THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI
Perched along the Rim Kok River in Rop Wiang Sub-district, this open-air venue draws visitors with its scenic outlook toward the surrounding mountains and a garden atmosphere that works particularly well around sunset. The setting is widely praised by visitors as romantic and well-suited to special occasions, making it a popular choice for couples and groups looking to wind down after a day of exploring Chiang Rai's temples and cultural sites.
The venue operates exclusively in the evenings, opening at 17:00 every day of the week, which positions it firmly as a dinner and socialising destination rather than an all-day eatery. The open-air layout and riverside location create an appealing ambience, though visitor experiences with food and service have been inconsistent — some report excellent evenings while others note slow service and quality concerns. It is worth going in with measured expectations around the food itself and focusing on the atmosphere as the primary draw.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Large open air,scenic location overlooking mountains on the Rim Kok river. Name can be confusing; not sure if it is @ Riverside or The Space. Must come during sunset. Very good service and food. They also have a BBQ buffet. Owner very considerate. When we were there a couple sang and played Thai music
Beautiful setting and lovely garden area. We wanted to eat lunch, but it was closed. Apparently the 11 am opening time shown on Google Maps refers only to the cafe, which is unfortunately closed for business at this time (October 2021) due to Covid. The restaurant opens at 5 pm. Fully intend to return soon for dinner.
Very disappointing. Beautiful view and atmosphere We Ordered 3 dishes Waited 45 minutes for the food, which only one dish arrived... cold, the other 2 dishes the restaurant forgot the order. There was no apology from the staff or the owner.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 108 reviews on Google.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.
Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI: Frequently Asked Questions
Is THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI worth visiting?
THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI holds a 4.5★ rating from 108 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI?
THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI is typically open 17:00-23:00 — 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 THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI?
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 THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI located?
THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI is at WQ9W+MCV, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
WQ9W+MCV, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 89 923 6900Visitor 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). 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 THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI
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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.
Nearby Places
@Waterside Chiangrai
Riverside Thai restaurant on the Kok River with live music, evening-only hours, and a relaxed open-air atmosphere.
Lalitta Café
Pay the 60 baht, come early, and treat the garden as the main event rather than the coffee.
The Peak Wine & Grill
Rooftop wine bar and grill on the 10th floor with Chiang Rai's best sunset views and evening cocktails.
The Hungry Wolf
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
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI
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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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). 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)