The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant เดอะวินดส์ เชียงราย
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. Good to know: opening hours vary across the week, with the restaurant welcoming guests from 11:00 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but not opening until 13:00 on weekdays. Those planning a weekday lunch visit should plan accordingly. Menu details and further information are available through the restaurant's website before arrival.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant เดอะวินดส์ เชียงราย, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
Unexpectedly found this place. The food was so good. The chicken curry was one of the best I’ve eaten. The fried rice and the shrimp spring roll was good too. I ended up coming back the next day. Prices are reasonably cheap. I highly recommended this place.
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.
Location Info
891 เวียง 2 Phaholyothin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand+66 97 949 9164thewindschiangraithairestaurant.shop/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.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai

Rong Suea Ten Temple
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Wat Rong Khun
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Wat Huay Pla Kang
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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). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. 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)