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. Good to know: the listing name can cause some confusion on arrival, as the venue may also be referenced as a riverside establishment. Arriving closer to sunset is strongly recommended to make the most of the scenic views. As this is an open-air space, comfortable but light clothing suitable for warm evenings is advisable. There is no website available for advance bookings, so visiting in person or enquiring locally about reservations during busy periods is the practical approach.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After THE SPACE MRC CHIANG RAI, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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
Took the wife for her birthday celebration. Wonderful atmosphere and very romantic?
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.
Location Info
WQ9W+MCV, Rop Wiang Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 89 923 6900Tips 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)