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Nightlife & Bars
Chiang Rai

Tamarind

4.4(429 reviews)

Tamarind is a relaxed bistro and bar set in a large garden around a shady tree, with wooden furnishings and a house that give it a distinctly laid-back, rustic character. It operates across the day and into the evening, functioning as a breakfast spot in the mornings and transitioning into a cocktail and drinks venue at night — making it a genuinely versatile stop during a stay in Chiang Rai. Mornings bring Thai-style breakfasts and American breakfasts, with mixed rice porridge, toast, and muffins drawing consistent praise from visitors. The cafe side also serves espresso and caramel milk drinks. Come evening, the garden atmosphere shifts toward cocktails and cold beers, with live music adding to the appeal on select nights. The outdoor setting is particularly popular for relaxed after-dinner drinks, though visitors have noted that evening service can be unhurried, so it suits those with time to spare rather than those in a rush. Good to know: It is worth confirming current times with your accommodation before visiting. The venue sits on Satharn Payabarn Road within the city center and is easily reached by tuk-tuk or short taxi ride from most guesthouses in Chiang Rai.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Tamarind, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Bring some time and you can expect amazing cocktails. After dinner we decided to look for a cocktail bar to end our evening. Close by our hotel we found this one and decided to try it out. We were five people and ordered eight different drinks throughout the night. All of them were amazing and you could see that the barkeeper had a passion for cocktails. He took his time and made sure that all of them were perfect. We even ordered two with a special effect (see pictures). But apparently they don’t have a big stock of cocktail ingredients (maybe not a lot of people go there for the cocktails). Our Barkeeper had to leave three times with his scooter to pick up different bottles. We were a bit irritated by that but the good cocktails definitely made up for it. They also played some live music at the beginning which was nice, too.

Nice place with a large garden. Good to chill outside with a beer. However the service is slow and lazy. Nobody cares if you’re still there or gone. Only the cafe waitresses in the morning are doing there job properly. The food is alright (except for the spaghetti bolognese that I don’t recommend at all) and the prices too.

Executional breakfasts restaurant in Chiang Rai, they have Thai style breakfast and American breakfast. I loved their American breakfast. Mixed rice porridge also recommended.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 429 reviews on Google.

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Tamarind: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tamarind worth visiting?

Tamarind holds a 4.4★ rating from 429 Google reviews — a strong rating for nightlife & bars in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Tamarind?

Tamarind is typically open 12:00-00:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Tamarind?

The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Tamarind located?

Tamarind is at 1000 8 Satharn Payabarn Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.

Location Info

1000 8 Satharn Payabarn Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand064 340 5329
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:00
Friday12:00–00:00
Saturday12:00–00:00
Sunday12:00–00:00

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

Moderate

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)

Where to stay near Tamarind

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Tips for Visiting Nightlife & Bars

Carry Your Passport or a Copy

Clubs and some bars check IDs strictly, especially in Bangkok's Thonglor, RCA, and Sukhumvit areas. A photo of your passport info page on your phone usually works, but carrying a laminated photocopy is safer.

Know the Closing Times

Legal closing time is 2 AM for most venues, though enforcement varies. In Bangkok's designated entertainment zones (RCA, Silom Soi 2/4, Khao San), some clubs stay open until 4 AM. Islands tend to be more relaxed about hours.

Buy Bucket Drinks Cautiously

Island bucket drinks (mixed spirits in a small bucket) are cheap and fun but notoriously strong and inconsistent. Stick to one, stay hydrated, and never leave your drink unattended at beach parties.

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2gether Bar
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2gether Bar

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A chill neighbourhood bar near Chiang Rai's Clock Tower with free pool, music choice, and a welcoming crowd.

The Lab Bar & Wine Chiang Rai
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The Lab Bar & Wine Chiang Rai

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A futuristic craft cocktail bar in Chiang Rai blending creative drinks with a sleek, LED-lit atmosphere.

Long Bar Chiang Rai
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Long Bar Chiang Rai

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A trendy local bar in Chiang Rai with live music and an authentic Thai nightlife atmosphere.

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