The ultimate guide to the top 9 rooftop bars in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai, a captivating city in northern Thailand, is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and stunning architecture. As one of Thailand’s most visited destinations, Chiang Mai boasts an array of experiences for travellers. Among these is its vibrant rooftop bar scene, which adds another dimension to the Chiang Mai nightlife. In this comprehensive guide, we will introduce you to the top 9 rooftop bars Chiang Mai offers, providing unforgettable views, delicious drinks, and unique atmospheres.
1. Rise Bar: A Sexy Rooftop Bar with Panoramic Views at Akyra Hotel
Overlooking the bustling Nimmanhaemin area and the slumbering mountains of Doi Suthep, Rise Bar at Akyra Hotel is one of the premier rooftop bars Chiang Mai is proud to showcase. With its chill-lounge music, this bar offers a great happy hour and a comprehensive cocktail and wine menu, which is quite affordable, considering this is a hotel. Sit back with your feet up on sumptuous lounges and watch the people swimming in the pool through the glass right next to you.
This is a great spot to take in some serious ambience with chill-lounge music piping through the speakers, wind in your hair, a freshly shaken cocktail in hand and panoramic views of the west side of the city
Pro Tip – Happy hour is between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm and you can get one free drink with everyone you buy.
2. Bubbles Bar: An Elegant Bar Experience at Anantara Hotel
Set atop the spa at Anantara Hotel; Bubbles Bar offers an elegant bar experience with views of the swimming pool and Ping River. This sophisticated rooftop bar in Chiang Mai is known for its excellent menu of fine French champagnes, fun cocktails made from local spirits, and delicious bar bites.
Prop up at the circular bar or simply grab a set of seats and order from an excellent menu which runs the gamut from the finest of French champagnes to some fun cocktails made from local spirits. The resort’s entire food and beverage menu is available at the bar, though bar bites are available, from Wagyu sliders to fresh oysters and caviar. While the prices are hotel-high, they also have happy hours (5.30pm-7.30pm) with beers starting at a sensible 160 baht and wines by the glass as well as cocktails deeply discounted.
3. Mai The Sky Bar: The Best Views from Any Bar in the City
Arguably offering the best views from any bar in the city, Mai The Sky Bar is a 22nd-floor rooftop bar with a 360-degree vista of Chiang Mai. With various zones, it’s the perfect place for visitors to enjoy the city’s spectacular skyline, watch the sunset over the mountains, or indulge in a romantic evening under the stars.
Mai, The Sky Bar, features an upscale design, incorporating sleek lines, glass elements, and mood lighting to create a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere.
The menu at Mai The Sky Bar is extensive, with a focus on creative and delicious cocktails made from premium ingredients. The bar serves a variety of mouthwatering appetisers and small plates, showcasing Thai and international cuisine. A selection of fine wines, beers, and spirits is also available, catering to various tastes.
As one of the most impressive rooftop bars Chiang Mai has to offer, Mai The Sky Bar is an unforgettable experience and worth a visit. Make sure you make it in time for sunsets…
There are many zones dotted about the multilevel and multi facing bar, so you can pick and choose if you want to be near the DJ station, the bustling bar, find a quiet corner to drink in the views or grab a party table.
They serve up Spanish cuisine, from light tapas to numerous Spanish classics.
There is a dress code, and you are asked to make a reservation, so be warned.
4. The Moat House Rooftop Bar: A Casual and Fun Venue with Breathtaking Views
Located in the Old City (right next to the moat), The Moat House is a local favourite where many Thais, tourists and expats hang out and mingle. The bar features an impressive mural painting of traditional Thai art and is open aired with live music or DJs playing most nights. With its affordable prices, this destination is casual, friendly and the perfect place to go for some winding down after a long day of exploring Chiang Mai’s wonders with a cold beer. This is a good place to go to meet new people or enjoy a relaxing night out with friends.
From the rooftop, you can catch glimpses of glittering temples and sturdy pagodas while observing the bustling streets below
Seoulhigh is a popular Chiang Mai rooftop bar among locals and tourists. This one-of-a-kind venue combines elements of Korean culture with the colourful and lively atmosphere of Chiang Mai, creating a unique experience for customers. The bar’s interior is spacious and modern, adorned with vibrant neon lights, Korean-inspired decor, K-pop music, and comfortable seating arrangements that invite customers to settle in and enjoy their time at the venue.
The menu at Seoulhigh Bar is a fusion of Korean and Thai cuisine, catering to different tastes and preferences. Patrons can savour classic Korean dishes such as bulgogi, kimchi, and bibimbap, as well as local favourites like pad Thai and green curry. The extensive selection of beers, cocktails, and soju will please even the most discerning drinkers among Chiang Mai’s rooftop bars aficionados.
Improvise Panoramic Roof Bar is a must-visit spot for those seeking fancy cocktails amidst some breathtaking panoramic views of Chiang Mai. Located right in front of Tha Pae Gate, this rooftop bar sits above a barbecue restaurant, providing a stunning 360-degree view of Chiang Mai’s skyline while guests enjoy their favourite drinks and snacks.
The chic and modern design of Improvise Roof Bar blends Thai and Western styles, making it one of the most visually appealing rooftop bars Chiang Mai boasts. The interior is decorated with white and gold accents, giving the bar an elegant and luxurious feel. Additionally, the bar offers comfortable seating options, including plush couches, rattan chairs, and high-top tables, perfect for couples, groups, and solo visitors alike.
Nestled in the old city, hideland.cnx is a trendy and sophisticated venue that has become popular with locals and tourists seeking exceptional rooftop bars in Chiang Mai. It offers stunning city skyline views, exquisite cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
The rooftop bar is situated on the top floor of a boutique hotel, offering an open-air setting that allows patrons to enjoy Chiang Mai’s pleasant climate. Hideland.cnx’s contemporary design features a mix of wooden and metal elements, creating an inviting and stylish atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic evening.
The menu at hideland.cnx is equally impressive, offering an array of signature cocktails, international beers, and fine wines to suit every palate. Accompanying the drinks is a selection of delicious Thai and Western dishes, making it an ideal location for a memorable dining experience among Chiang Mai’s rooftop bars.
Myst Maya is a one-of-a-kind rooftop bar located atop the Maya Shopping Mall, exuding an air of mystique and charm with its unique decor and ambience. The bar’s interior is adorned with dim lighting, plush seating, and intricate artwork, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. It has some of the best views of Doi Suthep mountain, as it is much closer than many other bars listed here.
Known for providing excellent drinks – and fantastical – cocktails, it also serves up international cuisine; Myst Maya is one of the go-to places in Chiang Mai, especially for the younger crowd. The bar also offers live music and DJ performances.
The Hotel Yayee Rooftop Bar is a favourite for many reasons. Set atop Yayee Hotel in Nimmanhaemin, this bar is lush with dripping ferns and foliage, with cosy seatings and some really excellent mixologists.
The cocktail menu is why most people come here, as they have some truly original and delightful house cocktails that are worth taking the lift up for. Unlike some other roof top bars, the cocktails here are not about being flashy. Instead, each drink is well thought out, thoroughly edited and presented without much pomp. It is all about the flavours here. The menu features an extensive selection of alcohol, tasty bar snacks, and appetisers.
In conclusion, the city of Chiang Mai offers a vibrant and diverse rooftop bar scene that caters to every taste and preference. From cosy and intimate venues to trendy and sophisticated hotspots, these rooftop bars in Chiang Mai provide unforgettable experiences, stunning views, and delicious drinks that will delight locals and visitors alike. So, the next time you find yourself exploring the wonders of Chiang Mai, be sure to take a break and indulge in the city’s sky-high nightlife at one of these fantastic rooftop bars.
