Where is the rain?
By June, Chiang Mai should have be into the start of rainy season. But, this year it was a torrid month, with no immediate signs of improvement for July. Rainfall in Chiang Mai was half the normal average for June and temperatures were typically several degrees higher and with high humidity making life rather sticky. The lack of rain is emphasising the water shortage problems, which are having a serious effect on farmers who have been unable to start planting their main rice crop.
Bar News
The bar scene has been quiet, with most owners reporting lower than normal customer numbers. Even worse when put in context that both Radchada Garden Cafe and Ram bar were closed, so other bars might have expected to be busier.
Soho Bar has been quiet, and owner Shauna has now introduced live music every night, with a variety of local musicians playing, who will hopefully liven the place up and bring in some more customers. Soho will also be throwing a party to celebrate independence day. Secrets Bar, on the other hand, has been one of the busier places and remains popular, though even then, customer numbers are not as high as they were in previous years.
They have also been effected by continued clampdowns on alcohol sales and late opening, which is not helped by their higher profile location. Never the less, Secrets remains one of the first choices for somewhere to go gay in Chiang Mai. However, things seem to be tougher at the nearby CU bar which rumour has it will be closed for a few weeks during low season.
Elsewhere, the Garden Bar is very quiet, but the newer bars at the Night Bazaar, Ozeed, Orion and Ice Bar continue to be fun and friendly.
Bird of Paradise
Bird of Paradise bar and restaurant, in The Chiang Khian area of Chang Puek, near the university, will be closed during July for a total makeover.
Ram Bar
Ram bar is still closed but re-development work at their new undisclosed location is proceeding well and they should be ready for a grand opening during July. The new bar is rumored to be in a central location close to some other bars, which will be good for everyone and will hopefully reinvigorate the bar scene.
Saunas
Chiang Mai’s two gay saunas, House of Male and Club one Seven continue to be popular places to meet for both Thai’s and foreigners.
Both have pools making them attractive places when the weather is hot.
Club One Seven will be celebrating its fifth anniversary during July with two nights of parties. July 16th is an underwear themed party and the main anniversary party on 17th July has a raincoat and swimwear theme
Adam’s Apple Club
Chiang Mai’s best known gay bar and premier go-go show is still Adam’s Apple Club which continues to be busy and has a great selection of handsome young men from the Shan State in Burma waiting to entertain you.
Adam’s Apple Club have two parties in July, starting tomorrow with a celebration of US independence day and with an Alien themed party on 17 July
Regular events and parties
For full details of all gay events and parties in Chiang Mai during July be sure to check our gay events calendar which has details of many more things that are going on.
Please also be aware that the last two days in July are the Buddhist holidays Asalha Bucha and Khao Phansa, the start of Buddhist lent. These are very strict holidays when no alcohol is served, most bars and many restaurants will be closed.
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