Things to Do: Nightlife

The locals and the foreigners love to go out in Chiang Mai to have a drink with some friends, or meet men or women. There are many little bars and pubs around Tha Phae area, and when you get out of the more "touristy" zones, you'll find some local style pubs and discos.

For a growing database of Nightlife in Chiang Mai, check out Nightlife.InsideChiangMai.com

The most popular club for foreigners in Chiang Mai is Bubbles, and it's very close to the Night Market.

Author's Recommendations:

For a younger crowd, the hottest place to go in Chiang Mai is Warm Up Cafe. Here you will find mostly college student partying hard after a week of classes. At Warm Up Cafe, you can relax outside, go wild inside, play pool, have drinks and even dinner.

Around this area, you will find many other places similar to Warm Up Cafe, because this street (Nimahnheman Rd.) is crawling with bars and clubs for young people. Almost all of these places will feature live bands with popular international and Thai songs.
Look for:
Warm Up Cafe, Monkey Club, Urban Playground, Bangrak

Smaller bars can also be found throughout the city. Depending on what kind of bar you like, or the kind of atmosphere you are looking for you can go to different parts of town. Loi Kroh Rd. is famous for its many bars, among which you can play pool and/or mingle with the bar girls there. Be warned that those girls will expect you to pay for their drinks if they sit with you.
Look for:
Loi Kroh Rd. (near the Night Market)

Many other bars and pubs in Chiang Mai can also be found for those who would prefer a different scene from the bar-girls-bars. For an excellent meal and sports TV, the Tuskers Bar is an excellent location for someone who enjoys a drink with friends. The Nr. 1 Bar (it's the name, but many agree it to be the reputation too) is also great if you are just looking for a good time with foreigners and ex-pats.
Look for:
Tuskers Bar, Nr. 1 Bar, Irish Pub