Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Koh Loi Bar and Grill – now commonly known as Mike's Bar – is a relaxed, unpretentious pub, just a five-minute drive from the center of Chiang Rai. Run by a foreigner, it attracts a loyal mix of expats and locals. The bar has carved out a pleasant niche: genuine conversations happen over cold drinks, far removed from the pretentious charm of tourist traps. The food is homemade and prepared with care, and the atmosphere varies from relaxed to lively depending on the night.

This is definitely not a fancy place – reviewers describe the ambiance as simple and the atmosphere as unpretentious. This very honesty is part of its charm. It functions as both a bar and a grill restaurant, with cold beer and grilled dishes being the main attractions. The clientele consists mainly of long-term expats and regulars, which gives the place an authentic, communal atmosphere and sets it apart from a typical tourist trap.