Central Chiangrai
Come here for two things: the food and the errands. Everything else is the standard Central mall format you'll recognise from any Thai city, aircon blasting, familiar brands, prices well above what the local markets charge. As a break from the heat for an hour it does the job. As shopping, it's not why you came to Chiang Rai.
The food is the real reason to bother. The indoor court does cheap, quick Thai plates, pad thai with shrimp being the order people keep mentioning, with the shrimp added after the frying. Better still is the outdoor food bazaar, which comes into its own in the evening when the stalls fill up and there's space to wander between them without queuing shoulder to shoulder. Go hungry and browse rather than committing to the first thing you see. The design has some bamboo work in place of the usual decorative filler, which is a nicer touch than most malls manage.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Central Chiangrai — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Central Chiangrai, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Chiang Rai Central Mall deserves a full 5 stars. The outdoor food bazaar is a real highlight, with lots of delicious options and a fun, lively atmosphere that makes it a great place to wander and snack. The setup is spacious and comfortable, so it’s easy to walk around, try different stalls, and enjoy the evening vibes. The mall itself is convenient and clean, with plenty of shops and facilities, but the outdoor food area is what truly makes it special and memorable. Highly recommend visiting in the evening to enjoy the cool air, tasty food, and vibrant local feel.
This place has many outlets for food and shopping. Lots of carpark lots. Get real into sustainability efforts. Instead of 🎄, bamboo materials were used to replace the trees. Good job for the design and work.
A pretty big shopping mall loaded with shiney things and food galore. It looks and feels like most shopping malls around the world and has a little something for everyone. It also has much higher prices than the local markets but alot of the well known brands are present. It is full acconditioned and feels a little surreal given the world it is present in. Nice place to escape the heat for a bit.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,049 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
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Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
Central Chiangrai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Chiangrai worth visiting?
Central Chiangrai holds a 4.5★ rating from 7,049 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Central Chiangrai?
Central Chiangrai is typically open 10:30-21:00 — 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 Central Chiangrai?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Central Chiangrai located?
Central Chiangrai is at 99/9 Phahon Yothin Road, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
99/9 Phahon Yothin Road, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand052 020 999www.centralpattana.co.th/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Central Chiangrai
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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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
FoodPark
Budget-friendly food court inside Central Chiang Rai mall, serving a wide variety of Thai dishes from around 30–70 THB.
Laemcharoen Seafood Central Chiangrai
A well-known seafood chain restaurant inside Central Chiang Rai mall, offering a broad Thai seafood menu.
Big C Supercenter Chiang Rai 1
A workhorse hypermarket for stocking up, not a place you'd travel across town to eat.
Noon till night
A laid-back evening restaurant in Chiang Rai serving refined Western dishes with standout pasta and fresh seafood.
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 Central Chiangrai
Find hotels in Chiang Rai 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 – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)