CHIANG MAI

Nightlife

The Chiang Mai nightlife is much quieter than Bangkok or Pattaya. There are many relaxing bars, a few discotheques, and one street with many go go bars, located primarily along the western end of Loi Kroh Road, including a walk-in arcade near the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, and a stretch of Moon Muang Road south of Tapae Gate. The city also accomodates the gay and lesbian scene. The Chiang Mai nightlife is quite restricted after midnight due to a current directive from the governor. A selected number of places have been allowed to remain open until 2 a.m. Bars are located all over the city, but are mostly located on either side of the moat's eastern flank (in the Tapae Gate area,) along the Ping River near Nawarat Bridge or in the vicinity of the night bazaar. At the Galare Centre, there is a free display of Thai cultural dancing and music. There is also a cluster of bars, coffee houses and restaurants at the intersection of Chang Klan and Loi Kroh Road. A little further down Chan Klan Road (heading north) there is a small arcade, known for its 'Peak Climbing Wall'. Karaoke lounges (which some regard as a national obsession) can be found all over the city. Many are found at Chiang Mai Land, a purpose-built street off Changklan Road, south of the city.

Shopping, massage and cookery

Shopping: Chiang Mai has a large and famous night bazaar for arts, handicrafts, and counterfeit products of all descriptions, and a number of large, well-appointed modern shopping centers. The night bazaar alone sprawls along several city blocks along sidewalks, inside buildings and temple grounds, and in open squares. A handicraft and food market opens every Sunday evening on Rachadamnoen Road, the main street in the historical center, which is closed to motorized traffic; the Sunday event attracts many local residents and tourists.

Thai massage: The back streets and main thoroughfares of Chiang Mai have an abundance and variety of massage parlors which offer anything from quick, simple, face and foot massages, to month-long courses in the art of Thai massage.

Thai cookery: A number of Thai cooking schools have their home in Chiang Mai (see also Thai food).