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. Undoubtedly this combination of features makes it a special destination for travelers eager for new experiences, with many interesting proposals to discover also at night.

From touring its night markets and tasting delicacies at 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 is why here you will find 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.

By touring Chiang Mai's night markets, you will be able to get to know its great cultural and gastronomic diversity. Besides being able to buy all kinds of handicrafts and other products, you can enjoy Thai food in its most varied forms. And if you are a good bargainer, you may find some treasures at a good price.

The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is the largest night market and operates daily from 18 to 22:30 hours. There you can buy everything from jewelry and fine clothes to home 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 extends along one kilometer in the Walled City. This market unfolds every Sunday from 4 p.m. to midnight, when the street is closed to traffic and becomes a meeting point for cultural events and festivities. There 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 5 pm to 10:30 pm. There you can find stores that keep alive the tradition of silver and lacquerware workshops, and a varied gastronomic offer, ranging from grilled fish to pad Thai.

Interesting details

• Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: held 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: takes place at 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 on your visit to Chiang Mai. Dishes are often local specialties 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 the Benjarong Khantoke, and is complemented by traditional Thai dance performances. During dinner you will be able to admire the choreography of the dancers, who will 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 centimeters long. Some members of hill tribes such as Yao, Lahu, Meo and Karen usually participate in these evenings. Remember that, as this is a very touristy activity, it is necessary to book in advance.

The Ping River or Mae Ping is a calm water river that runs through the city east of the Walled City and the night markets, ideal for sailing and enjoying a unique view of the city illuminated and 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 navigating 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 you with an escape from the daytime hustle and bustle.

If you prefer a shared sailing experience, you can book some of the kayaking tours at night, which will also provide you with all the necessary equipment. This way you will get to know Chiang Mai from another angle, which will definitely add a plus 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 8 p.m., although it is always advisable to check opening hours before you go.

You can explore Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang, two jewels 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 golden carvings and sculptures. This temple houses the image of the Buddha Phra Singh, one of the most revered in the city.

On the other hand, Wat Sri Suphan, known as the Silver Temple, has an unmissable charm at night, when its silver colors stand out in the night lighting. If you visit it on a Saturday, you will find it open **until around 11 p.**m., since on this day there is a market in the surroundings, where silver and other metal handicrafts made in the sanctuary's workshop are sold.

Another temple you can visit at night is Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, located on top of the hill of the same name. From there you can enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Chiang Mai at night and contemplate its great golden stupa under the moonlight. This temple is located 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.

An unparalleled option to enjoy the night in Chiang Mai is to go out and explore the Nimman neighborhood, located about 3 kilometers from the Old City. It is a neighborhood that hipsters and digital nomads have made their favorite place. Restaurants, galleries, bars and nightclubs are the scene of the most festive point of Chiang Mai.

I suggest Ristr8to Coffee, a landmark for coffee lovers, where you will enjoy exquisite blends. Along Nimmanhaemin Street, the neighborhood's main artery, 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 unmissable option is Zoe in Yellow, a nightclub with open-air spaces located on Nimmanhaemin Street.

To get to the Nimman neighborhood, you can take a bus, a cab or a tuk tuk, whose prices are very cheap.

One of the most enjoyable ways to get to know Chiang Mai is to take a food tour to taste the delicacies the city has to offer and immerse yourself in its cultural richness. It is one of the best tours to do in Chiang Mai, as it brings 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. You can also go to the Nimman neighborhood, where its small stalls offer a fusion of Thai and Western flavors in innovative dishes such as mango sticky rice in the form of sushi or curry patties.

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

Another great alternative is to book a guided food tour with a local food expert, 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 motorized 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 excellent spots in the city to tour by tuk tuk. Another option is to head to the Tha Pae Gate area, where the historic gate and its surroundings come alive at night with street musicians and street vendors. Moving away from the tourist areas, you can discover small local bars and restaurants that reflect the typical Chiang Mai nightlife.

You will 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 boarding the vehicle. The flexibility of the tuk tuk allows you to explore both popular destinations and lesser known places, so they are highly recommended if your stay will be more than 3 days in Chiang Mai.

This traditional street in the Old City is lined with a huge number of bars and eateries, making it an ideal place to embark on a nighttime food tour. There is everything to choose from: breweries, traditional pastry shops, restaurants specializing in seafood and fish, ice cream parlors, coffee shops and a wide variety of bars.

Among the most outstanding bars in 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 cultural life of Chiang Mai. If you want to learn more about its gastronomy, a great option is to take a guided tour, as they usually include tastings of the best dishes and drinks of the city.

Visiting Buak Haad Park at dusk is an unmissable option 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 spacious green areas to relax and enjoy the evening breeze.

Buak Haad Park features a central lake surrounded by lighted walkways, creating a serene and safe environment for strolling. In addition, you will find playgrounds for children and benches strategically located so you can enjoy the view.

In the park, you can participate in a variety of activities, from watching the locals playing a kind of foot volleyball, to getting a massage, participating in a yoga class or watching an outdoor movie; so it is a very interesting option for your evenings in the city.

To make the most of your visit, do not forget to bring a blanket or mat to sit on the grass. It is highly recommended that you visit it 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.
• Hours: daily from 7 am to 11 pm.

After a tiring day 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 healing system that combines Ayurvedic principles, acupressure and assisted yoga postures, which will leave you refreshed for the next day.

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

Another well-known place is Makkha Health & Spa, which 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.

Without a doubt, Thai massage is a perfect way to relax after a day full of activities, so it is important that you choose a legitimate place with good reviews. Keep in mind that a full massage can cost you around 5 euros per hour.