Northern Soul Riverside BBQ
Tucked along the riverside in the laid-back northern Thai town of Pai, Northern Soul Riverside BBQ offers a casual dining experience that pairs open-air ambience with the smoky appeal of barbecue cooking. The setting takes full advantage of Pai's natural surroundings, making it a natural stop for travellers exploring the Mae Hong Son region who want a meal that feels as unhurried as the town itself.
Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere typical of Pai's independent dining scene, with the riverside location adding a sense of calm that suits the area's slow-travel character. The restaurant is affiliated with Reconnect Lodge, suggesting a connection to the broader retreat and accommodation experience in the area, and the consistently strong visitor ratings point to a dining option that delivers reliably on both food and setting.
On a practical note, Northern Soul Riverside BBQ is open every day of the week from 07:30 to 16:00, meaning it covers breakfast and lunch but does not serve dinner. Visitors planning an evening meal will need to look elsewhere. Those staying nearby or passing through during the day will find it a convenient and well-regarded stop. As Pai can be busy during the high season between November and February, arriving earlier in the day is advisable to secure a good spot by the water.
Taste more of Pai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Northern Soul Riverside BBQ — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Northern Soul Riverside BBQ, round out your day in Pai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Pai

Pai Canyon
Free to walk, thrilling to look at, and mobbed at sunset by half of Pai's backpackers.

Yun Lai Viewpoint
Sunrise over the Pai valley for 20 baht, if you can face a 5am start in the cold.

Santichon Village
A Yunnanese-style village built for photos and cheap fun, and the four-person swing alone justifies the stop.

Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
The view does the heavy lifting here: the whole town, the airport runway, and mountains in every direction.
Northern Soul Riverside BBQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northern Soul Riverside BBQ worth visiting?
Northern Soul Riverside BBQ holds a 4.5★ rating from 77 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Pai.
What are the opening hours of Northern Soul Riverside BBQ?
Northern Soul Riverside BBQ is typically open 07:30-16:00 — 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 Northern Soul Riverside BBQ?
The best months to visit Pai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (hot & hazy).
Where is Northern Soul Riverside BBQ located?
Northern Soul Riverside BBQ is at 173, Tambon Mae Hi, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand, in Pai. Getting around Pai: Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day); Bicycle rental for town.
Location Info
173, Tambon Mae Hi, Amphoe Pai, Chang Wat Mae Hong Son 58130, Thailand+66 92 280 0518reconnectlodge.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre
Where to stay near Northern Soul Riverside BBQ
Find hotels in Pai 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
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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

Silhouette By Reverie Siam
A refined bar and restaurant in Pai offering steaks, cocktails, and a romantic colonial-style atmosphere.

SAILOR OIA gallery cafe’
Sailor-themed gallery cafe in Pai with outdoor kayaking, swimming, and a transportive atmosphere.

Cafecito
Beloved Mexican restaurant in Pai serving fish tacos, tostadas, and creative drinks in a charming, sun-filled setting.

Firefly
A charming Pai café serving wholesome breakfasts and fresh-baked sourdough with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
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 Northern Soul Riverside BBQ
Find hotels in Pai 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 (hot & hazy)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
12°C – 32°C(54°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January
Getting there
Minivan from Chiang Mai (3 hrs, ~762 curves, take motion sickness tablets). Small airport for charter flights only.
Getting around
- •Motorbike rental (essential — ฿150/day)
- •Bicycle rental for town
- •Walking in the town centre