Imperial River House Resort
Compare prices
Set along the Mae Kok River on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, Imperial River House Resort is a well-established property that consistently earns praise from guests for delivering a five-star feel at a mid-range price point. Its location places it within easy walking distance of the famous Blue Temple, making it a convenient base for first-time visitors to the region, while the riverside setting and lush grounds give it a sense of seclusion that suits travellers looking to unwind. Rooms are spacious and well-maintained, featuring central air conditioning, generous bathrooms with reliable hot water pressure, and ample seating areas. The resort's large outdoor pool catches sun from the morning onward and enjoys views over the river — a genuine draw during warmer months. An on-site international restaurant, a spa, and attentive hospitality round out the experience, with guests repeatedly highlighting the warmth of the staff as a standout element of their stay. For those exploring Chiang Rai city, inexpensive taxis into the centre are readily available from the resort, typically running around 80 to 100 baht. The resort operates daily from noon, so travellers arriving early should confirm early check-in availability in advance. Booking directly through the resort's website is worth considering for the most up-to-date room options and rates.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Imperial River House Resort, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Old but Gold. We stayed here during our very first night in Chiang Rai (also our first time) and we were impressed by how close this hotel was to the infamous Blue Temple. Literally within walking distance. The room was spacious and very clean, with ample space for our kid to roam around safely. The amenities provided were also sufficient to our needs. The riverside location of this hotel provides tranquility and beautiful sunrise/sunset moments. Restaurant provided really good menu selection. Our favorite was the Northern Thai Sausage platters with Green Chili Dip. During our week-long stay in Chiang Rai we ordered Thai Sausage platter in every single restaurant we visited but the one we had at Imperial River House Resort was the best. Do give it a try with ice-cold Chang! we really loved our stay here and will definitely come back.
This was our most incredible stay during our month long Thailand trip. We cannot say enough good things about this resort. 5 star resort at a 4 star price! Hospitality was absolutely incredible. The hotel was so well organized and the staff were very kind. The highlight, apart from the great resort itself, was the location. We were a 2 minute walk to the incredible Blue temple! We didn’t realize this when we booked the resort so it was a pleasant surprise for us. We went back twice during our stay because we were so close— once catching the sunset (highly recommend) We also particularly loved the breakfast buffet here. There was a mix of Thai and continental options (vegetarian friendly too!). The hotel staff at the buffet were also so attentive and friendly.
I stayed here again couple of times, both suites and normal rooms. This time we had a deluxe room. The pool have sun from 9 in morning and view over river. It's a very large a clean pool. The hotell is in a calm area and you can lend bicycle for free. Rooms are a bit old, but spacious and clean. Around the garden there are walkways and very nice maintained facilities. The breakfast is a bit limited but no problem find things to get satisfied. Can ask them make omellets if you want. I had lunch and used the poolbar too, nice thaifood. I will stay here again
Location Info
482 หมู่ที่ 4 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 53 750 830www.imperialriverhouse.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Tips for Visiting Hotels & Resorts
Book Shoulder Season
May–June and September–October offer dramatic discounts (30–50% off peak rates) with fewer crowds. Weather is mixed but rarely a washout — afternoon showers clear quickly.
Compare OTAs and Direct Rates
Always check the hotel's own website after finding a rate on Agoda or Booking.com. Many Thai properties offer a best-rate guarantee or throw in perks like free breakfast when you book direct.
Pool Villa Doesn't Mean Expensive
Private pool villas in Krabi, Hua Hin, and Chiang Mai start around 2,500–4,000 THB/night — a fraction of Bali or Maldives prices. Search specifically for 'pool villa' to surface hidden gems.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
A striking modern Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, famous for its vivid electric-blue architecture and intricate carvings.
Wat Rong Khun
A dazzling all-white contemporary Buddhist temple covered in intricate mirrored mosaics, located just outside Chiang Rai city.
Golden Triangle
Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge — a historically significant landmark above the Mekong River.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A vast Buddhist complex in Chiang Rai featuring a 79-metre Guan Yin statue and a climbable 9-floor pagoda.
Similar Hotels & Resorts Across Thailand
Hilton Pattaya
A polished beachfront hotel perched above Central Festival mall, offering sea-view rooms, an infinity pool, and five dining venues.
Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
A family-focused beachfront resort in Pattaya featuring a water park, six restaurants, and sea-view rooms.
Arbour Hotel and Residence Pattaya
A highly regarded Pattaya hotel offering spacious rooms with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, spa, and restaurant.
Millennium Hilton Bangkok
Upscale riverside hotel on the Chao Phraya with strong service and sweeping river views.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)