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Top 5 Craft Beer Bars in Chiang Mai

March 10, 2026 04:00 AM

Thirsty in Chiang Mai? Discover the top 5 craft beer bars for icy pints, rotating taps, and cool, air-conditioned hangouts across Nimman, Old City, and Santitham.

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Chiang Mai’s craft beer scene has quietly matured into one of Thailand’s most relaxed, flavorful experiences. Whether you’re cooling off after a temple hop or winding down a Nimman night, these craft beer bars deliver cold pours, thoughtful curation, and that easy Northern Thai vibe. From hop-forward IPAs to crisp lagers and adventurous sours, you’ll find rotating taps, well-stocked fridges, and knowledgeable bartenders who love steering you toward your new favorite brew.

To make this ranking, we prioritized fresh, well-kept draft systems, breadth and turnover of selection, fair pricing, and settings you actually want to linger in, from air-conditioned taprooms to breezy patios. We also gave bonus points for staff who can guide beginners, beer flights or half pours for sampling, and food options or BYO-friendly policies for a complete night out. Expect most pints in the 180–320 THB range, with plenty of cans and bottles to take home.

If you’re planning your evenings around neighborhoods, Nimmanhaemin packs the most density and late-night energy, while Santitham and the Old City offer cozy, community-driven spots. Pair this guide with our Chiang Mai Travel Guide to map beer stops between markets, viewpoints, and riverside strolls.

Tip: tap lists in Chiang Mai change fast. Check a venue’s socials before you go, arrive early if you want a seat in the cool, and don’t be shy about asking for a taste before committing to a full pour.

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1. Beer Lab Chiang Mai (Nimman)

Big selection, cold AC, and Nimman energy

Most Popular
Beer Lab Chiang Mai (Nimman)

Highlight

Beer Lab is Chiang Mai’s crowd favorite for sheer variety, cold AC, and a lively Nimman atmosphere. Expect a broad rotating draft list alongside an impressive wall of bottles and cans spanning Thai craft, regional standouts, and global classics. Lines are well kept, serving consistently fresh pours across styles from hazy IPAs to clean pilsners and dessert stouts. It’s a social space with high tables, a casual food menu, and enough seating to work for date night or a group meetup. Staff know their stuff and are happy to offer tastes, flights, or style suggestions if you’re new to craft beer. Pricing is fair for the selection, and there’s usually something sessionable if you’re hopping between bars nearby. Come early for a cool seat inside, or post up outdoors when the evening breeze kicks in.

Price

180–350 THB

Essential Information

Location

Nimmanhaemin

Opening hours

Daily, 17:00–0:00

Phone

+66979974566

Pikul

2. Namton’s House Bar

Intimate, geek-friendly, and proudly Thai craft

Namton’s House Bar

Highlight

A beloved local hangout on the quieter side, Namton’s is where Chiang Mai’s beer geeks and curious newcomers mingle. The rotating draft lineup leans into Thai craft producers, with fridges carrying everything from crisp lagers to punchy sours and barrel-aged treats. The bar’s intimate size makes conversations with the owner and staff part of the charm, and you’ll often get spot-on recommendations based on your palate. Expect occasional tap takeovers, collabs, and small-batch drops that disappear fast. The setting is cozy and unpretentious, with playlists low enough for real conversations. If you’re exploring Wua Lai’s markets, this is a perfect pre- or post-stroll stop. Namton’s is also one of the better places to start if you want to learn the basics of styles without feeling overwhelmed.

Price

170–320 THB

Essential Information

Location

Wua Lai / Old City south

Opening hours

Mon and Thu-Sun, 16:20–23:30 (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)

Phone

+66869111207

Pikul

3. U.N. Irish Pub & Restaurant

Old City classic with craft-friendly choices

U.N. Irish Pub & Restaurant

Highlight

A Chiang Mai institution that’s evolved with the times, U.N. Irish Pub isn’t a pure craft taproom, but it earns a spot for reliably kept beer, rotating guest taps, and a solid bottle list that often includes Belgian and UK ales alongside select Thai crafts. It’s spacious, air-conditioned, and made for groups, with hearty pub food, sports screens, and staff who keep pints moving on busy nights. If you’re traveling with mixed tastes, this is a smart compromise: craft fans get quality pours, while lager loyalists and cider seekers have options too. The location works well if you’re sightseeing in the Old City and want a cool, no-fuss refuge in the afternoon heat. Check the chalkboard or ask what’s new on tap before you settle in.

Price

160–300 THB

Essential Information

Location

Old City

Opening hours

Daily, 9:00–0:00

Phone

+6653214554

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Pikul

4. 9BEER by No.9 Hostel & Cafe

The Cozy Nimman Craft Beer Hideout

9BEER by No.9 Hostel & Cafe

Highlight

The Vibe: Intimate, laid-back, and hipster-chic. Tucked away underneath the No.9 Hostel in the trendy Nimman neighborhood of Chiang Mai, this small craft beer bar feels like a welcoming, secret local hangout away from the massive tourist crowds.

Why will you Love It: It is the absolute perfect spot for a relaxed evening of deep conversations and great drinks. They boast a fantastic, rotating selection of local Thai craft beers (including the famous local "My Beer Friend" brews) and imported options both on tap and in the fridge. The space is small and highly social, and the staff are famously friendly; they are always happy to give you recommendations or let you sample the taps before you commit to a pint!

Price

Drinks range from 150 to 300 THB per glass or bottle

Essential Information

Location

Nimman Soi 9, Su Thep, Chiang Mai

Opening hours

Daily, 11:30–23:30

Pikul

5. Chiang Mai Craft Beer

The No-Nonsense Nimman Taphouse

Chiang Mai Craft Beer

Highlight

The Vibe: Small, airy, and straightforward. Situated right in the heart of Nimman, this appropriately-named bar features a great mix of indoor and outdoor seating. It has a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere where the focus is entirely on the brew in your glass rather than loud club music.

Why will you Love It: If you want incredible variety without an overwhelming party vibe, this is your spot. They offer several rotating taps of fresh local Thai beers alongside a massive, well-stocked fridge filled with hard-to-find Thai and Asian craft cans. It’s the perfect breezy spot for a crisp afternoon or evening pint while people-watching the bustling streets of Nimman.

Price

Drinks typically range from 180 to 350 THB

Essential Information

Location

43 Nimman Soi 4, Su Thep, Chiang Mai

Opening hours

Mon, 0:00–12:00 and 17:00–0:00 Tue-Sun, 17:00–0:00

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That’s our hit list of Chiang Mai’s best craft beer bars, perfect for swapping the afternoon heat for a frosty pint, or ending a day of temple trails with something hoppy, malty, or delightfully sour. Stick to Nimman for variety in a compact area, duck into Santitham for a local, bottle-shop vibe, and aim for the Old City when you’re mixing beer with classic sightseeing. Wherever you land, staff are friendly, prices are fair, and sample pours make it easy to explore without over-committing.

Planning a bigger Chiang Mai itinerary around food and culture too? Cross-reference this with our Top 5 Italian Restaurants in Chiang Mai for dinner ideas, and weigh up a side trip with Chiang Mai vs. Chiang Rai if you’re chasing cooler air or different temple styles. Whichever route you take, you’re never far from a quality taproom and a friendly pour.

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