The 3 Best Rooftop Bars In Chiang Mai That Offer A Lot More

An always fun activity in the afternoon and evening is to relax on on one of the rooftop bars. Chiang Mai does not disappoint, and these three have more to offer than just the bar and restaurant.

The biggest reason I’d recommend one of the rooftop bars is the combination of mountains + sunset + city. Chiang Mai doesn’t have Bangkok’s skyscraper skyline, but that isn’t really the point, the Doi Suthep backdrop gives the city its own character.

Best time: arrive about 30–45 minutes before sunset so you can get a good table and experience both daylight and the city after dark. On Sundays even earlier if going to the Thapae Grill.

This page contains links to affiliate partner websites, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Disclosure Page. 

Thapae Grill – Old City

ThaPae Grill is a Thai/Mala grilled-food restaurant and rooftop bar in Chiang Mai’s Old City, just a short walk from Tha Phae Gate. With multiple levels, it offers one of the best rooftop bars in the Old City.

In addition the the rooftop bar, what sets it apart is that it is right on the Sunday Walking Street at the Thapae Gate. One of the best places in the city for street food and local shopping happens every Sunday afternoon for multiple blocks and in multiple temples.

Why go:

• 🌆 Rooftop: The big attraction is the upper-level rooftop with 360° views over the Old City, particularly nice around sunset.
• 🌶️ Mala & grilled food: Skewers, pork belly, beef, chicken, vegetables and other grilled dishes, with the restaurant specializing in spicy, numbing Mala flavors.
• 🍜 More than grill: The menu also includes Thai favorites such as khao soi, tom yum and pineapple fried rice.
• 🍹 Drinks: Cocktails, beer and other drinks make it a good dinner-to-evening stop.
• 🎵 Atmosphere: Lively rooftop setting with music/DJ-style entertainment; better suited to a relaxed evening than a quick meal.

Things To Know:

Mala pork belly, Wagyu beef skewers, grilled chicken, and a couple of vegetable skewers. If you want something less spicy, try the khao soi or pineapple fried rice.

Tip: If the rooftop view is the priority, go before sunset. The rooftop can fill up, and there are quite a few stairs.

Location: 27–29 Ratchadamnoen Road, Old City, near Tha Phae Gate. Current listings show it generally operating into the late evening; hours vary slightly by source, so checking ahead is sensible.

Hotel Yayee

Hotel Yayee is a stylish, small boutique hotel in Nimman, one of Chiang Mai’s best areas for cafes, restaurants, bars, and shopping. It’s tucked away from the main road, so you get the convenience of Nimman without quite as much noise.

We recently stayed here for the first time and it was great. The rooftop bar was the highlight. The rooms are small but nice with a balcony. And the staff was great. In a quiet area, but just a few blocks walk to the action.

⭐ Why I like it

• Great Nimman location — about a 10-minute walk to One Nimman, with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops nearby.
• Excellent rooftop — the 5th-floor Yayee Rooftop looks toward Doi Suthep and is particularly good around sunset. It’s open daily from 4 PM to midnight.
• Boutique character — colorful, locally influenced design rather than a generic chain-hotel feel.
• Friendly staff — consistently one of the strongest points in guest reviews.
• Good for couples or solo travelers who want to be close to Nimman’s dining and nightlife.

Things to know

Best for solo or couples. Not for kids. Only hotel amenity is the rooftop bar.

The rooms are boutique-sized rather than large, and some balcony rooms have very small balconies. There is no swimming pool, so I’d choose Yayee for its location, personality and rooftop rather than resort-style amenities.

Mai The Sky Bar – Melia Hotel

For more upscale modern, and great for a date, try Mai The Sky bar at the Melia. Award winning food and drinks with views for as long as you can see.

Meliá Chiang Mai is one of the better choices for a modern upscale stay in Chiang Mai, particularly if you want to be near the Night Bazaar and Ping River rather than in Nimman. It is a contemporary 5-star hotel with a distinctly Northern Thai/Lanna design mixed with Spanish touches.

Why I like it

• Excellent location: about a 5-minute walk from the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar and convenient for Tha Phae Gate, Old City temples and the river.
• Great for families: family rooms, kids’ club, kids’ pool and indoor play facilities.
• Rooftop: MAI The Sky Bar on the 22nd floor has sweeping views toward the city, Ping River and Doi Suthep. Sunset is particularly appealing.
• Good pool and spa: YHI Spa, sauna/steam facilities, fitness center and swimming pool.
• Rooms: categories range from roughly 30 m² standard rooms to large suites; The Level provides upgraded rooms and private lounge access.

Things to know

Best for couples or families. The kids club and kids amenities and pools are great for families.

If you’re choosing between hotels in Chiang Mai, I’d put Meliá near the top for a comfortable upscale/family hotel with a central location, pool, good breakfast and a great rooftop. It’s particularly convenient if your plans include the Night Bazaar, Ping River, Tha Phae area and Old City temples.