Khao Soi Khun Yai
Khao Soi Khun Yai serves what many consider Chiang Mai's definitive bowl of khao soi from a garden shack beside the old-city moat near Wat Kuan Kama. The menu is short — chicken, beef, or pork khao soi plus a few satays and Thai teas — the coconut-curry broth is rich without drowning the noodles, and the crispy topping comes properly fried. It sells out by early afternoon most days; arrive before 1pm, expect to share a bench with strangers, and pay street prices for a bowl that outclasses restaurants at five times the cost.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khao Soi Khun Yai, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern Old City gate, a restored Lanna-era landmark surrounded by a lively public square.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
Khao Soi Khun Yai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khao Soi Khun Yai worth visiting?
Khao Soi Khun Yai holds a 4.6★ rating from 2,909 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.
When is the best time to visit Khao Soi Khun Yai?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Khao Soi Khun Yai located?
Khao Soi Khun Yai is at QXWM+47J, Soi Sri Poom 8 Old City Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Khao Soi Khun Yai
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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.
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Pier 21
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Where to stay near Khao Soi Khun Yai
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
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 (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)