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Restaurants & Food
Chiang Mai

Khao Soi Khun Yai

4.6(2,931 reviews)

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.

Taste more of Chiang Mai

Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Khao Soi Khun Yai — a guided way to eat like a local.

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Khao Soi Khun Yai: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Khao Soi Khun Yai worth visiting?

Khao Soi Khun Yai holds a 4.6★ rating from 2,931 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Khao Soi Khun Yai?

Khao Soi Khun Yai is typically open 10:00-14:00 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

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).

Location Info

QXWM+47J, Soi Sri Poom 8 Old City Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai090 651 7088
Opening Hours
Monday10:00-14:00
Tuesday10:00-14:00
Wednesday10:00-14:00
Thursday10:00-14:00
Friday10:00-14:00
Saturday10:00-14:00
SundayClosed

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

High

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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