@Waterside Chiangrai
Situated on the banks of the Kok River opposite Hat Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai Beach), this evening dining spot has relocated to a new riverside position that makes strong use of its waterfront setting. The elevated, open-air layout captures views across the water, and the venue draws a loyal crowd of both locals and visitors looking for a more relaxed alternative to city centre dining.
The atmosphere is a notable draw — live music plays regularly, and the combination of riverside breezes, ambient lighting after dark, and a spacious layout gives the place a convivial, unhurried feel. The menu centres on Thai cuisine with a northern Thai lean; fried fish prepared northern style comes up frequently among visitor highlights, and the kitchen generally handles fresh fish dishes well. Service is consistently noted as friendly and attentive. Pricing sits at a mid-range level, making it a reasonable option for a full dinner with drinks.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near @Waterside Chiangrai — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After @Waterside Chiangrai, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
A terrific spot on the banks of the Kok River in Chang Rai. Live music. A big space, elevated to take advantage of the views. Looking a romantic spot; gotcha covered. Reasonably priced. 6 dishes & 4 large bottles of Sinah; 1100 Baht.
Due to construction activities, by the municipality, on the old location, @Waterside was forced to move. This happened a few months ago. The new location, opposite Hat Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai Beach) is, for me, much better. Okay, a little bit out of town, but the atmosphere is amazing. The life music is okay, although I prefer a little more modern music. The quality of the food is good and the service of the staff is nothing to complain about. I suggest only that they add some English in the menu card. That makes ordering easier. Moreover, absolutely recommendable.
During my recent trip to a distant city - Chiang Rai, I discovered a hidden gem that not only offered a unique experience but also had a fascinating ambiance. Although the journey to reach this place was long, the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings made it worthwhile. While the food was decent, it was the remarkable atmosphere, especially at Waterside restaurant, that truly stood out. Also git Parking lot.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 502 reviews on Google.
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@Waterside Chiangrai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is @Waterside Chiangrai worth visiting?
@Waterside Chiangrai holds a 4.2★ rating from 502 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of @Waterside Chiangrai?
@Waterside Chiangrai is typically open 17:00-00:00 — 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.
How expensive is @Waterside Chiangrai?
@Waterside Chiangrai is moderately priced (฿฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
When is the best time to visit @Waterside Chiangrai?
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 @Waterside Chiangrai located?
@Waterside Chiangrai is at 314 ม5, Tambon Mae Yao, 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
314 ม5, Tambon Mae Yao, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand+66 92 641 6926m.facebook.com/WatersideChiangrai/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)
Where to stay near @Waterside Chiangrai
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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
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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
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The Village Farm To Café
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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 @Waterside Chiangrai
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)