Riverside
along the Ping, slower pace, garden houses
What it is like
The east bank of the Ping and the lanes behind it. Wat Ket is the old quarter here, and this is the part of the city where the pace drops without you having to leave it: teak houses, gardens, a couple of galleries, restaurants facing the water.
Our guide's entries here are mostly coffee, one temple and places to eat by the water. Crossing a bridge puts you at the Night Bazaar in about ten minutes on foot, and inside the moat in about twenty five.
It is a narrow neighbourhood. Streets one row back from the water read as ordinary city rather than riverside, so the difference between an address that faces the river and one that does not is a real one.
Places nearby, from our guide
From the guide we write for our own guests. The note under each place is the host's own.
Ram Bar
Bars
Usually busy show bar that performs daily sophisticated drag shows from 22:00h (free entry) vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly venue in Chiang Mai, known for its lively cabaret shows, creative cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, offering unforgettable entertainment and fun.
River View Bar
Restaurant
Relaxed thai-style restaurant next to the river Ping frequented by locals and tourists. Often with life musi, coffering refreshing drinks, light bites, and delicious hot pot options, all with stunning views of the Ping River—perfect for a relaxing evening.
Brewginning coffee
Coffee
A cozy café serving specialty coffee and freshly brewed beverages in a relaxed atmosphere.
Deck 1
Restaurant
Refined place with thai food and views of the Ping river.
khna coffee brewers
Coffee
A specialty café offering meticulously brewed coffee and espresso drinks in a stylish and laid-back atmosphere.
La Luna Gallery
Museum/Gallery
Contemporary art space in Chiang Mai showcasing works by local and international artists, featuring paintings, sculptures, and mixed media in a serene setting.
Who it suits
Judgement rather than fact. This is how we answer a guest who asks us to choose between neighbourhoods.
- Couples and slower trips built around long meals rather than a list of sights.
- Guests who want the centre reachable on foot but not outside the window.
- Anyone who would rather have a garden than a lift and a lobby.
- Less suited to travellers with no plan for the evening. Choice thins out quickly a few streets back from the water.
We do not manage anywhere in Riverside yet.
Rather than pad this page out, we would sooner say so. We take on properties one at a time and only where we can look after them properly, so this list grows slowly and on purpose.
Not sure this is the right neighbourhood?
Tell us who is travelling and what you want inside a ten minute walk. We will say which part of Chiang Mai fits, including when the answer is one we manage nothing in.