The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant
Tucked along Phaholyothin Road in central Chiang Rai, The Winds is a small, welcoming Thai restaurant that has earned a devoted following among both travellers and locals for its authentic northern Thai cooking. Visitor favourites include Khao Soi, massaman curry, cashew chicken, and coconut ice cream for dessert, with flexible options such as tofu substitutions available on request. The relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for solo diners and groups alike, and its central location puts it within easy reach of downtown accommodation and attractions.
The menu spans classic Thai dishes alongside northern regional specialities, and reviewers consistently highlight the quality and value for money. The kitchen handles everything from curries and fried rice to shrimp spring rolls and crispy pork with kale, making it a reliable choice across multiple meals. Several visitors have noted returning the following day, which speaks to the consistency of the food and the helpfulness of the staff.
Taste more of Chiang Rai
Street-food tours, market visits, and Thai cooking classes near The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant — a guided way to eat like a local.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Absolutely an amazing small place inside the town, we found out thru Google reviews and it did not disappoint. Food is amazing and the staff is great and very helpful. We had the Khao Soi, ginger chicken, egg fried rice and veg spring rolls. All dishes were great and freshly prepared. We stopped for lunch around 3 pm after seeing the white and blue temples. Must go for great Thai food.
A bit expensive but it was right near where our accomodation is and we passed by it a couple of times and thought the food looks really nice. The Cashew chicken was sooo good and the Khao Soi too! We sat outside while it was raining and it was so beautiful.
Very good, authentic Northern Thai dishes. We came here for lunch, and we were not disappointed. Really good prices. I highly recommend their Khao Soi, and the coconut ice cream for dessert.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 873 reviews on Google.
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.
The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant: Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant worth visiting?
The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant holds a 4.7★ rating from 873 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated restaurants & food in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant?
The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant is typically open 13:00-22:00 — 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 The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant?
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 The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant located?
The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant is at 891 เวียง 2 Phaholyothin 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
891 เวียง 2 Phaholyothin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand+66 97 949 9164thewindschiangraithairestaurant.shop/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 The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant
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.
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

Gold Jane
A popular evening noodle shop in Chiang Rai serving hearty beef and pork soups with bold, flavourful broths.

Barrab restaurant Chiang Rai
Cheap, unfussy Thai cooking on Phaholyothin Road, busy enough that you'll want to turn up before the rush.

Chef Sasa
A well-regarded restaurant on Chiang Rai's main road, popular with locals and visitors alike.

Pad Thai Jet Yod
Grandma-run pad thai spot opposite a wat in central Chiang Rai, beloved for honest flavours and a warm welcome.
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 The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant
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)
