Tamarind
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.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai

Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.

Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.

Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.

Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
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 5329Visitor 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). 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.
Nearby Places

Peace house bar
Rasta-themed reggae bar on Chiang Rai's main bar street with live music, a backyard, and eclectic décor.

2gether Bar
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
A futuristic craft cocktail bar in Chiang Rai blending creative drinks with a sleek, LED-lit atmosphere.

Long Bar Chiang Rai
A trendy local bar in Chiang Rai with live music and an authentic Thai nightlife atmosphere.
Similar Nightlife & Bars Across Thailand

Pattaya Walking Street
Loud, neon, adults-only after dark, and the seafood is easier before the 9pm crush.

Nana Plaza
Adults-only, neon-soaked and unapologetic, and best understood after 9pm rather than described.

Khao San Road
Loud, tacky, unfiltered and worth one night of your trip, ideally between 7 and 10pm.

Café del Mar Phuket Beach Club
Come for sundowners at 4pm, stay for the DJs, and don't expect a quiet lunch.
Where to stay near Tamarind
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). 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)
