The River Lofts
A riverside restaurant and bar on the Ping River with live music, outdoor seating, and daily hours until midnight.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Daily 09:30–00:00
- 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.
Taste more of Chiang Mai
Street-food tours, market visits and Thai cooking classes near The River Lofts.
Food toursStreet-food tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesCookingThai cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesMarketsMarket tours in Chiang Mai
Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours ahead
See pricesWhy go, and how to do it well
Situated along the banks of the Ping River in Chiang Mai, The River Lofts offers a relaxed dining and drinking experience in a setting that makes the most of its waterside location. The venue is primarily an outdoor space, with seating scattered across the riverside area, making it a pleasant spot to settle in for an evening as the city cools down. Live music adds to the atmosphere, and the attentive staff have drawn consistent praise from visitors for their friendliness and warm service.
The food has been well received by diners, with visitors noting good quality and generous portions. The drinks menu includes beer promotions such as a 3-for-2 special, and table service keeps glasses topped up throughout the evening. The combination of food, drinks, live music, and a riverside backdrop gives the venue a well-rounded appeal for both casual meals and longer evening stays.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Aug 2026 · How we check places
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The River Lofts, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
My first visit, had the 3 for 2 beer special, pretty girls topped up my beer glass with ice and Chang, as and when necessary! All part of the service! Mainly an outdoor space with seating scattered around, beside the Ping river. Was bought a cushion to make seats more comfortable. Live music as well!
Sadly now closed RIP The River Lofts
We had dinner at this place the other night. The quality of food was good, service was okay and the atmosphere was good. The quantity of food was also good. They have live music.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 84 reviews on Google.
111/11 Tambon Pa Daet, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Open in Google MapsTips for Visiting Restaurants & Food
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.
Use Grab for Delivery
The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.
The River Lofts: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The River Lofts worth visiting?
The River Lofts holds a 4.4★ rating from 84 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of The River Lofts?
The River Lofts is typically open 09:30-00:00 — 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 The River Lofts?
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 The River Lofts located?
The River Lofts is at 111/11 Tambon Pa Daet, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Also popular in Chiang Mai
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
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.
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.
