As Thailand’s biggest province, Nakhon Ratchasima has heaps to see and do. All the excitement dashing from national parks to temples and historic sites can be exhausting, so catch your breath and take time to chill in one of these top cafes.
IS Crepe Cafe is just a short stroll from Pak Chong railway station, making it an ideal spot to recharge after a long train journey. A funky and attractive cafe, the walls and many furnishings are made from wooden pallet slats. Bold-coloured cushions and throws, hanging plants, and old-fashioned memorabilia add to the eclectic ambience. It’s a homey spot to enjoy a variety of crepes and a hot or iced coffee.
Located in the heart of Nakhon Ratchasima city, Cafe Capu offers a range of Thai and European treats with a focus on goodies from Germany. From bratwurst and steak to pizza and pasta, there’s something on the menu to suit most tastes. The huge selection of imported beers and wines is a huge hit with local expats. Friendly, cosy, and welcoming, it’s a great place to spend a relaxed afternoon or evening.
A cute and intimate cafe, A Cup of Love is perfect for a pit stop when exploring Wang Nam Khiao. There’s a selection of drinks and snacks, but the main reason to call into the Swiss-inspired cafe is to admire the gorgeous views. Surrounded by rolling farmland and mountains, whimsical statues stud the grounds. The cafe is right next to a large pond and sheep farm too – buy a bundle of grass to feed the sheep or a bottle of milk to cuddle up with a lamb before enjoying your own refreshments.
The trendy Class Cafe is what happens when a library-like air meets industrial chic. It’s popular with people who want to study, chill, or catch up with friends, with separate areas for work and play. It’s also a terrific place to nurse a hangover! Sink into a soft leather sofa and let the soothing music make you feel right at home. The juicy burgers are delicious, the salads are crisp and flavourful, and the juices give a great energy burst.
Call at Yellow Submarine Coffee Tank en route to Khao Yai National Park for a tantalising selection of cakes, ice creams, and other desserts. Order the charcoal honey toast to both satisfy sugar cravings and get a fabulous picture for your Instagram feed. The minimalist building, with lots of natural stone and wood, blends in well with its secluded rustic surroundings. Inside, you’ll find artfully dark walls and a chic vibe, while the outside seating area offers splendid sights and sounds of nature.
Fika Cafe is housed in a traditional wooden building in Nakhon Ratchasima city. The vibe is welcoming and it doubles up as a co-working space in addition to a relaxing cafe. Send hunger packing with tasty Thai dishes like pad see ew, seafood spaghetti, and fried rice, and treat yourself to one of their tempting cakes or pastries. Colourful milk froth makes the lattes especially pretty and the iced coffees are ideal for a refreshing caffeine hit.
The small and inviting Yellow Pumpkin is often a hive of activity, with many locals and tourists falling in love with its vintage charms. White-washed brickwork, sturdy wooden furnishings, and olde-world wall art help to create an air of nostalgia. Plants creep across the rafters, their fronds hanging overhead, enhancing the visual appeal. Take a peek in the pop art gallery too. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the cafe’s name, many menu items contain pumpkin — try the pumpkin cheesecake or pumpkin muffins, washed down with a bottle of Cold Brew Coffee or tangy fruit juice.
A cafe-cum-restaurant-cum-bar, the classy Le Intawaa wears each hat well. Floral designs breathe life into the interiors while the leafy courtyard is a pleasant place to soak up some sunshine. Live jazz lilts through the air on Friday and Saturday evenings. Savour traditional Thai fare, including spicy salads and soups, curries of every colour, and fluffy Thai-style omelettes. Leave some space for an Instagram-worthy and delectable dessert—they’re so beautiful you might want two! From the signature cocktails and fruit smoothies to the snacks and full-sized meals, everything is artfully presented here.
Quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite at the cute and laid-back Amphoe Coffee. Tuck into lemon chicken rice, succulent burgers, and scrambled egg with shrimps. Fruity éclairs, colourful chiffon cake, and perfectly crumbly scones are just a few of the mouth-watering sweet temptations. Located just steps from Phimai Historical Park (one of the province’s most popular attractions), it’s a top spot to escape the heat and unwind in air-conditioned comfort.
The French-inspired C’est Si Bon, situated near Nakhon Ratchasima Airport, is an ideal cafe for a filling and tasty brunch. Savour eggs Benedict, Croque Monsieur, and French onion soup with home-baked crusty bread before devouring freshly baked cakes and pastries. The surroundings are understatedly elegant, with a highly polished checkerboard-like floor and gleaming decorative pots and pans hanging above.
