North Gate Jazz Co-Op

Overview

North Gate Jazz Co-Op is an intimate live-music bar inside the Old City's northern wall, famous for its nightly jazz sessions. Local and visiting musicians jam on a tiny stage while a mixed crowd of Thai jazz fans and travellers spills onto the pavement.

Highlights

• Live Jazz Nightly: House bands play from 21:00; Tuesday and Friday are the most popular jam-session nights.
• Open Jam: Musicians are welcome to sit in with the house band on most evenings.
• Atmosphere: A rough-edged, authentic jazz-bar vibe with plastic chairs and good beer.

History

Opened in 2012 by a group of local jazz enthusiasts, North Gate Jazz Co-Op filled a gap in Chiang Mai's music scene and quickly became an institution. It routinely draws top Thai jazz musicians passing through the city.

Visitor Tips

• Arrive early: Seats fill fast; arrive by 20:30 for indoor or doorway spots.
• Tuesday night: The most celebrated jam night—expect a packed house.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.