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Restaurants & Food
Chiang Rai

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar

4.6(7,203 reviews)$$$$

Come here when you want Chiang Rai to slow down. It's a restored colonial-style house on the banks of the Kok River, with a lush garden and a riverside lawn where most people end up sitting. Daytime is calm and green, all vintage cups and big pitchers of flavoured water, and there's a piano if you can actually play one. Evening service turns more formal and a good deal more romantic, so pick your slot based on which of those you want.

The kitchen covers Thai and Western, and the things people rave about are the khao soi, the truffle burger and the duck with pineapple rice. The spaghetti khee mao is the sort of Thai-Western crossover that works. Order the plain fried rice with Thai sausage and you'll get something perfectly fine that you could get anywhere. It's pricier than most places in town, and I think that's fair given the setting and the staff, who know the menu and speak good English.

Taste more of Chiang Rai

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite
Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

We discovered Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House in Chiang Rai via Google Maps and decided to pay it a visit, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable spots on our trip. The café is housed in a beautifully preserved colonial-style house by the Kok River, surrounded by a lush garden and riverside lawn, which instantly sets a relaxed, inviting tone. We chose to sit outside, in the garden area by the river, the atmosphere was calm, green, and beautifully laid out with beautiful furniture and river views. I also walked through the indoor spaces and could see the charm: wooden ceilings, vintage style décor, a cozy bar/restaurant vibe. The blend of a historic building, greenery, water nearby and tasteful design gives the place a unique character. For brunch we had two of their bowls, generously portioned, beautifully presented, fresh and flavorful. We also tried a couple of main dishes; both the portion size and presentation were impressive, and the taste was consistently great. The café’s bakery and dessert selection looked extensive and inviting; everything we sampled was top quality. The drinks: iced coffee and a doubele espresso were well made and refreshing. Service was friendly, efficient and relaxed, you felt welcome without any fuss. Overall, Chivit Thamma Da combines elegance, comfort, good food and a lovely natural/riverside setting. If you find yourself in Chiang Rai, whether for coffee, brunch or a relaxed dinner, this place is a solid recommendation.

Fantastic spot right on the river, really peaceful and relaxed especially during the day. The dinner service is slightly more formal but it suites. The food is incredible, fresh, and the staff are so knowledgeable and helpful with recommendations etc. More expensive that other places but honestly, it’s worth it. A great way to end your stay in Chiang Rai.

This riverside restaurant offers a charming and romantic atmosphere, especially at night. The well-lit ambiance and cozy setting make it an ideal spot for a romantic evening. The menu boasts a diverse selection of Western and Thai dishes, along with a variety of alcoholic beverages. While the fried rice with Thai sausage is standard fare, lacking any extraordinary qualities that set it apart from other Thai restaurants, the spaghetti khee mao presents a delightful fusion of Western and Thai flavors. It’s flavorful, but not particularly noteworthy. The soup, customizable with prawns, has a slightly sweet taste, but the lime juice effectively balances it out. Overall, this restaurant provides a pleasant dining experience with a lovely ambiance, but the food leaves just ordinary feeling. The price may not be the cheapest, but it comes with the ambiance.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,203 reviews on Google.

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Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar worth visiting?

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar holds a 4.6★ rating from 7,203 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar?

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar is typically open 09:00-22:00 — 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.

How expensive is Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar?

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

When is the best time to visit Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar?

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 Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar located?

Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar is at 179 หมู่ที่ 2 Bannrongseartean Soi 3, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.

Location Info

179 หมู่ที่ 2 Bannrongseartean Soi 3, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 81 984 2925www.chivitthammada.com/
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–22:00
Tuesday09:00–22:00
Wednesday09:00–22:00
Thursday09:00–22:00
Friday09:00–22:00
Saturday09:00–22:00
Sunday09:00–22:00

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

Moderate

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 Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar

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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.

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