Central Chiangrai
One of Chiang Rai's main commercial hubs, this full-scale Central group mall sits prominently on Phahon Yothin Road and draws a steady mix of locals and visitors looking to shop, eat, and run errands in a well-organised setting. The format will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in Thailand's larger cities, with a broad range of retail outlets spread across multiple levels. The food options are a genuine draw. The indoor food court offers affordable, no-fuss Thai meals — pad thai with shrimp is a popular order — while the outdoor food bazaar is a livelier affair, with a wide selection of stalls that reward unhurried browsing. The mall has also incorporated sustainability-minded design touches, using bamboo materials in place of more conventional decorative elements. One practical detail worth noting: the Chiang Rai Immigration Office is located within the complex, making it a convenient stop for travellers with visa-related business. Good to know: parking is well catered for, with a large free car park and free motorcycle parking available. Motorcyclists should collect a barcode ticket on entry and scan it again when leaving. The mall is straightforward to find on the main road and works well as a combined errands-and-meal stop when moving through central Chiang Rai.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Central Chiangrai, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Motorcycle parking is free, but you have to get a barcode and scan it again when you leave. Is it because you park for multiple days? The food court is cheap. Two shrimp pad thai. They just add shrimp after they fry it. I met a teacher. Teacher BA.
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.
Location Info
99/9 Phahon Yothin Road, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandVisitor 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). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. 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.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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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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). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. 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.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.