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Restaurants & Food
Chiang Mai

Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant

4.5(1,147 reviews)

Founded by Singaporean siblings K-Jin and K-Lin, Paak Dang operates as a restaurant, bar, and live music and events venue with a clear social purpose: employing at-risk and underprivileged locals and offering them a pathway to stable work. Situated on the banks of the Ping River in the Pa Daet area, it draws a loyal following from both the local community and visiting travellers who appreciate dining that carries genuine meaning behind it.

The setting is calm and unhurried, with a natural waterfront backdrop that suits long, leisurely meals. The menu blends Thai cuisine with Singaporean flavours, reflecting the founders' heritage and offering something distinct from the typical dining options found elsewhere in Chiang Mai. The venue also hosts live music and private events, so the atmosphere can shift depending on the night — reviewers have visited for birthday celebrations and casual meals alike, and found the food and service consistently strong across both.

A few practical points are worth knowing before the visit. The Pa Daet location sits outside Chiang Mai's main tourist zone, so arranging transport in advance is advisable. No website is currently listed online, and opening hours are not confirmed, so checking Google Maps or reaching out directly before making the trip is recommended. Visiting on a quieter weekday is likely to offer a more intimate experience, particularly for those coming primarily to dine rather than attend an event.

Taste more of Chiang Mai

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Paak Dang Chiang Mai – Changing lives, one Thai dish at a time Nestled by the Ping River, Paak Dang is more than just a restaurant — it’s a story of love, hope, and second chances. From the moment you step into the beautifully restored wooden house, you feel a sense of warmth that goes far beyond hospitality. Every corner of the restaurant reflects care, purpose, and genuine heart. The food is truly outstanding — beautifully presented, deeply flavorful, and unmistakably Thai. We enjoyed every dish, from the aromatic Tom Yum Goong and creamy Massaman Curry, to the perfectly grilled River Prawns rich with golden roe, the tender BBQ Pork Ribs, and the comforting Crab Fried Rice. Each bite tasted like it was cooked with heart, not just technique. Even the simple mango sticky rice at the end felt special — sweet, fragrant, and made with love. But what truly makes Paak Dang extraordinary is its purpose. The founders, K.K. and Lisa, have created a place that transforms lives. The staff here aren’t just employees — they are young people who have been trained, guided, and given opportunities to build a better future. Watching them serve with confidence and pride reminds you that kindness and opportunity can change everything. Dining here feels like being part of something bigger — where good food meets good purpose. Paak Dang is not only a taste of Thailand; it’s a taste of humanity at its best. 💛

This is long overdue, but I’m finally getting the time to write a well-deserved review. I had the pleasure of dining at Paak Dang twice ; once for a dear friend’s birthday, and again with my mom during Loy Krathong. Both visits were nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the warmth and attentiveness of the entire team, from the gracious owner K-Lin to every staff member I had the pleasure of interacting with , they made us feel genuinely welcomed. It wasn’t just good service; it was heartfelt hospitality. In all my travels across Southeast Asia, I can honestly say this might be the best service I’ve experienced. The food was delicious, the riverside setting beautiful, but it’s the people who make Paak Dang truly special. It’s easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chiang Mai. I’ll absolutely be back — and I’ve already started recommending it to everyone I know. Tip: I would not miss out on the softshell crab. But literally everything I ordered was absolutely delicious!

Meet our inspiring Singaporean entrepreneur who has brought a true taste of home all the way to Chiang Mai! The restaurant offers not just excellent food that reminds you of Singapore’s comforting flavours but also top-notch service that makes every guest feel warmly welcomed. The ambience is cosy and perfect for relaxing meals with friends and family. A beautiful blend of passion, dedication and the familiar taste of home, right here in Thailand. Highly recommended!

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 1,147 reviews on Google.

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Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant worth visiting?

Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant holds a 4.5★ rating from 1,147 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant?

Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant is typically open 17:00-00:00 — 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 Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant?

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

Where is Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant located?

Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant is at 168, Tambon Pa Daet, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Location Info

168, Tambon Pa Daet, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand094 994 9353www.paakdang.com/
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–00:00
Tuesday17:00–00:00
Wednesday17:00–00:00
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday17:00–00:00
Saturday17:00–00:00
Sunday17:00–00:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)

Where to stay near Paak Dang Riverside Restaurant

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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

Learn the Spice Scale

Say 'mai pet' for no spice, 'pet nit noi' for a little spice, or 'pet mak' if you want it Thai-hot. Most cooks will default to a toned-down version for foreigners unless you specify otherwise.

Follow the Crowds

The busiest street stalls are almost always the best — high turnover means fresh ingredients and a recipe that locals vouch for. An empty restaurant at dinner time is a red flag.

Ice Is Safe

Factory-made tube or cylinder ice (used in virtually all restaurants and stalls) is made from purified water and is safe to consume. You don't need to skip the iced Thai tea.

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