Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

The River Lofts

A riverside restaurant and bar on the Ping River with live music, outdoor seating, and daily hours until midnight.

4.4(84)
Directions

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday09:30–00:00
Tuesday09:30–00:00
Wednesday09:30–00:00
Thursday09:30–00:00
Friday09:30–00:00
Saturday09:30–00:00
Sunday09:30–00:00

Is this your business?Feature it

Why 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 Sep 2026

Stay within reach of The River Lofts

Sponsored

Search Chiang Mai hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near The River Lofts

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

Taste more of Chiang Mai

Street-food tours, market visits and Thai cooking classes near The River Lofts.

Sponsored · GetYourGuide

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 Maps

Tips 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: Mid-February – April (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 center).

Also popular in Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

4.6(2,560)$$$$
119/10 Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
No riding and no tricks, just a day of feeding and mud with rescued elephants in the Mae Wang hills.
Central Chiangmai Airport

Central Chiangmai Airport

4.4(15,619)
9, 9/1 ถนนสนามบิน Tambon Pa Daet, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
The mall to kill three hours in when your hotel checkout beats your flight by half a day.
Zoe in Yellow

Zoe in Yellow

4.2(4,960)$$$$
48, QXRR+F4X, 1 Ratvithi Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Backpacker party central in the Old City, dead before nine and heaving by eleven.
Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate

4.4(29,544)
Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
The Old City's rebuilt eastern gate, free and open all hours, where the Sunday Walking Street starts at 16:00 and the city's festivals gather.

Similar Restaurants & Food across Thailand

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar

4.6(7,203)$$$$
179 หมู่ที่ 2 Bannrongseartean Soi 3, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
A colonial-style house on the Kok River where the garden, the food and the prices all run higher than average.
Om Garden Cafe

Om Garden Cafe

4.6(1,762)$$$$
60 4 Rat Damrong Rd, Tambon Wiang Tai, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand
A shaded garden spot for a slow breakfast in the middle of Pai, closed Mondays and shut by five.
ACQUA Restaurant Phi Phi

ACQUA Restaurant Phi Phi

4.7(3,546)$$$$
125/18, Moo 7, ตำบล อ่าวนาง อำเภอเมืองกระบี่ กระบี่ 81000, Thailand
Thai classics and European comfort food under one roof, with outdoor tables and a 09:30 to 23:00 run.
Baan Wihan Restaurant

Baan Wihan Restaurant

4.9(1,727)$$$$
565 1 Changphuak Rd, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima, Chang Wat Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
A Thai kitchen on Changphuak Road that locals keep coming back to, open straight through from 10am.