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Riverfront Restaurant Chiang Mai
Restaurants & Food
Chiang Mai

Riverfront Restaurant Chiang Mai

4.7(710 reviews)

Situated along the riverfront in the characterful Wat Ket neighbourhood, this restaurant draws both locals and visitors with its combination of traditional Thai cooking and a genuine waterfront setting. The location on the Ping River gives the dining experience a natural, unhurried quality that distinguishes it from the more tourist-facing establishments closer to the Old City. The atmosphere leans casual and welcoming, reflecting the quieter, residential character of the Wat Ket district rather than the busier central zones. Diners can expect Thai cuisine served in a relaxed outdoor or semi-open setting where the riverside backdrop does much of the work in setting the mood. The consistently strong visitor feedback across a substantial number of reviews points to a kitchen that delivers reliably on flavour and quality. Good to know: Wat Ket sits east of the Old City along the Ping River, so this restaurant requires a short journey from the main tourist areas — reachable by tuk-tuk, songthaew, or ride-share app. Arriving during daylight or early evening is recommended to make the most of the riverside setting before darkness falls. As specific opening hours are not confirmed, contacting the restaurant in advance or checking locally before making a special trip is advisable, particularly if travelling from further afield.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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

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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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)