Chiang Mai is home to an incredible number of cafes. Some say that even if you visited a new one every day, it would take over three years to see them all! From hidden gems in the Old City and trendy spots in Nimman to serene riverside retreats, the options are endless.
This guide compiles 22 recommended Chiang Mai coffee shops, detailing their locations, unique features, and my personal favorites, so you can easily find the perfect spot on your first trip to this beautiful city.
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Chiang Mai Coffee Shops Map
Chiang Mai Coffee Shops: Old City Area
Monday__attack
This is a super cute American-style cafe with a vibrant, colorful interior. Every corner is designed with a unique character! They also sell their own merchandise if you’re interested in a souvenir. While I found the Americano to be average, most people visit this spot primarily for the photography 🤣. Their ice cream is also quite popular, so give it a try if you have a sweet tooth.
NOWHERE COFFEE BREWERS
NOWHERE COFFEE BREWERS is tucked away in the small alleys of the Old City; it’s easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it. Upon entering, you’ll find a small courtyard surrounded by greenery, filled with sculptures and quirky decorations—the vibe is incredibly chill! They roast their own beans sourced from local farmers around Chiang Mai, and everything from their pour-overs to espressos is top-notch. The owner feels like an artist with his own distinct style. Note that there are only outdoor seats and smoking (including cannabis 🤣) is permitted, so be mindful if you are sensitive to smells.
TWENTY MAR
TWENTY MAR is a very distinctive small shop in the Old City with an interior that mixes vintage vibes with minimalism. They are best known for their Lattes, Dirty Coffee, and pour-overs. I had the Dirty Coffee, and it was delicious—certainly worth the slightly higher price point. The owner works at his own pace with a serious but relaxed attitude toward coffee making.
The space is quite intimate with limited seating. Please note that it is strictly adult-only, so parents with children might need to opt for takeaway!
Akha Ama Phrasingh
Located right next to Wat Phra Singh, this two-story space is incredibly spacious, featuring a design of red bricks, cement, and ironwork. It’s a great place to rest after sightseeing, offering plenty of seating and excellent coffee. There is WiFi and large tables suitable for work, though most seats do not have power outlets.
Carrot Coffee CNX
This is a super adorable spot with a trendy, “hipster” decor. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are very photogenic. While most people recommend their carrot cake, I didn’t order it as I’m not a big fan. They offer different beans for their Americanos, and the coffee is quite good! Many people work from here as there are plenty of seats and most are equipped with power outlets.
Still.Coffee&Life
Still.Coffee&Life is located near Warorot Market, hidden on the fourth floor of what looks like an abandoned shopping mall. Once you find the mall, head inside and climb the stairs to the fourth floor! The space is massive with an industrial design and vintage furniture. The biggest draw is the large floor-to-ceiling windows, where you can watch the busy streets of the Old City below—a peaceful sanctuary away from the noise outside.
Koff & Things
This cafe serves great coffee in a high-quality, tastefully decorated setting. It’s located right by the Old City moat, and the second-floor windows offer a nice view of the surrounding historic area. The overall atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxing.
The Story 106 Co-Working Space & Cafe
This spot leans more toward a combination of cafe and co-working space. The first floor is for dining only (no laptops allowed), while the second floor is dedicated to computer use. The upstairs area is large, air-conditioned, and most seats have power outlets. You’ll receive a WiFi password after ordering food or drinks. The coffee is surprisingly good, and the spacious layout makes it an ideal spot for getting work done!
A Day In Chiang Mai Coffee Brew
This cafe is split into two areas: the ordering counter (with minimal seating) and the main dining area. The wooden decor is lovely, and there are many vintage knick-knacks that make for great photos! The baristas are very professional, and the iced latte I had was delicious. If you’re passing by, I highly recommend stopping in for a cup.
North Gate Spirit
North Gate Spirit is run by the same team behind the famous North Gate Jazz Co-op. It’s a hybrid space that operates as a cafe by day and transforms into a cozy bar by evening (though you can certainly order a drink during the day too 🤣). The wood-and-craft style interior pairs beautifully with the natural light, while the outdoor area is surrounded by trees and features artistic graffiti—a unique and aesthetic mix of styles.
PIMM’S CUP : Roastory Lab
This is a small, intimate cafe most famous for its Dirty Latte. Sitting here, I noticed almost everyone was ordering it—it’s a flavor that even people who aren’t huge coffee drinkers would enjoy! However, note that this is one of the few Chiang Mai coffee shops that does not provide WiFi.
Chiang Mai Coffee Shops: Nimman Area
FOHHIDE
You need to take an elevator to the fifth floor to find this shop. It’s small with limited seating, but the large windows offer a clear view of the distant mountains. Sipping coffee here while taking in the scenery is a great way to forget your worries.
Lot of Taste
This spot is best known for its “Soft Latte” and “Cloud Latte.” I ordered the Soft Latte, which comes with quite a bit of cream. The coffee was beautiful and tasted great, though it was a bit sweet and felt slightly heavy toward the end.
Roast8ry Coffee Lab
Run by a world latte art champion, this brand has several branches in Nimman, all offering incredible latte art. If you want a specific design, you must order a hot drink. There are 10 patterns to choose from; I picked a hot latte with the unicorn design—check out the photo to see how it turned out! While the coffee itself wasn’t mind-blowing, it’s worth visiting at least once for the photos.
CHARLIE THAI TEA
Often hailed as the pinnacle of Thai milk tea in the city, this shop allows you to choose your own tea leaves! They offer three different types of leaves, each with its own aroma and characteristics. You can also adjust the sweetness and strength. The tea flavor is very robust and high-quality; it’s a must-visit for Thai tea enthusiasts.
Chiang Mai Coffee Shops: Other Areas
The Baristro x Ping River
Situated right on the banks of the Ping River, this cafe has an outdoor area that directly overlooks the water. They’ve arranged plenty of seating so you can chill with your coffee while watching the river view and occasionally waving to passing boats. It provides a quintessential Chiang Mai vibe. There is also plenty of indoor seating with AC, making it a great place to hide from the sun or rain.
The Baristro Asian Style
This particular branch of The Baristro features a distinct Japanese-inspired aesthetic. Admission costs 80 THB (approx. $2.30 USD), which can be fully applied toward your purchase. The space is divided into different zones with wooden designs and large floor-to-ceiling windows, surrounded by greenery to create a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. They specialize in matcha-related items; though prices are higher than average, the quality of the matcha is excellent.
Early Owls
Located near the JJ Market, this cafe has some indoor seating, but its main feature is the very spacious outdoor lawn. You can borrow chairs and tables from the shop and set them up wherever you like. There’s a small pond outside, making it a perfect spot to spend a relaxing afternoon watching the water and the blue sky.
Flo Coffee Brewers
Converted from an old art warehouse, this open-air cafe is absolutely stunning! They roast their own beans, and the barista is an award-winning pour-over champion, so the coffee quality is guaranteed. However, note that there is no air conditioning and the stools are quite low, so it isn’t ideal for long study or work sessions.
Pluto
This spot is a bit far from the city center, so you’ll need to take a Grab or ride a bike. The massive black cylindrical building is very striking and has a futuristic look. The interior design is equally impressive, especially the central open area where sunlight streams in—it’s a favorite spot for photographers. I found the iced Americano to be quite ordinary, so you don’t need to visit just for the coffee, but it’s highly recommended for those who love photography.
GRAPH contemporary
GRAPH has many branches in Chiang Mai and is famous for its creative coffee concoctions, with each location having its own unique architectural style. Out of all the branches I’ve visited, this one is my favorite because the environment is very spacious and comfortable. The decor is a mix of industrial and red brick, which looks great in photos. I’ve tried several of their coffees, and I particularly like their fruit-infused series—you really can’t go wrong with anything you order.
Fringe.th – Cafe and Restaurant
This cafe is located near the Ping River and looks like something straight out of France with its pale yellow building and black signage—it has a very chic feel! The interior is incredibly spacious with a wide variety of seating, from plush sofas for lounging to proper chairs for working. Most seats have power outlets, making it perfect for both catching up with friends or working on a laptop. I only tried the coffee this time (which was solid), but many people come here for brunch, and the food smells incredible—I’ll definitely be back to try it.
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