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Lalitta Café

Pay the 60 baht, come early, and treat the garden as the main event rather than the coffee.

4.1(3,960)$$$$
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Plan your visit

Hours
Daily 08:00–19:30
Price
$$$$
Mid-range

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
Monday08:00–19:30
Tuesday08:00–19:30
Wednesday08:00–19:30
Thursday08:00–19:30
Friday08:00–19:30
Saturday08:00–19:30
Sunday08:00–19:30

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Why go, and how to do it well

Go for the garden. That's the honest read on this place, a Himmapan-inspired forest of waterfalls, mist, koi ponds and statues, spread over grounds big enough that you'll be walking for a while. Entry is 60 baht per person, redeemable against what you order, which is fair for what amounts to a small scenic attraction with cafés inside it.

The food is where opinions split. Tom Yum Goong gets genuine praise, sour and spicy and properly fragrant, and portions run generous. But plenty of people find dishes look better than they taste, and if you're chasing serious coffee this isn't the address. Come knowing that and you'll enjoy yourself. There are a few different eating spots dotted around, plus koi feeding and massage if you want to stretch the visit out.

Timing matters more than anything else here. Mornings are calm and misty. By midday at weekends the crowds thin out the magic considerably, and photos get harder.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Oct 2026

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Experience hints

Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Lalitta Café, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Lalitta Cafe in Chiang Rai is a popular fairytale-themed garden cafe known for its magical, misty forest setting, large waterfall, koi ponds, and Instagrammable spots with statues. Inspired by the mythical Himmapan Forest, it offers Thai and Western food, cakes, and coffee, with a 60 Baht entry fee redeemable on purchases, making it a must-visit near the Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang) for unique photo opportunities. Key Features Theme: A whimsical, enchanted forest with a large waterfall, mist, lush greenery, and mythical creature statues. Atmosphere: Peaceful and picturesque, designed for photography, often with a dreamy, mystical feel. Food & Drink: Serves Thai dishes (like Khao Soi) and Western staples, plus pastries, coffee, and drinks; prices are reasonable, though food quality can vary. Highlights: A large waterfall (around 35m), koi ponds, and unique photo spots. Location: Near the Red Temple (Wat Huay Pla Kang) in the Mueang Chiang Rai district. Visitor Information Hours: Generally 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Entry Fee: 60 Baht for adults. Tip: Go early in the morning for fewer crowds and better photos. Getting There: Easily accessible by car, often combined with a visit to the nearby Red Temple.

This cafe in Chiang Rai is a very popular. Its beautiful and unique place to visit, especially if you enjoy scenic attractions and photography spots. The entrance fee was 60 baht, which gives access to a visually stunning area filled with waterfalls, greenery, and creative decorative elements that make the whole place feel magical and well designed. I visited mainly to explore the attraction and take photos rather than eat, so I cannot comment on the food or drinks. However, the environment itself is definitely worth seeing at least once. There are many picturesque corners, and the atmosphere feels calm and relaxing while walking through the space. I’m giving it 4 stars because the visual experience was great, but I didn’t try the café menu as it was a bit in expensive side. Still, it’s a nice stop if you’re in Chiang Rai and want something different from temples or city spots.

A Fairytale Atmosphere (Go for the Photos, not the Coffee) ​Lalitta Café is definitely worth a visit for the visuals alone. It feels like stepping straight into a fairytale world—the ambiance is magical and incredibly well-done. ​The Price: At 60 Baht per person, the entry fee is very fair for the experience and the photo opportunities you get. ​Pro Tip: You must go in the morning. By midday, it gets way too crowded, which takes away from the magical vibe. ​The Downside: While the environment is 10/10, the food and drinks are a bit disappointing. It’s a shame that so much effort goes into the decor, but the coffee flavor falls short. ​Sustainability & Quality: Serving everything in paper cups feels a bit cheap given how beautiful the surroundings are. It’s a missed opportunity for a more premium experience. ​Summary: Come here for the incredible scenery and the "forest" vibes, but don't expect a gourmet coffee experience.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 3,960 reviews on Google.

392, 6, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

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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.

Lalitta Café: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lalitta Café worth visiting?

Lalitta Café holds a 4.1★ rating from 3,960 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

What are the opening hours of Lalitta Café?

Lalitta Café is typically open 08:00–19:30 — 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 Lalitta Café?

Lalitta Café is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.

When is the best time to visit Lalitta Café?

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 Lalitta Café located?

Lalitta Café is at 392, 6, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.

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