Paper Butter on the roof
Perched above Ratchawong Road in Chiang Mai's Chang Moi area, Paper Butter on the Roof draws diners looking for an evening meal that steps away from the city's ground-level restaurant scene. The rooftop setting creates a relaxed, informal atmosphere suited to unhurried dinners, whether for couples, small groups, or solo travellers wanting a quieter corner of the city after dark. Its consistently strong reputation among both locals and visitors points to a kitchen and front-of-house team that deliver reliably on the experience.
The venue leans into its rooftop character, offering an elevated perspective on the surrounding neighbourhood alongside its food. The evening-only format gives the place a distinctly dinner-focused identity, keeping the atmosphere calm and intentional rather than rushed. Diners tend to linger, which suits the open-air setting well on pleasant Chiang Mai evenings.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Paper Butter on the roof — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Paper Butter on the roof, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai

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No riding, no tricks: a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Paper Butter on the roof: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paper Butter on the roof worth visiting?
Paper Butter on the roof holds a 4.7★ rating from 389 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Paper Butter on the roof?
Paper Butter on the roof is typically open 17:00-22:00 — 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 Paper Butter on the roof?
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 Paper Butter on the roof located?
Paper Butter on the roof is at Ratchawong Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Ratchawong Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand+66 92 296 1991www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092674231674Visitor 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
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 Paper Butter on the roof
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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.
Nearby Places

Kung Yim Shop (2nd Branch)
An 850-baht seafood buffet with a three-hour window, big prawns and a service pace that can drag.

JAI LOY CAFE & ROOFTOP
Rooftop bar and cafe on Chang Moi Road with city views, affordable Thai food, and midnight closing hours.

Sawasdee you - Art and Street food
Artsy evening street food spot on Tha Phae Road serving fresh pad Thai, roti, and Thai classics from 6 PM daily.

Neighborhood Community
A lively food court complex on Chang Moi Road with multiple restaurants, bars, and chilling vibes.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.

Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.

The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.

Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near Paper Butter on the roof
Find hotels in Chiang Mai 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 – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
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)