Lalitta Café — Restaurant in Chiang Rai Province

Lalitta Cafe, located at 392 Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, is a visually stunning spot that lives up to its reputation as one of Chiang Rai’s most Instagram-worthy cafes. However, my visit in April 2025 left me with mixed feelings due to overcrowding and a sense that the hype overshadows the actual experience. Here’s a balanced take on this fairytale-like cafe.

Instagram Paradise

There’s no denying Lalitta Cafe’s aesthetic appeal. Inspired by the mythical Himmapan Forest, the cafe is a photographer’s dream, with lush greenery, cascading man-made waterfalls, and misty fog effects creating a magical, jungle-like ambiance. The outdoor garden, adorned with colorful flowers and a pseudo-waterfall, is perfect for capturing that viral Instagram shot. Every corner, from the wooden accents to the vibrant blooms, is meticulously designed for social media enthusiasts. The 60 THB entrance fee (redeemable against food or drinks) feels worth it just for the photo ops. If you’re after cute pics, come early for soft morning light and fewer people in your frame.

Overhyped Food and Drinks

The menu, while diverse, didn’t quite live up to the cafe’s dazzling reputation. I tried the khao soi (120 THB), a Northern Thai curry noodle dish, which was decent but lacked the bold flavors I’ve had at local spots like Jea Heang Noodle Restaurant. The Thai tea cake (90 THB) was beautifully presented but tasted overly sweet and a bit dry. The iced latte (80 THB) was refreshing, especially in Chiang Rai’s heat, but nothing extraordinary. Prices (100-250 THB per person) are steep compared to nearby eateries, and the food feels secondary to the decor. Vegetarians will find options like avocado toast, but vegans are out of luck—no plant-based dishes are available, which is a letdown for a trendy cafe.

Too Crowded for Comfort

Lalitta’s popularity is its biggest drawback. The cafe was packed during my visit, especially around midday, with long waits for tables and constant foot traffic from photo-seekers. The small indoor seating area felt cramped, and the outdoor tables were humid due to the fog machines (moisture-wicking clothing is a good tip!). The staff were friendly but visibly overwhelmed, leading to slow service—my order took 20 minutes to arrive. Weekdays might be less hectic, but the cafe’s Instagram fame draws crowds daily, making it hard to relax. If you want a quieter experience, arrive right at opening (8:00 AM) or visit off-season.

Ambiance and Accessibility

The cafe’s enchanting vibe is its strongest asset. The mix of modern decor, cozy wooden furniture, and natural elements creates a fairytale-like escape, though the misty air can feel damp. Located just a short drive from downtown Chiang Rai, it’s easily accessible via Grab (50-70 THB from the city center) or tuk-tuk. Parking is available for those with cars, and the cafe’s proximity to attractions like Wat Huay Pla Kang and the White Temple makes it a convenient stop. However, accessibility is a concern—stairs and uneven paths make it challenging for those with mobility issues.

Final Thoughts

Lalitta Cafe is a visual feast that delivers on its promise of Instagram-worthy moments, but the overcrowding and overhyped food make it feel like a one-trick pony. It’s perfect for a quick coffee and photos, but don’t expect a serene dining experience or culinary excellence. For budget travelers, the entrance fee and menu prices might sting when you can get better food elsewhere for less. If you’re in Chiang Rai and love aesthetic cafes, it’s worth a visit for the vibes—just manage expectations and beat the crowds by going...

Lalitta Café in Chiang Rai is a visual delight with its exquisite restaurant design. The thoughtful layout and aesthetic details create a welcoming ambiance, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. The highlight of the café is the captivating waterfall inside, adding a touch of serenity and natural beauty to the surroundings. 🌊✨

For photography enthusiasts or those simply looking to capture special moments, Lalitta Café offers a plethora of picturesque spots. The combination of unique design elements, charming decor, and the indoor waterfall provides an ideal backdrop for stunning photos. Whether you're an avid Instagrammer or just want to preserve memories, this café offers plenty of opportunities for striking snapshots. 📸🍃

Beyond its visual appeal, Lalitta Café also excels in the culinary department. The food served is not only delicious but also reasonably priced at 60 baht per person for entry. What's more, if you indulge in ordering some delectable dishes, the entrance fee can be discounted – making it a great deal for both your taste buds and your pocket. 🍜💸

Cleanliness is a notable aspect of Lalitta Café, contributing to a hygienic and pleasant dining environment. The meticulous maintenance extends to the well-designed furniture, creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing setting. The use of wood in the furnishings adds a touch of warmth and complements the overall charm of the café. 🧼🪑

In conclusion, Lalitta Café in Chiang Rai comes highly recommended for those seeking a delightful blend of visual aesthetics, culinary satisfaction, and a pocket-friendly experience. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist exploring the area, this café offers a well-rounded package of ambiance, cuisine, and...

As much as I want to give this place at least a 4 star rating.. the way my situation was escalated was not professional. I want to start off by saying in no means do I expect these workers to communicate well due to language barriers of multiple countries touring the cafe, but there were multiple mistakes made when exchanging orders with the young waiter I had yesterday.

The atmosphere was amazing it looked and felt like a fairytale! After walking around for some time I went to the cafe side to order some food. I ordered a lychee soda, an order or spring rolls— which I thought were fresh rice paper wrapped, it doesn’t mention that or how many come with an order either and I also ordered pork pa ka pow. My friend on the other hand also wanted an order of spring rolls and thought it was fresh rice paper wrapped and ordered two—again not specified by the waiter that we would have 18 spring rolls brought out to us. On top of that I asked the waiter if there was shrimp in the spring rolls because my friend had a severe seafood allergy, she told me there was pork. So we thought….

My friend bit into the spring roll and bit right into a shrimp. She ran quickly to the bathroom to prevent any anaphylactic reaction and I called over the waiter to translate that there’s shrimp in the spring roll and she has a seafood allergy. The waiter and the food runner just stared at me blankly as if she didn’t know what to do so i cued her to take the dish away. After that, there was no apology, only eye contact made and it seemed like she tried to dismiss the situation by avoiding us. We did pay for our food before hand so it seemed to be a waste to me. And my pad ka pow was way too sweet...