In recent years Chiang Mai, the cultural center of Thailand, has rapidly transformed itself and is now home to numerous health and yoga communities as well as some trendy shops and restaurants. Following these developments, a variety of great coffee shops have sprung up all over the city, looking to entice passersby with their aromatic cups of coffee and sweet pastries. Take your pick from our best finds.
Librarista
Coffee Shop, Coffee, $$$
Librarista
Librarista counts among Chiang Mai’s most sophisticated coffee shops, with modern décor and a cozy atmosphere. The place serves as a library, a coffee shop and a meeting room. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the charming garden area out front and the massive statue of a Chinese dancing cat alongside other quirky decorations. The coffee shop itself features light wooden bookshelfs and an elevated ceiling area, complemented by high-ceiling windows. Customers are welcome to browse the extensive shelfs and pick one of the many Thai or English books on offer. Get comfortable in one of the cushions spread out on the floor, enjoy one of their steaming coffees and sweet cakes and take in the quirky surroundings.
Address: Nimmankemin Soi 5, Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 895 678
Ristr8to
Ristr8to has earned a reputation for making the best coffee in Chiang mai, using only quality beans from around the world to ensure an strong flavor. The owner has previously gained experience in Australia and brought a variety of sophisticated equipment to the city. Visitors can take their pick from delights such as Ethiopian espresso or Colombian cappuccino. The well trained staff truly know their coffee and are outstandingly skilled. The detailed menu provides all imaginable information on your hot beverages from the gram weight of the milk to the amount of caffeine. Whether you are an expert on coffee, a gourmet or just looking for a quality drink, Ristr8to is one of the most noteworthy cafes around.
Address: 15/3 Nimmanhemin road,, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53 215 278
Ristr8to | Courtesy of Ristr8to
Marble Arch
Named after London’s famous Marble Arch, this charming café is filled with references to the British capital and the United Kingdom. Located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin area, this café is the ideal place to work and is filled with worktops and chargers. Within the relaxed atmosphere, visitors can sip on steaming coffees and nibble on sweet treats. The modern and clean café is a wonderful detour on your shopping tour throughout the area and feels like a piece of home for English travelers and expats. With its chic décor and dynamic ambiance, Marble Arch remains an all-time favorite spot for a coffee.
Address: 12/6 Nimmanhaemin Lane 9, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Marble Arch | Courtesy of Marble Arch
Good Morning Chiang Mai
Tucked away in a side street of the old city lies Good Morning Chiang Mai, one of the most atmospheric cafés in the city and an excellent place for breakfast and coffee. Good Morning Chiang Mai also functions as a guest house and features an enchanting garden area with furniture spread out across the lawn. In the idyllic setting, visitors can enjoy fresh juices, smoothies and steaming cups of hot coffee alongside scrambled eggs and tasty fruits. Whether you are looking for a late brunch, a quiet place to get some work done or somewhere to get that caffeine kick, Good Morning Chiang Mai is without a doubt one of the best cafés in the city.
Address: 29/5 Ratchamanka Soi 6, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53 278 607
Coffee Lovers
If you are planning on relaxing for a while, make your way to Coffee Lovers, offering some quality coffee and extremely comfortable seating both inside and outside. Located in a quiet side street, this place is one of the best venues if you are looking for a tranquil atmosphere, and the friendly staff is an added bonus. Additionally, Coffee Lovers provides two computers should you find yourself without a notebook. Next to teas and coffees, visitors can also expect to try cakes and other baked treats, the perfect companion for those earthy flavored coffees.
Address: 175/1 Ratchamankha Rd. T.Prasingha Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53 275 561
Good Morning Chiang Mai | Courtesy of Good Morning Chiang Mai
Dindee Café
Tucked away in a small mud house close to the car park of Chiang Mai Univeristy Art Centre, Dindee Café serves quality beverages and sumptuous vegetarian dishes. Additionally, the Japanese-owned café bakes its very own crusty bread. On hot days, opt for one of their refreshing smoothies or fruit shakes. The tranquil setting is ideal for a lunch date and the menu features treats such as herbal salads and bean curries. Whether you are a coffee lover or prefer to go for tea and fruit drinks, Dindee Café is a wonderful place for all tastes.
Address: Nimmanheimin Road, Suthep, ChiangMai Univ.Art Center, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53289046
Birds Nest Café
Cafe, Restaurant, Asian, Thai, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free
Birds Nest Café
Hidden in a quiet corner of Chiang Mai’s old city, Birds Nest Café offers some of the best Arabica coffee in town alongside herbal teas, Massala tea and delicious smoothies. Whether you are just stopping by for one of their steaming cups of coffee or you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner, Birds Nest serves up some quality dishes with Mediterranean influences. With options such as home made hummus, pumpkin soups, grilled vegetables, pita bread and Thai dishes, eat your heart out and kick back in one of the café’s comfortable couches and hammocks. You can also while away the hours in the upstairs area, which is filled with board games and books to peruse at your leisure.
Address: Sinharat Lane Soi 3, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 53 416 880
Birds Nest Café | Courtesy of Birds Nest Café
Sweet Love Coffee
Located close to the airport, Sweet Love Coffee offers friendly vibes, good cakes and endearing decorations. With its tranquil atmosphere and reasonable prices, it is the ideal place in which to enjoy a cup of coffee; their strong Americanos will help you get over your morning blues. The cute café has been equipped with floral tables, crystal chandeliers, heart cushions and other pink accents contributing to its sweet ambiance. Additionally, Sweet Love Coffee provides internet connection and you are unlikely to encounter too many tourists here, in case you are looking for a quiet retreat to get some work done.
Address: 31/3, Thip Net Road, Tambon Haiya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand, +66 53 202 232
Into the Woods
This inconspicuous building is home to one of the city’s most magical cafés and has been decorated with different fairy tale themes from Little Red Riding Hood to Cinderella and Hansel and Gretel’s gingerbread house. The unique Into the Woods serves a variety of sumptuous coffees and hot beverages. Additionally, it features a food menu and numerous sweet cakes and treats. Visitors can lean back in comfortable chairs or explore the book shelf in the back. For those who need to work, Into the Woods provides a speedy wifi connection in case you need to catch up on some last minute assignments.
Address: 191-193 King Prajadhipok Sriphum Road, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, +66 81 5317793
Into the Woods | Courtesy of Into the Woods
Sipping Coffee
This quirky café is located in the university area and is arguably one of the coolest venues in Chiang Mai. The eclectic interior is dominated by green themes and it offers comfortable armchairs and couches in which to while away the day with a hot beverage and a book. A charming model train circles above the heads of visitors, which is one of many cool features in the hip café. Sipping Coffee serves up creamy cups of coffee and some nibbles to satisfy a variety of tastes. The homely atmosphere will make it hard for you to tear yourself away from the comfortable chairs.
Address: 81 Suthep Road, , Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
