Attention Young People In Chiang Mai

[orang37]

... snip ... When I say young, I kinda mean under 40ish but there are no restrictions. ...

Khun Skoperism, Sawdusted Cupcakes,

I urge you not to trust anyone over thirty, particularly me.

~o:37;

[Mapguy]

Hi there, thought I'd bump this thread in an effort to get the same information but updated. My girlfriend (22) and I (25) have been in Chiang Mai for 6 weeks and have tried most areas. What we're really struggling to find is "legit" karaoke, where you can go and sing a few songs with a crowd and not have a massively padded bill, or a prostitute angling for drinks and 'room fees' (even when you're in a couple, which seems odd). We found one place near Heaven Beach (Old City) which had a decent atmosphere, but all the English songs were Thai remixes, and the bill was still padded to about double. Chas told us that he occasionally does one in Tuskers, and we seem to be hitting there about every 2 weeks (alternating between quiz or happy hour Friday). Just like the OP a year ago, there aren't very many young people around - either farangs or Thais who speak enough English so that I don't have to speak Thai. Obviously we still enjoy CM and love that we're meeting loads of new amazing people (perhaps even ones we'd not bother getting to know at home), but just want to meet a few like minded souls. We've tried:

Warm Up (virtually all Thais who aren't interested in talking to foreigners, or at least they were 2 weeks ago);

Heaven Beach/Rasta area (mainly backpackers, but awesome atmosphere - generally people who aren't staying long though);

THC Rooftop (good atmosphere and pleasant mix, though a lot mainly on the pull);

Guitarman (good atmosphere, friendly - keep meaning to go back but it seems shut quite a lot of the time lately);

obviously Tuskers (really super friendly and welcoming, but seems only busy when something is on);

Jackie's van (recommended by Tuskers' Rachel, and a good tip - only went here once at the end of a night when the powerful cocktails sent us straight into a tuktuk home - defo one to try again tho);

Monkey Club (good mix, but didn't seem to "get going" while we were there);

Peppermint Cafe (great staff, good food. Only been here on business so far so not tried the company much, but seems like nice long-stayers);

Gekko Garden (recent find - great cocktails, friendly atmosphere, some farang chat - one to go back to again);

Rannakosin Hotel Entertainment Complex (good range and reasonable steak, but bars and karaoke are just prostitute venues).

We're taking a fun group of gap year volunteers we met in Chiang Rai out around CM next weekend, and would love to find somewhere new to try - although with about 10 of us I guess we could easily "make" a scene if any forum members wish to join in! If you have any tips for somewhere you can have a drink/chat/dance/sing without being a major novelty or cash cow, I'd love to hear it!

You haven't strayed very far off the beaten path.

[mcgriffith]

We wait with bated breath for Mapguy's fav venues...

[Mapguy]

We wait with bated breath for Mapguy's fav venues...

Say whaaat?! No way am I going to share! This guy has to dive in on his own!

Edited March 16, 2009 by Mapguy

[sassienie]

Just wait, you'll soon become an Old Fart, like the rest of us ! I could tell you some tales, about when I was younger & everything was better or cheaper, but my glass seems to be empty ... your shout ... mine's a pint, very good of you squire ... !

Regarding places to meet, discuss things & arrange activities, when I was a Young Fart, we used to call these Bars or Discos but never Karaoke, visited only on pain of death-of-good-taste.

They are also good places to meet friendly young ladies, who will help you to pour your beer, and drink tea-disguised-as-whisky. These ladies are especially good at arranging 'activities', but we won't go into that, as the actress said to the bishop, because it's against forum-rules ... the discussion, not the activities. Also, don't attempt to beat these sweet young things at pool, or connect-4, as they are all world-champions !

If desperate, you might also try joining a strange sub-tribe of farangs, who call themselves 'Hashers' ?

Discos, what? When I was young they were called Discotecs.

Things were cheaper and better in those days, but aye, we ad it ruff.

My family were too poor to have central heating, so my Dad sucked extra strong mints and we all sat round his mouth to keep warm.

Anyway, the OP will be hard pushed to find any young Farangs to socialise with in Chiang Mai.

This is where old coffin dodgers come to retire and die, but they don`t.

Things to do in Chiang Mai at night:

Take a taxi to Chiang Mai airport. Book a ticket and fly to Bangkok.

[Ulysses G.]

We wait with bated breath for Mapguy's fav venues...

The Chiang Mai Museums of pollution data charts, topographical maps and weather information are certainly not to be missed!

[WinnieTheKhwai]

LOL.. As someone who got to Chiang Mai rather young as well, I think the best course of action is to throw any ideas about hanging out with people in some pre-defined similar age group out the window. (And besides, it's not like there's people in your age group who would see you with older people and laugh at you.

Because honestly, some people in the same age group will be complete idiot basket cases, and some older people actually pretty fun and open minded. And, even if you do find good people in that age group then chances are they're not around for the long haul and will be gone when their travels/teaching/NGO/Gap stint ends. But you'll find that out by yourself in time.

Peppermint Cafe (great staff, good food. Only been here on business so far so not tried the company much, but seems like nice long-stayers);

Gekko Garden (recent find - great cocktails, friendly atmosphere, some farang chat - one to go back to again);

Rannakosin Hotel Entertainment Complex (good range and reasonable steak, but bars and karaoke are just prostitute venues).

Where/what are those places? Would the last one be 'Rattanakosin', as per the road? (and the ex-island in Bangkok) ?

Edited March 17, 2009 by WinnieTheKhwai

[tigerbeer]

Hi there, thought I'd bump this thread in an effort to get the same information but updated. My girlfriend (22) and I (25) have been in Chiang Mai for 6 weeks and have tried most areas. What we're really struggling to find is "legit" karaoke, where you can go and sing a few songs with a crowd and not have a massively padded bill, or a prostitute angling for drinks and 'room fees' (even when you're in a couple, which seems odd).

opposite Kad SUan Keaw, there is a plaza and on the second floor, there are many Karaoke joints. Not a girlie bar karaoke kinda thing. Its where the MK restaurant is, upstairs of it.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Those are mostly private room type karaokes though right.. It's not like it's a bigger area where everyone can sing. So you'd need to go with a group.

[Sao Jiang Mai]

There is a Facebook Group called Chiang Mai Party People I think, you can check it out.

[markandclaire]

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I've already done facebook searches - a lot of stuff hasn't been updated for over a year. Tried Kad San Kaew, good times bowling but karaoke all in Thai. And yes, Rannakosin is the road - if you head from the moat to Rama IX bridge it's a complex on your left with "coolest night in town" or something similar in massive neon, and a big canvas ad for 99 baht steak buffet (even though it isn't a buffet, but it was decent steak).

Mapguy - agreed many of these not 'off the beaten path' (although even main roads in CM aren't much better paved than a beaten path), we generally pop in wherever looks decent on our wanderings. Tips of areas to explore would be very welcome. Inevitibly someone looking around without guidance will always find those places that spend money trying to find people wandering aimlessly, i.e. 'on the beaten path' places.

[blakegeee]

I'm a young guy...I think...27 is young...right!? Anyways, I hang out at Lost Hut, right at the end of Moon Muang Soi 1 (behind Mandalay). Alright, I admit its my wifes bar but its good times and I have other "young" friends than come and hang with me. Its a cool chill out bamboo bar, good atmosphere, and gets a good crowd, even lately which is rare in CM. Even the old farts aren't bad dudes! Anyways, sign me up for the group.

[Ricardo]

Even the old farts aren't bad dudes!

Most of us aren't that bad, we started out as young guys like you, and just kept on rolling, before suddenly waking up to find that we'd erm ... matured ! It sorta creeps up on you !!

Edited March 17, 2009 by Ricardo

[brickroad]

'as young as you feel'

Hello Everyone,

I have been in Chiang Mai for nearly a year. It has been quite hard to get in contact with the younger people here. I am 25. There are a lot of clubs and associations for the older people, but there is really no where younger people can get together to discussing things or organise activities.

So I thought it would be a good idea to create such a place. So for anyone who is young and living in Chiang Mai, ***email removed per forum rules***this will subscribe you to a email list in which you can talk/discuss/joke with all other young people in Chiang Mai and organise outings.

When I say young, I kinda mean under 40ish but there are no restrictions.

Thank you for your time.

[marsteele]

Define young????

Yep I agree is he talking 6 to 12 yr olds to join his group or 18 to 30 yr olds I am 43 and do not consider myself old....

[Thakkar]

The day a lovely lady walks by and you don't turn your head, THAT's the day you're old.

At least that's what I told my wife.

[Blinky Bill]

Even the old farts aren't bad dudes!

Most of us aren't that bad, we started out as young guys like you, and just kept on rolling, before suddenly waking up to find that we'd erm ... matured ! It sorta creeps up on you !!

Some of us may have grown older Ricardo, but not all of us have matured. A few mates and I have agreed that when we grow up we are going to be very, very old.

[Ulysses G.]

Blinky Bill is young at heart.

[markandclaire]

I'm a young guy...I think...27 is young...right!? Anyways, I hang out at Lost Hut, right at the end of Moon Muang Soi 1 (behind Mandalay). Alright, I admit its my wifes bar but its good times and I have other "young" friends than come and hang with me. Its a cool chill out bamboo bar, good atmosphere, and gets a good crowd, even lately which is rare in CM. Even the old farts aren't bad dudes! Anyways, sign me up for the group.

Lost Hut sounds cool, will check it out this week. I like bamboo. Sorry I can't "sign you up for the group", the original poster started this group in early 2008 and it seemed to fizzle out - I just posted to see what had happened and try spark some fresh interest.

See you soon!

[brennanstimpy]

Im interested

[Jungian]

I am amused by the same things that amuse a 13 year old boy with the exception of exploding animals.

[sassienie]

I'm a young guy...I think...27 is young...right!? Anyways, I hang out at Lost Hut, right at the end of Moon Muang Soi 1 (behind Mandalay). Alright, I admit its my wifes bar but its good times and I have other "young" friends than come and hang with me. Its a cool chill out bamboo bar, good atmosphere, and gets a good crowd, even lately which is rare in CM. Even the old farts aren't bad dudes! Anyways, sign me up for the group.

Yes but that`s not socialising in the true sense, this is business owner customer relationships, strictly business.

Does blakegeee mean he is legit, it`s his wife`s bar and has no interests in the business whatsoever?

Keep hanging out without spending money or buying drinks at this Lost Hut and other similar establishments and you will soon wear out your welcome.

Edited March 20, 2009 by sassienie

[markandclaire]

OK - late notice, but thought I'd post anyway to see if anything happens. If you'd like to join/meet/stalk us, we're out tonight with a group of gap year peeps (18-23yo) down from Chiang Rai who we met last weekend on our travels. We'll be starting at THC rooftop at 9.30pm, so you'll be guaranteed a friendly welcome with a fair few people in if you pop around this time. Loosely planning on going to rasta/heaven beach areas on Ratwitvi Rd and finishing up at Jackie's Van afterwards. Unfortunately Steven won't be there with his chicken suit, so might be a bit harder to spot us. Just look for someone young who isn't selling flowers.

[Blinky Bill]

We'll be starting at THC rooftop at 9.30pm,

What!! So late. All us old farts'll be in bed by then.

[songhklasid]

your'e only as old as the one you feel.

regards songhklasid

[girlx]

OK - late notice, but thought I'd post anyway to see if anything happens. If you'd like to join/meet/stalk us, we're out tonight with a group of gap year peeps (18-23yo) down from Chiang Rai who we met last weekend on our travels. We'll be starting at THC rooftop at 9.30pm, so you'll be guaranteed a friendly welcome with a fair few people in if you pop around this time. Loosely planning on going to rasta/heaven beach areas on Ratwitvi Rd and finishing up at Jackie's Van afterwards. Unfortunately Steven won't be there with his chicken suit, so might be a bit harder to spot us. Just look for someone young who isn't selling flowers.

how did your night go? did you find any interesting spots?

[markandclaire]

OK - late notice, but thought I'd post anyway to see if anything happens. If you'd like to join/meet/stalk us, we're out tonight with a group of gap year peeps (18-23yo) down from Chiang Rai who we met last weekend on our travels. We'll be starting at THC rooftop at 9.30pm, so you'll be guaranteed a friendly welcome with a fair few people in if you pop around this time. Loosely planning on going to rasta/heaven beach areas on Ratwitvi Rd and finishing up at Jackie's Van afterwards. Unfortunately Steven won't be there with his chicken suit, so might be a bit harder to spot us. Just look for someone young who isn't selling flowers.

how did your night go? did you find any interesting spots?

Glad you asked - it was a belter of a night out, but didn't really achieve the desired objective. Met up with fun backpackers and went round bars with no names on back sois, then ended up at the rasta bar. A great way to pass a night and met some fun people to stay in touch with on facebook, but that wasn't really the point. Will definitely give the Lost Hut place the benefit of the doubt and try it at some point this week.

We DID find one awesome bar - Nick's Piano Bar is in the old city on the road that merges into Loi Kroh. He's an absolute legend and a top geezer, the bar gets good clientele and Nick's wife is lovely too. Claire played his piano for a few hours, then we rode 4 on a bike with Nick and his wife to go to a cocktail club opening night he had an invite to on Saturday (opposite pantip plaza, belter martinis - but probably a bit pricey when it isn't free!)

[blakegeee]

I just noticed that I didn't subscribe to this thread but I have now. Sorry I missed the outting, I will keep a better eye on it from now on.

As far as replying to this post below, one word comes to mind, "ignorant". Why would it mean that every relationship I have needs to be strictly business? Get a life! I have met lots of friends in the Lost Hut and we are now friends not just "associates". We do things together outside of the bar regularly.

I am trying to say I am "legit" meaning I have no interest in my wifes business??? Does it make any sense for someone to have no interest in their wife's business? Where do you get this stuff from? I don't even know why I bothered responding to such a stupid post! I guess this guy is saying that because I hang out at my wifes bar I don't qualify to post on this thread about young people wanting to meet each other. Sorry bud but go bother somebody else because I am interested in getting to know more young people even if you don't like it for some twisted reason.

I'm a young guy...I think...27 is young...right!? Anyways, I hang out at Lost Hut, right at the end of Moon Muang Soi 1 (behind Mandalay). Alright, I admit its my wifes bar but its good times and I have other "young" friends than come and hang with me. Its a cool chill out bamboo bar, good atmosphere, and gets a good crowd, even lately which is rare in CM. Even the old farts aren't bad dudes! Anyways, sign me up for the group.

Yes but that`s not socialising in the true sense, this is business owner customer relationships, strictly business.

Does blakegeee mean he is legit, it`s his wife`s bar and has no interests in the business whatsoever?

Keep hanging out without spending money or buying drinks at this Lost Hut and other similar establishments and you will soon wear out your welcome.

[girlx]

...yeah i thought it was a weird post too

We DID find one awesome bar - Nick's Piano Bar is in the old city on the road that merges into Loi Kroh. He's an absolute legend and a top geezer, the bar gets good clientele and Nick's wife is lovely too. Claire played his piano for a few hours, then we rode 4 on a bike with Nick and his wife to go to a cocktail club opening night he had an invite to on Saturday (opposite pantip plaza, belter martinis - but probably a bit pricey when it isn't free!)

sounds like a great night definitely post any other cool places you find!

Edited March 29, 2009 by girlx

[markandclaire]

Ah the delights of getting off the beaten track - we've toured the local bars around our area (near Wat Faham) and have found the great local Thai places without names, and a cool expat place called "Small Talk" on rattanokonsin road (no relation to the Ronnie Corbett quiz show), near a very fun bar called "Virgin". Went to Lost Hut last week - it looks great but the only people in there were local coppers presumably picking up their bribe. The bar girl looked a little distressed, so will leave that for another trip. Definitely looks worth a visit though.