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The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant

Highly regarded Thai restaurant on Phaholyothin Road serving authentic northern dishes, including standout Khao Soi.

4.7(873)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Mon–Thu 13:00–22:00, Fri–Sun 11:00–23:00

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.

Details

Full opening hours
Monday13:00–22:00
Tuesday13:00–22:00
Wednesday13:00–22:00
Thursday13:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–23:00

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Why go, and how to do it well

Tucked along Phaholyothin Road in central Chiang Rai, The Winds is a small, welcoming Thai restaurant that has earned a devoted following among both travelers and locals for its authentic northern Thai cooking. Visitor favorites 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.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

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Around here, on foot

Well-rated places within a short walk of The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.

Experience hints

Visitor favorite

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.

891 เวียง 2 Phaholyothin Rd, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

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Tips for Visiting Restaurants & Food

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.

Use Grab for Delivery

The Grab app works for food delivery across Thailand, letting you order from street stalls and restaurants alike. It's invaluable on rainy days or when you want to eat in your hotel.

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: Mid-February – April (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 center); Songthaews.

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