Riverside & Wat Ket Travel Guide

Laid-back riverside quarter next to the old city and Warorot Market.

• Best for: Chilled riverside dining and mid-range hotels
• Vibe: Laid-back, leafy, slightly bohemian
• Nearest station: Chiang Mai railway station
• Price level: $$
• To the main sights: Short tuk-tuk or 10-20 minute walk to the Old City
• Safety: Generally safe and quiet after dark

Great for:

• Couples who want a relaxed base
• Food lovers seeking riverside cafés
• Anyone wanting easy access to markets

Maybe skip it if:

• You want bustling nightlife and late-night clubs
• You need a hyper-central Old City location

The neighbourhood runs along the east bank of the Ping River, centred on Charoenrat Road and the small lanes near Wat Ket Karam. Nawarat Bridge links this side to the Old City; Warorot Market sits a short walk north-east.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon and early evening for riverside sunsets and cooler temperatures.
• Getting around: Use songthaews or tuk-tuks for short hops; negotiate fares up front.
• Cash and cards: Markets and small cafés take cash; ATMs are nearby at Warorot and malls.
• Mosquitoes: Bring repellent for evening riverside drinks and walks.

• Wat Ket Karam: Riverside temple with a small museum showing Chiang Mai’s past; good for a quiet stroll.
• Charoenrat Road: The main riverside strip for cafés, terraces and boutique hotels overlooking the Ping.
• The Riverside Bar & Restaurant: Long-running live-music spot on the riverbank popular for evening drinks and local atmosphere.
• Warorot Market: Bustling market for fresh produce, textiles and local snacks; a short walk from the river.
• Ping River walk: Follow the bank for relaxed riverside views and sunset photo spots.

• Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX): Public transport - Take the airport shuttle bus or local airport bus into the city centre, then a short tuk-tuk or songthaew to Charoenrat Road; journey c. 20-35 minutes depending on traffic, small fare. Taxi/ride-hail - Direct taxi or Grab to Riverside & Wat Ket is simplest, about 15-25 minutes and a modest fare depending on traffic.
• From the main sights: From the Old City - Walk across Nawarat Bridge for a 10-20 minute stroll or take a short tuk-tuk/songthaew ride; quick and cheap by local transport.

• Walking: The area is compact and flat - riverside cafés, temples and some markets are easily walkable.
• Songthaews and tuk-tuks: Red songthaews and tuk-tuks are the common short-hop option; negotiate price for tuk-tuks or follow the meter where available.
• Taxis and Grab: Ride-hail works across Chiang Mai and is useful late at night or for airport runs.
• Bicycles: Good for short trips but be cautious on narrow streets and at night.

Riverside & Wat Ket is best known for mid-range boutique hotels and guesthouses with river-view rooms. Charoenrat Road and the small sois running off it host most properties; expect comfortable hotels rather than big international chains. Book riverside rooms early for sunset views.

Luxury

• 137 Pillars House: Heritage-style boutique hotel with upscale rooms and a calm atmosphere; a refined choice on the riverside.
• Sannot Riverside Boutique Hotel: Small riverside boutique hotel with straightforward comfort and river views.
• K Maison Lanna: Boutique hotel in traditional Lanna style, close to the river and main cafés.
• RarinJinda: Established boutique hotel with garden and pool, a short walk from the riverside.

Mid-range

• At Pingnakorn Riverside: Mid-range riverside hotel offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Charoenrat Road.
• Inspire House Hotel Chiang Mai: Practical mid-range hotel within easy walking distance of the river and nearby cafés.
• The Town House: Apartment-style rooms suited to longer stays, within walking distance of the riverside.
• Puripunn: Boutique riverside property with traditional decor and calm surroundings.

Budget

• Bungalow Piscina: Budget hostel close to the river; basic beds and a friendly atmosphere.
• Chiang Mai Thai House: Simple guesthouse near the riverside, good for travellers on a budget.
• Baan Song Jum: Budget guesthouse offering affordable private rooms within walking distance of the river.
• Inn Kham: Basic guesthouse in the Wat Ket area, convenient for markets and riverside cafés.

Dining here ranges from casual riverside restaurants and local Thai stalls to cosy cafés and pizza places. Head to Charoenrat Road for evening terraces and to the lanes nearby for small coffee shops and noodle stands. Most cafés and casual restaurants are $ or $$, while a few riverside venues sit at $$.

• Bella Madre Pizza: Italian; $$.
• I Luv Sushi: Sushi; $$.
• Minimal Coffee: Coffee shop; $.
• Rotniyom Café: Cafe; $.
• The Good View: Casual riverside restaurant and bar; $$.
• Yui Pochana: Thai; $.

Nightlife is relaxed rather than party-heavy, centred on riverside bars and a few music venues down Charoenrat Road. Most places open early evening and wind down around midnight, though some bars stay later. Expect a mix of live music, beer bars and cosy cocktail spots.

• Riverside Bar & Restaurant: Long-established live-music riverside venue, popular with visitors and locals.
• Mojo Cafe & Gallery: Live music and artsy vibe, a good choice for evening performances.
• Sip Bar: Small bar with a relaxed atmosphere for drinks after dinner.
• Ram Bar: Casual pub-style spot popular with locals.
• Beer Terminals: Pub serving a wide selection of beers in a no-frills setting.
• Mojo Cafe & Gallery: Double-listed for its consistent live music nights and gallery vibe.

Shopping nearby is mainly markets rather than malls: fruit stalls, textiles and street food dominate. Head north-east from the river to reach Warorot Market and the adjoining market lanes; Central Festival is the main modern mall a short drive away. Bargaining is normal in market stalls.

• Warorot Market: Large traditional market for fabrics, food, flowers and local goods.
• Ton Lam Yai Market: Adjacent market area with stalls selling produce and snacks.
• Mueang Mai Market: Local marketplace with fresh food and household goods.
• Central Festival Chiang Mai: Major shopping mall and department store a short drive from the river.
• Star Avenue: Smaller shopping complex with shops and dining options.