The short answer
Khao Soi Khun Yai: what visitors should know first
Go for a quick, cheap and filling lunch of chicken khao soi near the north side of the moat. It closes by about 2 pm and on Sundays, and does not take reservations, so arrive before the lunch rush is over.
Useful facts
Khao Soi Khun Yai facts at a glance
- Location
- Sri Poom 8 Alley, Si Phum, old city
- Dining style
- Small lunch stop, no reservations
- Price signal
- About THB 80 to 120 per bowl, per one guide
- Signature order
- Try: chicken khao soi
- Hours
- Mon to Sat 10 am to 2 pm; closed Sun
Why it matters
Why Khao Soi Khun Yai is worth your time
Khao soi is the dish Chiang Mai is most associated with, and a small, cheap, lunch-hours-only shop is the format many locals eat it in. For visitors it removes the guesswork: one dish, a modest price and a short ride from the old city temples.
It also suits older travellers who prefer a light, short meal at midday rather than a long restaurant dinner. The broth is rich and coconut-based, so those watching spice or fat can ask for the chilli on the side. Because it is not a vegetarian kitchen, strict vegetarians and Jain travellers should choose one of the meat-free cafes already listed for this city instead.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Chicken khao soi
The one dish the shop is listed for: curried egg noodles in a coconut-based broth.
- 02
Early close
Open for lunch only, so the best seats and the full pot go to those who arrive by noon.
- 03
Moat-side setting
Sits in the old city's north quarter, an easy stop between temples.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Find the shop on the Sri Poom 8 alley in the Si Phum quarter, near the north side of the moat. It is a single-dish lunch stop, so the decision is easy: order the chicken khao soi, the curried egg-noodle soup of northern Thailand, which the Thai Holiday Guide lists at THB 80 to 120.
Arrive between 10 am and noon. The guide notes that top khao soi places do not take reservations and close early, by about 2 pm, so a late lunch plan may find the pot empty. Sunday is a rest day.
Pair the visit with the nearby moat walk or Wat Chedi Luang, then move on in the afternoon. If you avoid chicken, pork or fish sauce for religious or health reasons, say so before ordering, as the shop is not a vegetarian kitchen and no diet tag applies.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Arrive before noon
- Carry some cash for a small shop
- Avoid Sunday
- Tell staff about any food restrictions before ordering
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Sri Poom 8 Alley, Si Phum, north side of the old city moat
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Best time
- Late morning, before 1 pm
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- A small, simple eatery on flat ground in the old city. Seating is basic and space is limited, so go at off-peak times and ask staff for a table nearer the entrance if steps or crowding are a concern.
- Tickets and access
- No reservations. Listed as open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 2 pm, closed Sunday; confirm before travelling as small shops change hours.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Khao Soi Khun Yai
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
A small, simple eatery on flat ground in the old city. Seating is basic and space is limited, so go at off-peak times and ask staff for a table nearer the entrance if steps or crowding are a concern.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Khao Soi Khun Yai open in the evening?
No. It is listed as open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm only.
Is it vegetarian?
No, the dish listed is chicken khao soi. It carries no vegetarian tag.
Can I book a table?
The guide says top khao soi shops do not take reservations.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
