40+ of the BEST Cafes to Eat, Work, and Play in Chiang Mai

Akha Ama Phrasingh is a spacious two-level coffee roastery in Chiang Mai’s old city. The building’s architecture is cool, featuring a nifty rounded staircase and an industrial-meets-local vibe. It’s a prime spot for coffee nerds and tourists.

The espresso here is very very good, and the baristas know their stuff. They offer a bunch of sugary signature drinks if that’s your thing. Their soda lemon drink hits the right balance of sour and sweet.

While the coffee game is strong, food options are limited. There’s a small selection of desserts, croissants and whatever. Don’t come hungry. However, they do have plenty of beans and coffee paraphernalia for sale.

The cafe is work-friendly with fast Wi-Fi, but there aren’t any power outlets. Charge up before you arrive if you plan on camping out. The space is air-conditioned, sometimes excessively so, so grab a spot near the windows if you tend to run cold.

Location-wise, it’s perfect for tourists exploring the old city, being within walking distance of Wat Phra Singh. However, parking can be a nightmare, so consider alternative transport or just walk here from a less-busy area.

Despite its flaws, Akha Ama Phrasingh is worth a visit for serious coffee lovers and those seeking a cool workspace. Just remember to bring headphones if you’re not a fan of loud pop music.

The interior is a mix of old-school timber and burgundy velvet seating, giving it a vintage feel – even though it’s only 2 years old. It’s clean and air-conditioned, making it a comfortable retreat from the bustling streets. The modern touches and minimalist design create an Instagram-worthy backdrop for coffee shots.

Coffee-wise, everything they do is on point and their espresso is balanced and smooth. I go for dark roasts so I can’t speak to the lighter beans but I am sure they are great.

Don’t skip the pastries. The blueberry cheesecake square is really, and they’ve got other tempting desserts on display. If you’re hungry, they serve breakfast and lunch options too but it’s mostly bread-y crap.

It’s a work-friendly space with free Wi-Fi and plenty of plugs. Just bring headphones as it can get noisy. The crowd is mostly young locals and Thai tourists, creating a lively atmosphere.

GRAPH quarter is a hidden gem in Chiang Mai, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. This branch is the bakery hub for all GRAPH locations, ensuring the freshest treats on-site. The espresso here is consistently top-notch, making it a great visit for coffee enthusiasts.

The interior is a blend of industrial, minimalist, and vintage elements. Despite its compact size, the cafe rarely feels crowded due to its off-the-beaten-soi location. The ambiance is chill, with relaxing music setting the mood for a perfect coffee date or a productive work session.

GRAPH’s menu is a coffee lover’s playground. They offer an array of specialty coffees, including unique concoctions like coffee with craft soda and seaweed.

While the coffee takes center stage, don’t overlook the desserts. The blueberry cheesecake is my favorite. They make all their desserts on-site and you can watch them through the kitchen window.

GRAPH quarter is ideal for coffee nerds, digital nomads, and anyone looking for a chill spot to enjoy top-quality brews and treats. Just don’t expect to always snag a seat easily.

This is one of my favorite cafes for when I am in a hurry and I just want a quick espresso. There are several other cafes on the same street but none comes close to Maled in terms of quality. They roast their beans in-house and you can tell that they care about quality. The interior could use some renovation as it’s pretty sparse at the moment and the furniture is cheap.

There are many plugs for working and it’s not unpleasant to spend an hour or two here. Easy 5/5 if they renovate the interior.

If you want to treat yourself, get the banoffee cake: The best in town. But you have to go before 1 pm otherwise they sell out!

If you’re looking for a great coffee place in Chiang Mai, Ristr8 is the place to go. The atmosphere is relaxed, friendly, and social, the drinks are delicious, and the staff is always willing to explain various specialty drinks. Most people love the espressos here, but I don’t, so I usually indulge in one of their sweet signature drinks. I recently enjoyed their coconut mocha; it was just the right mix of sweet and creamy.

I find their espressos too fruity and sour but I know this is the current trend in third-wave coffee.

This is a place to experience while exploring Nimman. Stop in and enjoy some third-wave coffee made by professional Baristas.

Don’t come here with your laptop as there is no a/c and it’s a small space anyway. Head across the street to LOT cafe if you need to sit with your laptop for a couple of hours.

This is Nimman so good luck finding parking.

This place is a must-visit for coffee nerds.

The setting is great and the building is modern and beautiful. The coffee competes with 2 or 3 other places for best in town – I usually get a cappuccino and pair it with one of their homemade chocolate mousse cakes. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the coffee and gave a thorough explanation of all the V60 coffee options and their origins. He roasts his beans in-house as well.

They have recently improved the outdoor seating area. Bring a friend, chill outside in the shade, and savor some of the best coffee in town.

Located in trendy Pong Noi (take a walk to nearby Baan Kang Wat)

Stumbled across this charming cafe driving back from a nearby waterpark. It’d fit right in around Nimman or Suan Dok in terms of quality and design. Baristas are well-trained and take coffee-making seriously. Our three-year-old went wild for the cake display but was happy with a fresh-squeezed orange juice.

My wife called it the best lemon tart she’s had in Thailand. That’s saying something.

The coffee? Got my usual double espresso. So good I had to get a second!

I wouldn’t recommend a day-trip here if you live in town. While it’s charming, it needs something extra to justify the drive. But if you’re passing nearby, definitely stop in.

This place is for coffee nerds.

I would recommend a visit to this amazing coffee house if you’re in Mae Rim. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff are knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. The coffee is delicious and the house-roasted beans are of the highest quality.

The barista takes the time to explain the process of each coffee, and the price is very reasonable. The homemade bakery items are also a nice touch.

My friend and I tried two different pour-overs. Both were full of flavor and so good that I bought a bag of beans.

You could work here as there are loads of tables and outlets.

Named after the geese living in the adjacent pond, this Bella Goose cafe is a family-friendly spot. The food is Southern-USA style and very delicious. Portion sizes are generous – you might get away with sharing one dish between two people. My go-to is the ‘Tennessee breakfast’, which I’ve never managed to finish in one sitting.

Coffee-wise, there’s a v60 station for pour-overs, but the baristas are hit or miss. A latte is your best bet here. They also do online sales now with 1-day delivery, which is great news for coffee lovers.

Plenty of convenient parking available. Great desserts on offer. Not much to do in the immediate area.

My go-to brunch spot in Chiang Mai never disappoints. Despite the usual queue, it’s always worth the wait.

The Aussie-style brunch menu consistently impresses with its top-notch ingredients and beautiful presentation. I love the warm, friendly staff and the welcoming atmosphere. While it’s pricier than some places, the quality justifies every baht. It’s my favorite place to catch up with friends but not somewhere I’d ever go to work.

Pro tip: parking in nearby Nimman can be tricky.

I recommend the smoked-salmon open-face sandwich with a glass of fresh squeezed orange juice. Their coffee is decent, but if you really want a great espresso, better go to ALL BLACK COFFEE next door.

Incredible hidden gem in the Jed Yod area. This sprawling cafe features many rooms, plazas, courtyards and gardens. Just look at their Instagram! The vibe is maybe Spanish missionary or something? It’s romantic as heck and they take coffee seriously as well.

A must-visit on your tour of Best Coffee Shops in Chiang Mai.

This place is a gem in our old neighborhood near Wat Umong. The food, desserts, and coffee are all solid, but the real star here is the design. Think natural materials and minimalism that actually works, not the try-hard kind.

The garden is the showstopper – in the backyard is a Japanese-style rock garden complemented by great landscaping. Fair warning: if you bring kids, they’ll want to play in the pond. My daughter Fiona always tries to, but the staff are cool about it.

Come for the Instagram-worthy shots, stay for the espresso and brownie combo.

come via taxi or scooter as there is very little parking here and, since it’s on the canal road, it can be impossible.

One of the best Cafes in town.

The food, the coffee, and the vibe are all top-notch. Plus there is a good chance that when you go here you will be going to a part of Chiang Mai you haven’t visited before (the Chiang Mai University campus). Take your dog and/or kids and take advantage of the massive lawn and gardens.

I recommend the orange layer cake with a shot of espresso. Drink slowly and admire the views.

You can work here. There is a separate room with a/c and plugs.

Incredible sprawling compound consisting of multiple koi ponds and European-style flower gardens, secluded eating areas, and ton of spots perfectly staged for a photo-op.

Don’t come for the coffee, and don’t plan to get a lot of work done.

This place is worth the trip out from the city. Afterward, you can head into the Mae Rim hills for an ATV adventure, visit the shooting range, check out Tiger Kingdom, and finish up with dinner at Terra.

Fringe.th Cafe and Restaurant is a multi-faceted spot in a trendy part of Chiang Mai. It’s a stone’s throw from the Ping River, making it a convenient stop during a day out.

The interior is a mishmash of styles – think dozens of chair types, hipster boho art, and various seating areas. It’s like someone raided a furniture warehouse and an art gallery, then threw it all together. The result? A space that’s both eclectic and comfortable. Many cafes have tried to be this eclectic and FAILED. But Fringe pulls it off, which is really something.

As day turns to night, Fringe.th morphs into a bar with cocktails and occasional live music. It’s trying to be all things to all people, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t.

Graph Contemporary is definitely a place to check out if you’re looking for a unique café experience. The café has a great atmosphere, with spacious seating, friendly staff and delicious coffee and desserts. Plus, the location is in Charoen Mueng, which is Old City with lots of interesting architecture.

Like all GRAPH locations, the food and coffee are on point. The espresso is always creamy and full of flavor.

Bring your laptop and say awhile, there is an abundance of plugs and seating.

Highly recommended!

Much Room Cafe is a jungle oasis tucked away from the city buzz. The massive outdoor seating area is shaded by towering Lanna trees, complete with large fans to keep you cool. Inside, you’ll find air-conditioned comfort, but good luck snagging a seat during lunch rush.

The food here is solid. Their chicken tikka masala comes with perfectly crisp naan bread. The dessert menu is huge: I love carrot cake and theirs is a 7/10. Don’t expect much from the espresso though; despite having a quality machine, they pull sour shots.

Much Room Cafe is more of a destination than a quick coffee stop. It’s worth planning your day around, especially if you’re into lush scenery and tasty grub.

Wow.

Pluto is a must visit. It’s one of those cafes where you can’t help wondering to yourself how the heck do they make money? How are they going to get their investment back? The architecture alone must have cost a fortune.

But that’s the Chiang Mai coffee scene.

I wont list out all of the qualities of this cafe. Just go visit it for yourself. Come hungry because the menu is large and very tasty. Don’t bring your laptop as their are no plugs and the internet feels like dial-up. Come for the vibe, the food, the coffee, not to work.

Probably the best overall café in Chiang Mai. Yeah, I said it.

Look, I’ve been to more cafes than I care to admit, and this place just nails it. Coffee, desserts, architecture, location – it’s like they’re showing off.

The slow matcha and coffee bar is ridiculous. They’ve got this massive slab of granite that probably cost more than my car. It’s not just for show either – the drinks they serve up are top-notch.

Step outside and you’re in a Japanese zen garden. It’s so tranquil and green, you’d never guess you’re a stone’s throw from CMU campus. Prime location, minimal noise. Win-win.

Parking’s a breeze. They’ve got plenty on-site, which in this part of town is like finding a unicorn.

A true hidden gem. This cafe is not far but it’s out-of-the-way. You would never find it by just walking around, but it’s only a 5-minute drive from the Suthep/Canal Rd. intersection.

This spacious cafe spans 2 floors and includes several themed rooms. From the slow-bar room with a live poplar tree to the Japanese zen garden tea room to the bright sun room, and finally, a room that is decorated like an old-fashioned passenger train car. Every room is both minimalist and packed with good aesthetic choices. The lighting is soft and many-sourced.

There are plugs throughout and you feel welcome to sit and work for hours.

My first time here I had an espresso and the dark beer cake, my friend had the latte. Everything was top-notch, which is typical for Baristro cafes. The espresso was creamy and surprisingly smooth for a dark-roasted bean. The dessert menu is expansive. They don’t have a food menu but you can order from the nearby roti shop and they will deliver to your table.

The only two issues I have with The Barisotel are the music and the WiFi. The music is top 40’s and a little loud, so bring headphones. The internet is fast enough but still slow compared to most cafes.

There is limited parking on-site but you can just park around the block.

Nearby are several other cafes and restaurants worth visiting. Check out butter & neighbor for protein-rich meals, cofreze cafe for great coffee and a sun-drenched interior, and Kanvela for made-in-Thailand chocolate and sweets.

Baristro’s latest offering is everything I have come to expect from this Chiang Mai cafe chain: amazing coffee, beautiful decoration, well-trained baristas, and a vibe that says “Stay a while”.

The vibe is all about sitting in lawn chairs, overlooking the river, and soaking up the outdoors. There is an inside of course but it’s very small compared to their other locations.

Speaking of their other locations, a short walk down Patan Road brings you to Baristro x Ping River which is the older and much larger of the Baristro locations in this area. It’s only a 5 minute walk so check out both locations.

There is limited parking.

Inside there are loads of plugs and tables so you can get some work done.

I recently stumbled upon this charming little spot in the middle of a rice field, with a stunning view of Doi Suthep in the background. It’s a cozy café with a nice little house tucked away in the corner. You’d never know it was there if you weren’t looking for it.

The husband and wife team obviously take a lot of pride in their business.

The coffee here is fantastic and the shop owner is super friendly. I had a great time sitting outside and taking in the gorgeous scenery. The architecture of the café is also really beautiful and gives the atmosphere a special touch. Definitely stop by on your next trip to Pai.

Beam&Col. coffee bar is located within Weave Artisan Society, a massive converted ice factory that is now a multi-purpose hangout spot. It’s got a coworking area, coffee shop, craft beer bar, and a chocolatier all under one roof. The industrial warehouse vibe works well without trying too hard.

The cafe is great. More than great actually: my one previous complaint was the music (loud top 40s trash) but on my latest visit they were playing quiet jazz music, perfect for focus.

The space is huge with plenty of seating options for working or lounging. There are tons of plugs everywhere and it’s laptop-friendly.

The owner is keen on hosting networking events, which could be a plus if you want to mingle. Just check their Facebook page for events.

Food-wise, there is not much going on. Just some delicious cakes but no food. I love carrot cake and theirs is great.

The main drawback is the music – it’s too loud and heavy on the pop hits. Some quieter tunes would make it a better work environment. You can ask them to change the music but they might just put on more top 40s. Update: they no longer blast horrible top 40s.

Local tip: get your car or motorbike washed while you enjoy the cafe. There is a hole-in-the-wall washing business just beside the entrance to the cafe. Ask for wash my saying lang rot or lang motosii.

This place is a stunner. Tall ceilings, glass walls everywhere – it’s like they took the concept of ‘open space’ and cranked it to eleven. The interior design here puts most cafes to shame. And the views? Just trees, greenhouses and farm fields. Not your typical campus backdrop.

Located smack in the middle of CMU, it’s a hotspot for students (obviously), but don’t be surprised to see a fair share of digital nomads tapping away on their MacBooks. It’s only a 5-minute drive from Nimman, making it the perfect escape when you need a break from the urban landscape.

They’ve clearly designed this place with work in mind. There are tons of table configurations. Whether you’re flying solo or need to huddle with a group, they’ve got you covered.

Look, I’ll be honest – I end up here a lot. Living in Hang Dong now, it’s become my go-to spot when I need a change of scenery for work. Is it the best cafe in Chiang Mai? Nah. But it’s damn good for what it is. The coffee here is legit. Blue Cafe doesn’t mess around when it comes to their beans, and it shows.

The vibe is spot-on for getting work done with a generous amount of power outlets built in. You could come here to chill with your friends, but a dozen people looking up from their laptops to glower at the extra noise might put you off.

Speaking of noise, you can definitely hear the hum of traffic in the background due to being right on the canal. I bring my noise-canceling headphones and deal with it fine though.

The Blue Cafe at CMU is more spacious and in a much prettier setting so I wouldn’t come here if going there was an option. Come here to work and enjoy a great espresso if you’re on your way to somewhere. It’s a good pit stop if you’re running errands or doing some shopping in the area.

There’s no food here besides cookies and sandwiches, which is usually my signal to leave when I get hungry.

The downstairs is set up for casual eating/drinking while the upstairs is used by nomads and students during the day and then by board game groups in the afternoon. I find the menu very small with only a couple dishes, but who cares when they do those few dishes well?

I always get an espresso because it’s creamy and delicious.

Easy parking, good coffee/food, lots of plugs, air purification. What’s not to love?

Recently renamed from Pate a Choux.

Just around the corner from Wat Umong, come for a refreshing drink and fancy choux patries. The coffee is honestly not good but the food is affordable and the seating is boho comfortable.

I recently tried the chocolate mousse cake from this cafe and it was amazing! The cake was perfectly airy and the chocolate mousse was creamy and delicious. They know their desserts. Really wish they tried half as hard with their coffee.

Recommend checking this place out if you’re already in the area. Since I used to live down the road, I happen to have been here a lot so it seemed worth including.

Check out nearby Sensation Coffee Roasters for third-wave coffee that’s genuinely amazing.

Lots of seating, open early, incredible espresso, congenial staff members.

The food is all bread-based which is a disappointment, and the interior is almost Instagrammable but not quite.

You can rent their large comfy boho meeting room for 600b/half day. There is is also some kind of school attached, maybe for training baristas? I couldn’t find any info in English.

Overall this is a GREAT place to drink amazing coffee and get in a serious work session. If they expanded their menu a bit and upgraded the tables and chairs it would be an easy 5/5

Overall, a great place for a quick coffee and cake. The ambience is super chill and there’s free Wi-Fi and power outlets all around. Highly recommend if you’re in the area.

It’s a little underwhelming compared to the other Baristro locations but would be an easy 5/5 cafe in most cities around the world.

It’s a real hidden gem in Suan Dok and it’s my go-to place to work late when I am in that part of town. The aesthetic is like a boho greenhouse. It gets very busy during the day because a lot of students go there to study.

If you can’t get a seat immediately just go walk around nearby Wat Suan Dok for a bit.

I like to get pork rice dish with 2 extra fried eggs for protein, and the mango shake if I’m feeling indulgent.

This cafe isn’t a must-see if you are doing a Chiang Mai cafe tour. But if you’re checking out the nearby temple, or need somewhere to work late, then definitely stop by.

There is a parking lot but it’s often full. In which case you can park in a nearby soi without issue.

The interior is cool, with big windows and a stylish design that’s sure to catch your eye. Upstairs, there’s a spacious co-working area with plenty of natural light, comfy chairs, and plugs for your devices. It’s a decent spot for getting some work done, but don’t expect miracles.

The attached craft shop has stuff that I actually want to own, offering tasteful wooden items that could make good gifts.

Now, for the not-so-great stuff. The coffee? It’s a letdown. Despite the fancy presentation, the taste doesn’t match up. The food options are limited and mostly carb-heavy. And if you’re driving, good luck finding parking – you might spend more time circling the block than enjoying your coffee.

But don’t let that prevent you from visiting as the upstairs is such a calm, beautiful, and spacious place to get some work done!

Bottom line: If you’re after a cool-looking spot to work or hang out, Story 106 will do the trick. Just don’t come expecting a mind-blowing coffee experience. And maybe take a Grab instead of driving.

Cool Japanese themed cafe/resto located near the Huay-Kaew and canal intersection. The food is great and so are the desserts. I found their espresso a little bitter however.

This place is a gem when you want to get dinner and work late as they close at 8:30pm.

There is a courtyard with some water features, which is nice.

A lot of digital nomads run meetups and workshops here out of the small meeting rooms which can be affordably booked.