Last year, 2017, Chiang Mai took the third place in Travel + Leisure World’s Top 15 Cities Award. I’m a Chiang Mai local and couldn’t be more proud of my hometown. I can totally agree and see why people have chosen Chiang Mai to be in the top three cities. All the rich history and cultures, the well-preserved traditions, the stunning Lanna-style architectures, the delicious food, and of course, the lovely people; All these make Chiang Mai a very lovely gem of the North.

What would be a great way to see the beauty of Chiang Mai during the sunsets or at night? I got this question from a friend. Well, how about watching the sun setting with a glass of a fine drink in your hand? My friend was tempted with the idea. So I have picked 3 rooftop bars with the best views of the city and would like to share them with you too. You will be able to enjoy excellent drinks and see the beauty of Chiang Mai at the same time. I guarantee you a superb way to end your evenings in Chiang Mai.

Myst MAYA Chiang Mai

On the 6^th floor of the Maya Mall, there’s a rooftop area called the Nimman Hill. Up at the Nimman Hill, there are a few bars but Myst is the biggest and the best with drinks. After the first Myst in Bangkok has been successful in the famous nightclub area of Thonglor, the team has decided to open its second branch here in Chiang Mai. ‘Myst’ is from the word ‘mystery’, the manager told me. What are the mysteries about? The Myst team wants you to go and find out.

There are 3 seating zones for you to choose from. The indoor area with A/C which offers live music later in the evening and then DJs playing great music. Also, there are 2 more outdoor areas with great views of Chiang Mai. One is on the bottom floor and another one is the upper floor of the rooftop. I suggest you go a bit early and secure the seat on the upper floor. It’s one of the best 360° views of Chiang Mai with nice breezes.

Myst has been really famous for its crazy molecular cocktails. The signature cocktails are very colorful, wild and creative. Bartenders are well-trained and professional. Feel like trying cocktails on fire or with smoke? You will be wowed at Myst. Ohhhh…and from 18.00 – 21.00 Hrs. daily, there’s a buy-1-get-1-free promotion for selected cocktails too!

Recommended Menu: Rainbow shots 320Baht, Chocolate Martini 200Baht, Gun and Rose 500Baht

6^th floor; Nimman Hill; Maya Mall, Hours: 18.00 – 01.00 Hrs. Daily, FB: @MystMAYA, Parking: Yes

Photo credits: @MystMAYA

Xanadu Pub & Restaurant

is located on the 17^th floor of the Furama Chiang Mai. Xanadu is an alfresco rooftop deck with a very spacious terrace perfect for both small and big parties. In the clear sky nights, you will be able to see the famous Doi Suthep temple lit up half way up in the sky. It is truly a gorgeous view.

Not only just a good range of excellent cocktails offered, but you can also have a wonderful meal at Xanadu. The menu has a great variety of both Thai and international dishes. Prices of food and drinks are very reasonable with very attentive staff. So if you are considering to stay with us at the Furama Chiang Mai, I’m pretty sure this is another good reason why you should stay with us.

Recommended Menu: Long Island Ice Tea 180Baht, Mojito 180Baht, Blue Hawaii 180Baht

Furama Hotel on Huay Kaew Rd., Hours: 18.00 – 24.00 Hrs. Daily, FB: @XanaduChiangMai, Parking: Yes

Photo Credits: @XanaduChiangMai

Parallel Universe of Lunar 2 on the Hidden Moon

This small new craft beer bar with a very long name is the new heaven for craft beer lovers in Chiang Mai. It is like Chiang Mai’s new best-kept secret for craft beers hidden up in the rooftop of the One Nimman. It has been opened for about 8 months and been attracting both locals and foreigners since. After interviewing Karn, one of the three bar owners said the concept of this place is like you are out of this world; instead, you are in the space. Taking the elevator up here is just like taking a spacecraft which takes you out of this world to the space where exceptional choices of craft beers await you. When the doors of the elevator are opened, you will be directly inside the bar. It’s a little weird but cool!

Parallel Universe Of Lunar 2 On The Hidden Moon is a self-service bar. There are 10 beers on taps which including the famous local craft beer; My Beer Friend. They also carry some outstanding bottled ones too. All the beers available here are handpicked by the owners. You sure will find only excellent craft beers here. Too overwhelming with the choices? Just ask the staff! They will be more than happy to help you choose your drinks. You can choose to sit inside with the A/C or at the 2 outdoor zones; one is a smoking area while the other one is a non-smoking area.

I went there around 18.00 hrs; just before the sunset. I chose to sit outside at the non-smoking area which has the view of the iconic Doi Suthep. Watching the sunset with a glass of a really good beer in my hand was a perfect way to end the day for me.

Recommended Menu: My Beer Friend Double IPA ABV. 8.5% Small/Big: 200/360 Baht, Heretic Chocolate Hazelnut Porter ABV. 7% Small/Big: 200/380 Baht, Brewdog Hazy Jane New England IPA ABV. 7.2% Small/Big: 250/480 Baht

5^th floor; the roof top at One Nimman (Take the elevator located at the corner of the beginning of Nimman Soi 1), Hours: 17.00 – 23.30 Hrs. Daily, FB: @puol2ohm, Parking: Yes

Photo Credits: @puol2ohm