Best coffee shops in Chiang Mai – your ultimate guide

Chiang Mai is a paradise for coffee lovers, offering a vibrant cafe culture that rivals any major city in the world. Whether you’re looking to try some of the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai or simply want to explore the city’s unique and beautiful cafes in Chiang Mai, there’s something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Nimman to serene corners of the Old Town, these cafes provide the perfect setting to sip, relax, and soak in the charm of this northern Thai city.

I recently spent 3 weeks in Chiang Mai, enjoying Chiang Mai’s coffee shop culture as I worked on Em’s Globetrotting Gems. Here are some of my top recommendations for the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai out and spend a couple of hours, or to see and be seen.

Want to find other cities with great cafe culture in South East Asia? Try this guide featuring some of the best coffee shops in Siem Reap or find out how to do a coffee making workshop in Hanoi. 

Best coffee shops in Chiang Mai – Nimman

Nimman is the hip and trendy part of Chiang Mai where young Thai people and digital nomads live. But it’s also a great area to go shopping. There’s tons of handicraft shops, beautiful handmade clothes stores and the Maya and One Nimman Shopping centres. It’s a great part of the city to visit if you’re a shopaholic, or need some thoughtful souvenirs. It also comes alive in the evenings, so head over to the Nimmanahaeminda road for a coffee before having dinner at one of the many high-end restaurants the area has to offer.

Ristr8tto Original

This famous cafe is right on the main Nimman road, making it a lively and bustling stop. The specialty coffees are incredible, but it does a great basic americano etc. as well. It’s probably a bit too loud to work in and the seating isn’t super comfortable. People are really here to try the famous coffee rather than spend a lot of time.

Free bird cafe, donation centre and thrift shop

This lovely cafe down a quiet road in the Nimman area is also an NGO supporting refugees from Myanmar. Alongside gorgeous coffee, it offers good vegan food and has a kids play area, making it a great spot for families. .

There’s also a thrift shop with clothes, books and household items, and a small eco shop. As it’s off the main roads, it’s unusually quiet and peaceful for Nimman. With a few comfortable seats on offer would be a great place to read or chill for a few hours.

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Best coffee shops in Chiang Mai – Old Town

The Old Town is the heart of Chiang Mai, and where most tourists base themselves. While the more touristy roads are very busy, if you go a little beyond that you can find some amazing havens of tranquility. Head to one of the cafes below for a break from the heat and the crowds!.

Blue Diamond.

This old town favourite is great for coffee and working, but it’s so much more. There are pages of juices and smoothies in their menu, as well as a comprehensive food selection. It’s a bit of an oasis – in a quieter corner of the Old Town, it has a great garden area. There are lots of seats among the greenery, even some comfortable ones! It would be a great place to sit for an afternoon and read.

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Fahtara Coffee

This has to be on the list for most beautiful coffee shops in Chiang Mai. Not far from Blue Diamond, in the quieter north of the city, Fahtara is part of a spa and it shows. The beautiful garden is hidden away from the road, and has a water wheel and small pond. They serve high end tea infusions as well as coffee, making it a great place for a peaceful stop.

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Fern Forest Cafe

Another contender for the most beautiful coffee shop in Chiang Mai! This glorious little spot near the top of Old Town is shrouded in the ferns that give the forest its name. There’s no way you’d think you were in a city as you drink your coffee!

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Single Origin Store Tha Pae

I never actually sat down in this gleaming white cafe and coffee shop right by the tourist mecca that is the Tha Pae Gate. But I did drink a ton of their coffee! They offer a range of coffee products to buy, including my favourite drip bags that are great for travellers on the go. I always stock up when I see them because they’re great for having a coffee before you leave your room when you’re travelling. So while I can’t comment on the ambience of the cafe, I did absolutely love the actual coffee! (And the drip bags were really good value!)

Best coffee shops in Chiang Mai -Outside Old Town

When I first arrived in Chiang Mai, I stayed in the area outside the Tha Pae Gate. This part of the city feels like an extension of the Old Town, with a lot of local flavour thrown in. Head here for some of Chiang Mai’s most famous coffee spots.

Ministry of Roasters

This is the pretentious coffee shop to end all other pretentious coffee shops. This beautiful, all white cafe is worth the trek out of the Old City, especially if you are super into coffee tasting. On arrival, you’re greeted with a coffee taste wheel to select from the 8+ coffee blends available. They also offer brewing workshops, as well as barista training. However, while the beautiful white interior has won awards, beware that I found the seating deeply uncomfortable! Possibly somewhere to come for take away coffee, rather than to spend a few hours.

Brewginning

Always busy, this tiny corner coffee shop is opposite one of the most instagrammed spots in Chiang Mai. Always full of posing tourists, it’s still worth popping in for their signature cold brew, which has an amazing orangey twist. Seating is limited, as people don’t tend to stay long. This is another one for a quick brew or a coffee for the road..

Blue and Teak

This gorgeous little cafe offers great food and a really nice place to spend an hour. It’s very Instagram-friendly while managing to feel cosy and calm – a big change from some of the very hipster places nearby!

.Amore Tiramasu and Cafe

This does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s a beautiful little spot to grab coffee and have it with tiramasu! These amazing deserts are made by an Italian, so you know they’re going to be good. There are multiple flavours to pick from and you can also take them away to devour later. 

With the diverse array of cafes in Chiang Mai, this city truly offers something special for every coffee enthusiast. Whether you’re hunting for the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai to work from, relax in, or just grab a quick cup, you’ll find no shortage of fantastic options. So grab your favorite brew, settle into one of these incredible spots, and let Chiang Mai’s cafe culture leave you inspired and refreshed – just like it did for me!