Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar: Where to Eat in Chiang Rai

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Why go

Chivit Thamma Da translates loosely from Thai as “ordinary life,” and that unpretentious philosophy runs through the whole operation: a wooden riverside house turned café-bistro-bar, shaded by a garden that slopes toward the Kok River. It has become one of Chiang Rai’s most reviewed restaurants — over 7,000 reviews and a 4.6 rating — for good reason. Rather than leaning purely on Northern Thai standards, the kitchen works internationally, mixing seasonal produce into a menu that spans breakfast pastries, pastas, sandwiches, and grilled mains, alongside a full coffee program and a bar for evening drinks. It suits travelers who want a relaxed half-day out of the old town rather than a quick temple-adjacent meal.

Getting there

The address is 179 Moo 2, Ban Rong Sear Tean Soi 3, Tambon Rim Kok — on the north side of the Kok River, opposite the main cluster of old-town attractions like Wat Phra Kaew and the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. There’s no direct songthaew line to the door, so most visitors arrive by tuk-tuk, Grab, or rented scooter; figure on a 10–15 minute ride from the clock tower area, crossing the river via the Mae Fah Luang Bridge. If you’re staying near the Night Bazaar or the bus terminal, plan for a slightly longer ride (15–20 minutes). Because the soi network in Rim Kok can be confusing, it’s worth sending the pinned Google Maps location to your driver rather than relying on the street name alone. Parking is available on-site for those self-driving.

What to see and eat

The draw here is as much atmosphere as food: teak architecture, mismatched garden seating, and river views make it worth arriving with no fixed agenda. Breakfast and brunch are strong — think eggs Benedict, homemade granola, and freshly baked bread — paired with espresso drinks or the house’s own roasted coffee. For lunch and dinner, the kitchen turns out a mix of Thai and Western plates: grilled meats, pasta, and salads built around whatever seasonal vegetables and herbs are on hand, reflecting the “seasonal ingredients” ethos in the official description. The bar section extends the day into evening with cocktails and river-facing sunset seating, making it a legitimate stop for a pre-dinner drink even if you’ve eaten elsewhere. Portions and pricing sit in the mid-range (price level 2 out of 4), so it’s accessible without being a splurge, though exact menu prices shift seasonally and are best checked once seated.

When to go

Late afternoon into early evening is the sweet spot — arrive an hour or so before sunset to grab a garden or riverside table, order a coffee or cocktail, and stay on for dinner as the light drops over the Kok River. Mornings are quieter and better if you want unhurried brunch with fewer crowds. Weekends and Thai holidays draw larger groups and tour parties, so weekday visits or early reservations are advisable if you want a specific table. Chiang Rai’s cool season (November–February) makes outdoor garden seating especially pleasant; during the rainy season (June–October) covered seating areas are your best bet.

Nearby & tips

Pair a visit with Chiang Rai’s northern attractions rather than the old town: the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Black House (Baan Dam Museum) are both a reasonable drive away and easy to combine into a half-day loop that ends at Chivit Thamma Da for a late lunch or sunset dinner. Because it’s popular with both tourists and local Chiang Rai residents, expect a wait at peak meal times without a reservation — call ahead or book via a hotel concierge if visiting on a Friday or Saturday evening. Bring cash as a backup even if cards are accepted, since rural riverside addresses can have inconsistent connectivity for card machines. Mosquito repellent is worth packing for the garden seating, especially around dusk near the river.