Lalitta Café
Set in the Rim Kok area of Chiang Rai, this enchanting garden café has become one of the region's most distinctive dining and photography destinations. Inspired by mythological themes, the grounds feature a large waterfall, koi ponds, decorative statues, and a lush, misty forest atmosphere that visitors frequently describe as stepping into a fairytale. The sprawling garden is well-maintained and large enough to explore at a leisurely pace, making it as much a scenic attraction as a place to eat or drink. The café serves a full menu of Thai and café-style food and beverages throughout the day, with dishes like Tom Yum Goong receiving positive mentions from visitors. It operates daily from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, accommodating breakfast, lunch, and afternoon visits. Pricing sits at the mid-range level, making it a reasonable stop for most travel budgets. It is worth noting that the visual and atmospheric experience tends to draw the most praise, so visitors primarily seeking exceptional coffee may want to temper expectations accordingly. There is an entry fee of 60 baht, which grants access to the full garden and photo areas — worth factoring into your visit plan. Weekday lunchtimes tend to be quieter than weekends, making mid-week mornings or early afternoons the more relaxed option. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended given the size of the grounds. Check the café's website at lalittacafe.com for menu details and any seasonal updates before visiting.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Lalitta Café, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Really nice place with a calm, green atmosphere that makes you want to stay a while. Lalita Café is a great spot to relax and enjoy good food and drinks. The Tom Yum Goong had great flavor, with a well balanced mix of sour, spicy, and aromatic notes. The broth was rich and fragrant, and the shrimp were fresh and nicely cooked. Everything tasted clean, bold, and true to the dish. The kiwi soda was light, refreshing, and not too sweet. Very fresh tasting and perfect alongside the soup. And, yes! As a turist you can drink a juice with ice and not get sick, its a must try! :) Good service, pleasant setting, and solid flavors overall. A place I’d happily visit again.
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.
Location Info
392, 6, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 82 190 1758www.lalittacafe.com/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)