The River Restaurant & Bar
Positioned along the Krabi River in the heart of Krabi town, this well-regarded restaurant and bar draws visitors with its scenic waterfront setting, generous portions, and authentic Thai cooking. The space makes an impression even from a distance, with a thoughtfully decorated interior and an ambience that feels lively without being loud. Visitors consistently highlight the fresh seafood, particularly the prawns, alongside soups and curries served in portions that exceed expectations for the price point. Despite the attractive riverside setting, costs remain firmly mid-range, making it an accessible choice for travellers who want atmosphere without paying a premium. The venue works equally well as a sit-down dining destination or a place to settle in for evening drinks, drawing a relaxed mix of tourists and locals throughout the day. Staff are generally noted for being attentive and friendly, contributing to an experience that feels welcoming rather than transactional. The open-air riverside backdrop provides a pleasant contrast to Krabi town's busier streets, and the decor adds enough character to make the setting feel deliberate rather than incidental. Good to know: The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM every day and stays open until midnight, accommodating lunch, dinner, and late-evening visits without much advance planning. During the wet season, the open-air setting is worth considering when the weather is unpredictable. Some visitors have noted inconsistent service experiences, so arriving with patience during busy periods is advisable.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The River Restaurant & Bar, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The food was absolutely delicious, every single dish. The atmosphere was lovely and comfortable, and the service was a perfect 10/10 — the staff were incredibly attentive and friendly. I visited on my birthday, and the restaurant surprised me not only with a birthday cake, but also with wine and sparklers, along with a sweet birthday song. It was such a thoughtful and heartwarming gesture — truly unforgettable 🥰 Highly recommended dishes are the Crab Curry with Coconut Milk and the Shrimp Cakes (my fiancé is a foreigner, and he could enjoy the food very much as well — not too spicy at all) hands down some of the best I’ve ever had in my life. 100 thumbs up 👍👍👍 Most importantly, the prices are unbelievably good for the quality. Amazing value for money. I was beyond impressed and will definitely come back again. Highly recommended! ❤️
The restaurant tells everything. But let me tell you something. Felt like something special when I saw it from the distance. Walked in through, greeted by the lovely staffs, found our table, with a candle light, cute flower on side, table to chairs everything looks so authentice so real, staffs made sure we were looked after well. look to your left, to your right, east west wherever there is something you can't help with but just to stare. Live band was awesome, want nothing but just the best for them, a very passonate band who has a great future ahead. Every staff treated the restaurant like their own. We enjoyed the food too, some of the meal would test better if less salty, but also that's a thai way of cooking😊. I had the best dinner experience of my life with my fiancee.
Fantastic place. Views are wonderful and the place is nicely decorated with a lovely ambience. You'd expect such a place to be overpriced, but it's definitely not the case. Soups and curry are way bigger than average, super tasty, and just a few baht more than any street place. All good was amazing, coffee as well. Service is amazing too. Everyone was very attentive. Will definitely come back. Ir you're in Krabi town, don't doubt and come eat here.
Location Info
256, 1 Thanon Utarakit, Tambon Pak Nam, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81000, Thailand+66 96 297 8264www.facebook.com/theriverkbv19Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near The River Restaurant & Bar
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
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.
Also Popular in Krabi
Ko Lanta
A laid-back island in Krabi offering coral-fringed beaches, diving, and a genuinely local atmosphere.
Ko Phi Phi Don
The largest island in the Ko Phi Phi archipelago, balancing vibrant beach life with dramatic natural scenery.
Emerald Pool
A mineral-rich natural swimming pool deep in Krabi's rainforest, famous for its striking emerald-green water.
Wat Tham Suea
A jungle-clad Buddhist temple complex in Krabi, famous for its 1,200+ steep steps and sweeping hilltop views.
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Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – April
Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)
Rainy season
May – October
Avg. temperature
23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus/minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.
Getting around
- •Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
- •Songthaews in Ao Nang
- •Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
- •Motorbike rental
Where to stay near The River Restaurant & Bar
Find hotels in Krabi on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.