang Road.
Food and Football
Football lover and executive chef, Chalong Sakkapalangkul, and his kitchen team will be doing a world dinner buffet at D2’s Moxie restaurant June 24-26th. Much of the food will be South African and we’re told if you wear a football top of one of the World Cup teams you’ll get a 10% discount. From 6.30 p.m. onwards. 999 baht for oldies, 599 for kids.
Cheap Charlies
If you don’t mind watching football with Thai commentary then just about any soi near Nimmanhaemin or just up the street at the back of CMU will have plenty of little pubs showing football. As will a multitude of places in Santithum and around Chang Puak. Student ghettos save the pennies, but don’t expect half time Chardonnay. Most of these places will have beer promos, ask the staff. Usually it’s three for the price of one. Frankly you can find these venues all over the city…and beyond.
Stylish Football
World Cup matches will be shown on the large screen at the trendy MixBar at D2 hotel. 15% percent off on all drinks during matches.
Watch football on the beach at Hua Had. They have a big screen and beer promotions. It’s located on the opposite side of the road from Nakorn Payap International School, behind a Harley Davidson shop.
For more info and game times: www.fifa.com/worldcup/
Citylife Facebook will also have regular updates and CityNow! will feature venues which offer any events and promotions.
