Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Restaurants & Food
Chiang Rai

Lalitta Café

4.1(3,960 reviews)$$$$

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.

Taste more of Chiang Rai

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Lalitta Café — a guided way to eat like a local.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

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.

Also Popular in Chiang Rai

Rong Suea Ten Temple

Rong Suea Ten Temple

4.6(27,037)
306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun

4.6(25,149)
Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.

Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle

4.3(16,923)
932M+W6X, 370 ถนน ท่าแพ, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chiang Saen, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand

Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang

4.7(16,657)
553, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.

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: March – May (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 centre); Songthaews.

Location Info

392, 6, Tambon Rim Kok, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 82 190 1758www.lalittacafe.com/
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

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 Lalitta Café

Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

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.

Nearby Places

@Waterside Chiangrai

@Waterside Chiangrai

4.2(502)$$$$
314 ม5, Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kok River with live music, evening-only hours, and a relaxed open-air atmosphere.

THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI
Hidden Gem

THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI

4.5(108)
WQ9W+MCV, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Riverside evening dining spot in Chiang Rai with scenic mountain views and an open-air garden setting.

The Peak Wine & Grill
Hidden Gem

The Peak Wine & Grill

4.8(156)
1129 Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Rooftop wine bar and grill on the 10th floor with Chiang Rai's best sunset views and evening cocktails.

The Hungry Wolf

The Hungry Wolf

4.7(2,363)$$$$
1131 Kraisorasit, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

A steady, mid-priced kitchen in central Chiang Rai that keeps people coming back, open all day, every day.

Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet

4.9(57,533)$$$$
11, 3 Soi Charoen Krung 58, Khwaeng Yan Nawa, Khet Sathon, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10120, Thailand

Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.

Central Pattaya

Central Pattaya

4.5(37,725)
333/102 Thanon Pattayasaisong, ตำบล หนองปรือ, Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chang Wat Chon Buri 20260, Thailand

A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.

The Village Farm To Café

The Village Farm To Café

4.9(31,605)$$$$
ทล 323 Thanon Sangchuto, Tambon Nong Bua, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi, Chang Wat Kanchanaburi 71190, Thailand

Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.

Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit

Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit

4.9(26,667)$$$$
3070 Sukhumvit 70 Alley, Bang Na Nuea, Khet Bang Na, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10260, Thailand

Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.