Chiang Mai nightlife is quieter than Bangkok with plenty of relaxing bars, discos, a street full of go-go bars, and a smattering of karaoke lounges. Many bars in Chiang Mai feature live music that includes Thai ballades, soul, blues and pop favourites.

The Chiang Mai nightlife is restricted after midnight with only a number of places allowed to remain open until 2am. Bars are found all over the city, but are mostly are found on either side of the Moat's eastern flank in the Tapae Gate area, along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge or in the Night Bazaar. Karaoke can be found all over the city and many found at Chiang Mai Land, a purpose-built street off Changklan Road, south of the city.

Multiplex cinemas are found in the Kad Suan Kaew mall (Central) and Airport Plaza, both showing movies with English soundtrack. An ice skating rink and bowling alley are also located in Central. There is also a karting track and mini golf.

Absorb the classic northern culture by attending a Khantoke dinner. Exclusive to Chiang Mai, they feature Thai cultural dance and music, with northern food specialties enjoyed within teak pavilions. Accompanying classical Thai dance is a traditional orchestra, using instruments such as the ranad (a wooden, floor level xylophone), sa-law (a bow-shaped instrument played with a violin-like bow), and two bamboo flutes, the phin pia and the khlui. The "pii-phaat" ensemble consists of between five and seven instruments and produces a pleasant mid-tempo melody to a steady metronomic rhythm.

A developing area for entertainment is Chiang Mai Land ( at the end of Changklan Road) with karoke bars, clubs, and restaurasnts.

Chiang Mai Night Clubs
There are many popular night clubs. They all fall into and out of fashion but some that you coild try are listed below.

Boom Senxy: 2/3 Irrigation Canal Road, Chiang Mai
Bossy 2002: Chiang Mai Land (053 204 039)
Caesar: 1 Kaew Nawarat Road, Chiangmai (053 249 721)
Legacy: Chang Klan Road, Chiang Mai Land (01 671 5312)
X- Zone: Osathapan Road, Chiangmai (053 302 989)