A Chiang Mai lady bar ("chong lao") is a relaxed hostess bar — easy conversation, pool, and a drink, no go-go stage pressure. They're packed along Loi Kroh Road (15+ bars) and through the Old City, where ladyboys also concentrate. It's the city's best-value, lowest-stress adult nightlife.
Beer runs 80~120฿, lady drinks 150~200฿. The barfine system: short-time 500~800฿ barfine plus 1,000~2,000฿ for her; long-time 1,000~1,500฿ plus 2,000~3,000฿ — all negotiable, and better-looking girls ask more. Rip-off risk is low; just watch the lady-drink tab.
Loi Kroh is busiest 21:00 to 01:00, most bars closing by 02:00, and Tha Phae Gate is a 5-minute walk. The 12 bars below are live-ranked by 7-day visitor traffic and recent reviews. Updated daily.