Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai
Khao tom is the whole point here, so come hungry for rice soup rather than a broad Thai menu. It's the kind of place that does one thing and keeps doing it, with your bowl built around the protein and accompaniments you pick. Budget prices, plain seating, no interest in impressing anyone with the decor.
One thing worth correcting, because it trips people up: this isn't a breakfast spot. Doors open at 16:00 and stay open until 23:00, seven days a week, which makes it a supper place. That's actually the more traditional way to eat khao tom in Thailand anyway, and it's the reason I'd put it on a list for late arrivals into Chiang Rai or anyone who's been out and wants something warm and cheap before bed rather than another beer.
It sits on Sanambin Road, a short ride from the middle of town, and it draws a steady local crowd rather than a tourist one. Don't expect much English.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai — a guided way to eat like a local.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Free to enter, electric blue from floor to ceiling, and quieter first thing in the morning.
Wat Rong Khun
All white plaster and mirror glass, dazzling in the sun, and packed with people from the moment it opens.
Golden Triangle
Stand where three countries meet on the Mekong, then decide if the 1.5-hour drive was worth it.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A 79-metre Guan Yin you can climb inside, plus a nine-storey pagoda and hilltop views, all free to enter.
Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai worth visiting?
Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai holds a 4.2★ rating from 1,863 Google reviews — a strong rating for restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai?
Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai is typically open 16:00-23:00 — 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.
How expensive is Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai?
Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai is budget-friendly (฿) relative to other restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
When is the best time to visit Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai located?
Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai is at 400/11 Sanambin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
400/11 Sanambin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand053 712 731www.facebook.com/%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%95%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A1-%E0%B8%88%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%8D%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%A2-%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%8A%E0%B8%B5%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2-361915743908376/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Where to stay near Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai
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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.
Nearby Places
Tamachat Vegetarian Restaurant.
Chiang Rai's go-to budget vegetarian restaurant, serving fresh Thai dishes on brown rice every morning until 3pm.
J MARKET CHIANGRAI
A local food market near Chiang Rai's Clock Tower, offering diverse street food at everyday prices.
Homchan
Elegant Northern Thai dining in a preserved old mansion, praised for rich khao soi and lush, relaxed surroundings.
Kunda Vegetarian Vegan Burger Cafe Chiang Rai
Plant-based burger cafe on Trairat Road serving inventive, whole-ingredient burgers with a temple view.
Similar Restaurants & Food Across Thailand
Kodtalay The Riverfront Seafood Buffet
Open-air seafood buffet on the Chao Phraya from 599 baht, and the river seats are worth asking for.
Central Pattaya
A big air-conditioned mall on Beach Road where the food court does the heavy lifting.
The Village Farm To Café
Looks like nothing from the highway, then opens up into green fields, high ceilings and properly fresh food.
Kodtalay Seafood Buffet Sukhumvit
Live river prawns from the tank, grilled at your table, and no clock ticking on how long you stay.
Where to stay near Khao Tom Jor Charoenchai
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
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 – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)