Coffee in Chiang Mai is booming as more tourists & locals start a day of Chiang Mai exploration with a cup of coffee. In a city seemingly teeming with cafes and coffee shops, how do you know which ones to frequent in order to enjoy a cup of Joe? If you are a confused coffee lover, then this article is for you. Here, the best places to get coffee in Chiang Mai.
Coffee Beans in Chiang Mai: Birds Nest Cafe
Preservatives, MSG, GMO, and microwaves: these are a few things you will not find at Birds Nest Cafe in Chiang Mai. This quaint venue is easily one of the best coffee shops we’ve ever been to. The cafe uses organic vegetables and ingredients whenever possible. In doing so, the eatery supports local farmers and stores, so you can feel good about indulging in any one of the dishes or drinks here.
Sticking to its socially responsible vibe, the restaurant also tries to use less plastic when possible and asks that customers bring their own Tupperware if they want something for take-away. While the dishes here are certainly noteworthy, the Bird’s Nest Coffee with spices is sure to be a hit for those diners who consider themselves coffee connoisseurs. For only ฿60 (about $1.90), you can enjoy a freshly brewed coffee in a French press container that separates Thai herbs from your brew. Press down and create a perfect balance of taste and aroma. Enjoy this delicious and cheap drink as the smell of brewing espresso tantalizing your senses all the while.
Location: Sinharat Lane 3, Chiang Mai, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 95 914 0265 | Facebook
Hours: 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays)
Coffee Culture in Chiang Mai: Vigie Sist Cafe
Are you a coffee lover and a pianist? Then you must venture to Vigie Sist Cafe. This coffee shop surprisingly doubles as a piano bar. There is no resident musician, so anyone who visits is welcome to play! The name for the cafe came to be because the two sisters (sist) who own it are both Virgos (Vigie). Thus, Vigie Sist was born.
The cafe has all the coffee classics one would ever need. The venue also has alcoholic beverages, fruit smoothies, and more. Old sewing tables make up the majority of the seating, and this venue definitely takes the cake for being one of the cutest cafes in town. In addition to delicious coffee, this cafe is renowned for the plethora of baked goods the coffee shop is cooking daily. There are even a few vegan baked goods thrown in for good measure. Be sure to stop by, grab a coffee, play the piano, and relax at Vigie Sist Cafe.
Location: 200/3 Ratpakinai, Sri Phum, Chiang Mai, 50200 — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 61 793 6551 | [email protected] | Website | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 7:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Coffee Lovers in Chiang Mai: Asama Cafe
If you are willing to make the trek, Asama Cafe is one coffee shop you can’t miss out on frequenting. It provides coffee drinkers with some of the most picturesque views in town, as the café is nestled along a lake surrounded by green forestry. Seating is minimal, so be sure to get here early if you want to pull up a chair and enjoy a cup of coffee.
Location: 122/128 Moo. 6 Klong Cholpratarn, Chiang Mai, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 81 530 5388 | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 3:45 p.m.
Coffee Sipping in Chiang Mai: Ombra Cafe
Cafes do not get much cooler than Ombra Cafe. Antiques are the name of the game here, with old radios, typewriters, turntables, and more found throughout the coffee shop. Long, wooden tables are conducive to meeting and conversing with others while you enjoy an affordable cup of Joe.
The exterior of the cafe looks more like a hotel … because it is one! The coffee shop doubles as an accommodation option and though we didn’t stay, the rooms look quite comfortable and retro, as well. Ombra Cafe has coffee, non-caffeine, hot tea, ice tea, Italian soda, smoothies, and more on the menu. They are also serving up a handful of breakfast sets and even muesli yoghurt. Coffee starts at ฿60 (about $1.90).
Location: 21/8 Ratchaphuek Road, Chiang Mai, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 85 417 9449 | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
Best Cafes in Chiang Mai: Akha Ama Coffee
As a socially responsible entity ourselves, we were so happy to stumble across Akha Ama Coffee in Chiang Mai. The Akha are an indigenous hill tribe who reside in the mountains of Thailand and surrounding countries. People in this tribe from the Maejantai village in Thailand opened this coffee shop in 2010, and member Lee Ayu Chuepa is the founder. He wanted to figure out a way to give back to his people, and coffee was the solution.
Essentially, the tribe cut out the middlemen in order to process, market, and sell coffee themselves. The Akha people work with nature to create their delicious brews without the usage of chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, as well. Coffee is best grown in the northern region, which is evident in every cup of coffee Akha Ama produces. The climate, in combination with the villagers’ excellent agricultural skills, makes this cafe one of the best coffee shops in the city.
Ama, in the Akha language, means mother. The woman who originally had the idea for the hill tribe to process and market their own coffee is now the face of the brand, and her picture can be seen on the actual logo. Lee even gave a Ted Talk about the coffee shop and how it all began, as well. Coffee starts at only ฿50 (about $1.60). Try to stray from your love of traditional brews and try one of this cafe’s signature drinks, like the Manee Mana (฿80). They also serve up drip coffee, and you can even select the coffee beans!
Location: 9/1 Mata Apartment, Hussadhisewee Road, Soi 3, Chang Phuak, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 86 915 8600 | Website | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. (closed on Wednesdays)
Coffee in Chiang Mai: Overstand Coffee Shop
Boasting of having one of the best breastfasts in Chiang Mai is Overstand Coffee Shop. The venue opened in September 2014 and has since acquired another location as it has grown in popularity. While the food is definitely noteworthy, we could not get enough of the ice coconut espresso (฿100). This cold drink is made with a double shot of espresso and mixed with coconut flesh, making for one of the most refreshing drinks you’ll indulge in while travelling the northern city.
Location: 19/3, Ratchamanka Road Soi 2, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 94 626 8311 | Website | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Coffee Cafe Hopping in Chiang Mai: Artisan Cafe
Artisan Cafe is a cool cafe with numerous types of coffee in the heart of the city. Laid-back and rustic furniture is sprinkled throughout the venue, with plenty of seating to sit and get some work done. The friendly staff is at the ready to recommend a caffeinated beverage or tasty dessert for you to enjoy.
Location: — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 94 056 1962 | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Find Coffee in Chiang Mai: Doppio Ristr8to
Treat yourself to some of the best coffee in town at Doppio Ristr8to. Every brew is smooth and full of flavour, with a massive variety of brews to choose from hailing from all over the world, though the shop is especially inspired by Australian brews. Sit back, relax, and let one of their skilled baristas create your very own cup of latte art. These artists are serious about balancing the perfect amount of froth, mixing the milk with the coffee and creating your beautiful cup of coffee.
Your Instagram followers will love your visit to Doppio Ristr8to, as the coffee shop has some of the coolest looking coffees in town. Referring to themselves as the “cult concept cafe,” this coffee shop strives to make every cup the best cup of coffee you have ever had. We are not going to lie: our Godmother Mocha was as close to perfect as a coffee can get, and it was only ฿88!
The coffee shop came to be in 2011, and there are now three entities in the city. The baristas employed here have entered and won several latte art championships and more, so you know your cup of coffee is literally in expert hands. Doppio Ristr8to has signature coffee, cult coffee, basic coffee, coffee in good spirit, decaf, single origin, and more on the menu. It even goes on to explain coffee culture in Chiang Mai and recommends other coffee shops in the area that they find to be admirable, as well. If you only go to one coffee shop in Chiang Mai during your time there, it better be Doppio Ristr8to.
Location: 15/3 Nimmanhaemin Road, Suthep, Muang, Chiang Mai, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 53 215 278 | Website | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Arty Coffee in Chiang Mai: Fact Cafe Coffee and Gallery
This quirky coffee shop is one that needs to be added to your cafe itinerary of Chiang Mai. The decor at Fact Cafe Coffee and Gallery is anything but simple, with seemingly every inch of this cafe and gallery decked out in art paraphernalia. Pair your delicious coffee with a one of kind baked good made fresh at the coffee shop.
Indulge in one of their delicious caffeinated beverages while sitting at one of the artistic seating arrangements and take in the art decor, or instead chow down on one of the many meals here, like their Khao Soy made with either chicken (฿59) or beef (฿69). This is affordable considering all the hard work that went into decorating this cafe and gallery!
Location: — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 97 051 4032 | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Coffee in Chiang Mai: Fun Wahn Hostel & Cafe
Fun Wahn Hostel & Cafe is so much more than a coffee shop. For one, it is a hostel (as its name suggests). The pod-like beds are perfect for those wanting a bit of privacy but at affordable, hostel prices. In addition, the owner (known as Spicy), is one of the kindest people you will meet during your travels. He can hook you up with a motorbike, bicycle, tour guide, and, of course, a delicious espresso. Whatever it is you need, he’s your guy.
Location: Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand — VIEW MAP
Contact: +66 62 545 5963 | Facebook
Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
More information about the best coffee in Chiang Mai
Are you in need of a caffeine fix? Do you want more information about the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai? Then check out these articles we have rounded up featuring the best places to grab a cup of Joe in the northern capital. Drink up!
- The 10 Best Coffee Shops In Chiang Mai, Thailand by Lena Blos for Culture Trip
- Chiang Mai: A Coffee Lover’s Guide by Asser Boggild Christensen for Sprudge
- The 15 Best Places for Coffee in Chiang Mai for FourSquare
- A Coffee Lover’s Guide to Chiang Mai by Elizabeth Kelsey Bradley for Lonely Planet
- A Coffee Tour of Chiang Mai Thailand for Home Grounds
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