Chiang Mai is known for being Northern Thailand’s cultural hub. It has a thriving craft scene, hundreds of magnificent temples, and a plethora of other wonders. But it’s also a cafe hopper’s utopian dream.
The city’s cafe culture is certainly something to write home about. Locally-grown beans, plenty of local roasters, and an unbelievably high density of cafes—and with more springing up like mushrooms—it’s honestly hard to keep up. Dare we say it? Step aside, Melbourne.
Here are five cafes we think are worth your time.
1. Koff & Things.th
Standing beautifully at a corner across the Chiang Mai Gate is Koff & Things, a gorgeous Japanese-style cafe that immediately makes us think of Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. The wooden and glass structure takes inspiration from architectural elements like shoji, while the generous glass panels flood the interiors with warm, natural lighting. Its ‘all wood everything’, architectural lines, and cast shadows make it extremely photogenic.
Add to that the fact that their drinks and desserts are an absolute win. Oh, and it’s pet-friendly, which means you’ll likely be gawking at cute floofs while you sip your drink. Need we say more?
Address: 64 Ratchiangsean, Muang, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
2. The Baristro x Ping River
The Baristro at Ping River is a beautifully designed cafe situated along the Riverside. A welcome respite suitable for a quick stop or a whole day of working remotely, this spacious cafe takes their coffee seriously—offering a wide selection of classic and unique coffee beans, an impressive drinks menu, and great desserts.
Whether you choose to sit and relax right by the river or park yourself indoors with glorious air-conditioning and ample plug points, we can guarantee that you’ll be in awe of the cafe’s design. So, if you’re looking for a chill place to take great photos or to buckle down and do some work, then look no further.
Address: 62 Patan Road T.Patan Muang Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Contact: +66 87 788 2788
3. Akha Ama Phrasingh
Good on the outside, good on the inside, and kind? If Akha Ama Phrasingh had a dating profile, they’d be snapped up in no time.
Jokes aside, this cafe is a social enterprise and coffee collective that sources Thai beans from Northern Chiang Mai, harvested by the local Akha hill tribes. The mission? Encouraging sustainable farming practices to improve the tribes’ overall social and economic well-being.
The cafe and roaster itself is a stunning industrial-style space with an inspiring atmosphere. If you’re a coffee fanatic, then Akha Ama is an absolute must. Their coffees are sublime. They offer a range of beans for home brewing as well, which would be a pretty nice souvenir, if you ask us.
Address: 175 2 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Contact: +66 88 267 8014
4. Khom Chocolatier House
Are you a full-fledged chocoholic? Then you’re going to melt for Khom Chocolatier House, a chocolate cafe that serves handcrafted chocolate delights made from sustainable, high-quality, single-origin cacao from Thailand.
They’ve got a heavenly selection of decadent drinks and noms, the atmosphere is charming, and the service is warm and friendly. Pretty much everything you could ever want from a chocolate cafe. Go on, treat yourself!
Address: 24/2 Ratchamanka Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, เมือง, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Contact: +66 86 924 4131
5. Magokoro Teahouse
Tea and matcha lovers rejoice, for there is Magokoro Teahouse, a renowned speciality teahouse that brings in the finest quality teas from an award-winning tea farm in Japan. Enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and desserts in the beautiful Japanese-style building or on the patio overlooking a lush tea garden. And with top-notch atmosphere, comes top-notch service.
Aside from green tea, they also offer matcha, hojicha, sencha, gyokuro, and genmaicha. Our personal favourite was the hojicha latte with oat milk, which is quite honestly divine.
Address: 191, 1 Sridonchai Rd, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Contact: +66 64 117 0781
