10 Things to Do in Chiang Mai at Night

Chiang Mai is Thailand's second largest metropolis, well known for its Buddhist temples and historic buildings, as well as for its incessant flow of tourists and its lively cultural and commercial life. No doubt this combination of characteristics makes it a special destination for travellers eager for new experiences, with many interesting proposals to discover also at night.

From browsing its night markets and tasting the delicacies at the street food stalls, to sailing along the Ping River and admiring the illuminated city, there are many options to enjoy the night in this city. That's why here's a list of the best things to see and do in Chiang Mai after sunset, so you can make the most of your stay in the city.

As you wander through Chiang Mai's night markets, you'll be able to experience Chiang Mai's great cultural and gastronomic diversity. As well as being able to buy all kinds of handicrafts and other products, you can enjoy Thai food in its most varied forms. And if you're a good bargainer, you might even find a few treasures at a good price.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the largest night market and operates daily from 18:00 to 22:30. Here you can buy everything from jewellery and fine clothes to household appliances and regional products. You can also enjoy the great gastronomic variety, both in restaurants and street stalls.

The Sunday Walking Street is the most popular night market and stretches along one kilometre in the Walled City. This market is held every Sunday from 4pm until midnight, when the street is closed to traffic and becomes a meeting place for cultural events and festivities. Here you will find a unique variety of regional products, traded by the hill tribes.

Wualaiwalking street is another night market that takes place on Saturdays, near the ancient walls of Chiang Mai, from 5pm to 10.30pm. Here you can find shops that keep alive the tradition of silver and lacquerware workshops, and a variety of food, ranging from grilled fish to pad Thai.

Interesting details

• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: takes place at the intersection of Chang Khlan Road and Loi Khro Road.
• Sunday Walking Street: takes place on Ratchadamnoen Rd, a street located inside the Walled City, about three blocks from the Three Kings Monument.
• Wualai walking street: 69 Wua Lai Rd, Haiya Sub-district, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai.

A Khantoke dinner is a traditional Northern Thai gastronomic and artistic experience not to be missed during your visit to Chiang Mai. Dishes are often local specialities such as the famous Khao Soi curry, a curry noodle soup with coconut milk served on low tables known as khantoke.

This culinary experience is offered at many restaurants in Chiang Mai, such as Benjarong Khantoke, and is complemented by traditional Thai dance performances. During dinner you can admire the choreography of the dancers, who perform stories from Thai tradition and classical Thai literature.

Tasting menus are usually included before dinner, which the dancers usually enliven with the popular Thai Fingernail Dance, which they perform using bronze nails about 15 centimetres long. Some members of hill tribes such as Yao, Lahu, Meo and Karen often take part in these evenings. Remember that as this is a very touristy activity, you need to book in advance.

The Ping River or Mae Ping is a calm river that runs through the city east of the Walled City and the night markets, ideal for boating and enjoying a unique view of the illuminated city surrounded by nature. One of the most interesting ways to get into these waters is by kayak, as it gives you a direct contact with the river and nature.

In addition, when sailing on the Ping River, you will have a privileged panoramic view of the ancient temples and the most emblematic buildings of Chiang Mai. The night breeze and the murmur of the water create a tranquil atmosphere, providing an escape from the hustle and bustle of the day.

If you prefer a shared boating experience, you can book some of the night kayaking tours, which will also provide you with all the necessary equipment. This way you can get to know Chiang Mai from a different angle, which will definitely add to your night in this Thai city.

One way to see Chiang Mai's iconic temples from a different perspective is to take a tour under the stars. These mystical sites take on a special atmosphere at nightfall, when the dim lights highlight the intricate details of their centuries-old structures. You may even find some open until around 8pm, although it's always advisable to check opening times before you go.

You can explore Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, two gems located in the heart of the Walled City, the old part of the city. Wat Phra Singh, with its classical Thai architecture, is subtly illuminated, highlighting the gilded carvings and sculptures. This temple houses the image of Phra Singh Buddha, one of the most revered Buddhas in the city.

Wat Sri Suphan, known as the Silver Temple, is particularly charming at night, when its silvery colours stand out in the night-time illumination. If you visit on a Saturday, you'll find it open until around 11pm, as on this day there is a street market in the vicinity, where silver and other metal handicrafts made in the shrine's workshop are for sale.

Another temple you can visit at night is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which is located at the top of the hill of the same name. From here you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Chiang Mai at night and gaze at its large golden stupa in the moonlight. This temple is on the Monks' Route along with Wat Umong and Wat Pha Lat, which is part of one of the best guided tours of Chiang Mai.

A great way to enjoy a night out in Chiang Mai is to head out and explore the Nimman neighbourhood, located about 3 kilometres from the Old City. This is a neighbourhood that hipsters and digital nomads have made their favourite haunt. Restaurants, galleries, bars and nightclubs are the backdrop to Chiang Mai's most festive spot.

I suggest Ristr8to Coffee, an iconic spot for coffee lovers, where you'll enjoy exquisite blends. Along Nimmanhaemin Street, the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare, you'll find emerging art galleries and boutiques showcasing the work of talented local designers. Stop by Gallery Seescape, a cultural space noted for its exhibitions and art events.

The food scene is equally impressive. Nimman Social is a restaurant that fuses Thai cuisine with international touches, while Warm Up Café is an iconic live music venue that transforms into a nightclub at night. Another must-visit option is Zoe in Yellow, an open-air nightclub on Nimmanhaemin Street.

To get to the Nimman neighbourhood, you can take a bus, taxi or tuk tuk, all of which are very affordable.

One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Chiang Mai is to take a food tour to sample the delicacies the city has to offer and immerse yourself in its cultural richness. This is one of the best tours to do in Chiang Mai, as it adds a tasteful dimension to the evenings of your trip.

If you start your tour a little before sunset, you can visit the Warorot Market, located in the heart of the city. There you can try local delicacies such as khao soi, a creamy and slightly spicy noodle soup, or satay skewers. Or head to the Nimman neighbourhood, where small stalls offer a fusion of Thai and Western flavours in innovative dishes such as mango sticky rice in the form of sushi or curry patties.

Elsewhere, in the Old Town you can try local specialities such as khao kha moo (slow-cooked pork with rice) at traditional restaurants, or join a more interactive culinary experience at restaurants that allow you to make your own Thai-style hot pot soup.

Another great alternative is to book a guided food tour with a local foodie, as these tours often include tastings of typical Thai dishes and drinks, and introduce you to the best places to eat in Chiang Mai.

The tuk tuk is a small three-wheeled motorised vehicle, perfect for navigating the city's narrow streets and immersing yourself in its nightlife. Its agility and ability to navigate through traffic gives you a more authentic perspective of Chiang Mai.

The temples, the Night Bazaar and the Nimmanhaemin Road area are great spots to tour by tuk tuk. Alternatively, head to the Tha Pae Gate area, where the historic gate and its surroundings come alive at night with street musicians and hawkers. As you head away from the tourist areas, you'll discover small local bars and restaurants that reflect the typical Chiang Mai nightlife.

You'll find tuk tuks available at several key points in the city, especially in tourist areas and markets. Costs may vary, so it is best to agreeon a price before you board the vehicle. The flexibility of tuk tuks allows you to explore both popular and lesser-known destinations, so they are highly recommended if you are staying more than 3 days in Chiang Mai.

This traditional Old Town street is lined with bars and eateries, making it an ideal place to embark on an evening food tour. There is something for everyone: breweries, traditional patisseries, seafood restaurants, ice cream parlours, coffee shops and a wide variety of bars.

Among the most outstanding bars on this street you can find the Paradise bar, with its simplicity and the friendliness of its staff; the Knockout Bar former My TiRak Pub, ideal for watching sports; I'm Shy with its pool tables and cocktails; Red Lion English pub, with its variety of beers; and Cherry Blossom, where you can choose the music.

Without a doubt, the most interesting thing about this alternative walk along Loi Kroh Road is that it offers you a wide panorama of the typical dishes and the cultural life of Chiang Mai. If you want to learn more about its gastronomy, a great option is to take a guided tour, which usually includes tastings of the best dishes and drinks of the city.

Visiting Buak Haad Park at dusk is a must-do in Chiang Mai. This green space is special if you are looking for a quiet and relaxing atmosphere at the end of the day. As the sun sets, you can take advantage of the large green areas to relax and enjoy the evening breeze.

Buak Haad Park features a central lake surrounded by illuminated walkways, creating a serene and safe environment for strolling. There are also playgrounds for children and benches strategically placed for you to enjoy the view.

In the park, you can participate in a variety of activities, from watching the locals play foot volleyball to getting a massage, taking part in a yoga class or watching an outdoor movie, making it a great option for your nights on the town.

To make the most of your visit, don't forget to bring a blanket or mat to sit on the grass. It is highly recommended that you visit in the second half of December, when the Flower Festival takes place, which will dazzle you with the great floral display that fills this park with life.

Details of interest

• Location: Arak Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai.
• Opening hours: daily from 7am to 11pm.

After a tiring day of walking around Chiang Mai to see temples and sample the local food, what better than relaxing with a traditional Thai massage at one of the city's spas. This is an ancient system of healing that combines Ayurvedic principles, acupressure and assisted yoga postures, leaving you refreshed for the day ahead.

Some of the spas that offer restorative massages at the end of the day include Let's Relax, which has three branches in Chiang Mai, each with its own decorative style: Chiang Mai Pavillion, Tha Pae Gate and Nimman Quarter.

Makkha Health & Spa also has three locations in the city: Makkha Health & Spa (Ancient House), located in a traditional old Thai wooden house; Makkha Health & Spa (Colonial Gardens), located in the old town, with a glass roof that bathes the spa in sunlight; and Makkha Health & Spa (Night Bazaar), located in a corner of the traditional market and with a Zen concept.

Thai massage is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day, so it's important to choose a legitimate place with good reviews. Keep in mind that a full massage can cost you around 5 euros per hour.