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Central Chiangrai

Air-conditioned escape with a cheap food court, an outdoor bazaar worth an evening, and immigration upstairs.

4.5(7,049)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Mon–Fri 10:30–21:00, Sat–Sun 10:00–21:00

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
Monday10:30–21:00
Tuesday10:30–21:00
Wednesday10:30–21:00
Thursday10:30–21:00
Friday10:30–21:00
Saturday10:00–21:00
Sunday10:00–21:00

Is this your business?Feature it

Why go, and how to do it well

Come here for the food and the errands. Everything else is the standard Central mall format you'll recognize 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 lining up 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of Central Chiangrai, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

99/9 Phahon Yothin Road, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

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More restaurants & food nearby

All within a 7-minute walk of Central Chiangrai.

FoodPark

FoodPark

60 m walk4.2(37)$$$$
99/9, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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

Laemcharoen Seafood Central Chiangrai

140 m walk4.3(36)$$$$
99/9 Phahon Yothin Road, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
A well-known seafood chain restaurant inside Central Chiang Rai mall, offering a broad Thai seafood menu.
Big C Supercenter Chiang Rai 1

Big C Supercenter Chiang Rai 1

390 m walk4.2(3,868)
184, Tambon Rop Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
A workhorse hypermarket for stocking up, not a place you'd travel across town to eat.
Noon till night
Hidden Gem

Noon till night

570 m walk4.8(101)
21/3-21/4 Phaholyothin Rd, Tambon Rop Wiang, เมือง, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
A laid-back evening restaurant in Chiang Rai serving refined Western dishes with standout pasta and fresh seafood.

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.

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: Mid-February – April (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 center); Songthaews.

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