Indie, relaxed coffee shops in Chiang Mai are the cornerstone of this beautiful city. Each cafe is unique, serving delicious local brew with an artisan touch. These peaceful oasis’s stand out as one of the best perks about living in Chiang Mai, at least for me because I love love love coffee.
I used to work at a coffee shop back in the United States, so I know good coffee. And Chiang Mai has the best coffee! I am my most productive while seated in a peaceful & aesthetic cafe, the touch of caffeine first hitting my bloodstream.
7 Best Coffee Shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand
Here are the 7 best coffee shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Go on a coffee crawl and juxtapose the chill vibes of these gems with a delicious caffeine rush.
Note: For my fellow lactose-intolerant friends, most (if not all) of these places offer an alternative to dairy milks, whether it be soy, almond, coconut, or oat.
If you’ve been to Thailand, you’ve probably noticed that they love their milk. It’s been a bit of a struggle to find non-dairy options in coffee shops, so this list is a shortcut for the best dairy-alternative places.
Beam & col Coffee Bar
I’m so proud of this find. Beam & col coffee bar opened in the last year, and this open warehouse concept cafe is stunning. The design is minimalist and cozy, with a perfect atmosphere for working. It’s a bit south of the old city, and it’s never overly crowded.
There’s also local artists showcasing their work here, and it becomes a bar in the late evening. There’s even an outdoor working space surrounded by lush green plants. This place is a winner!
My favorite is the oat milk latte. It’s crisp and delicious.
BOB Coffee
BOB Coffee is for the cool kids. This hipster cafe is located in Santitham, a bit north of the old city. With an aesthetic white and orange design, this cafe has picturesque shots and even boasts a sick photo booth.
There’s a separate working area that is bright and always gets me super focused. I usually get an americano here, and laser in to my work. Just look at these photos – the aesthetics are on point!
Hillkoff Learning Space
If you’re looking for the connoisseur of coffee in Chiang Mai, Hillkoff Learning Space & Hillkoff Chang Puek are the grand coffee hubs. You can buy anything related to coffee here, with absolutely delicious locally roasted espresso beans.
If you’re a huge coffee lover, these places are so much fun to explore. Plus, they have cafes that serve delicious coffee rotating beans each day.
Roastniyom Coffee
Roastniyom is a chain of coffee shops in Chiang Mai, with great soy lattes and iced teas. If I see one, I usually pop in and know it’s a safe bet for good coffee and good vibes.
You can get a coupon for ‘punches’ at any location, with your 10th coffee free. I’ve gotten a few free coffees this way!
Blue Coffee at Mae Hia
If you’re in Mae Hia or Hang Dong, check out Blue Coffee. This open concept, bright cafe is great for getting work done while enjoying a nice pastry.
It’s one of the underrated coffee shops in Chiang Mai, with mostly locals.
Much Room Cafe
Much Room Cafe south of the old city is the craziest and coolest coffee shop design I’ve ever laid my eyes on. It’s shaped like a mushroom (much room, get it?) with giant waterfalls and stunning trees. This place is more like an experience.
My favorite spot is outside on the second floor of the mushroom, where you can sit on the cushions on the floor and feel like you’re inside a tree canopy. It’s amazing! Check it out for the novelty, and also for a good americano.
Akha Ama Coffee
Akha Ama coffee is a local coffee shop with a philanthropic mission. They offer fair trade, deliciously roasted beans straight from the farm. I believe they also support local tribes north of the city. There’s a location right in the heart of the old city, as well as a cafe north of the old city.
They know their coffee here, and do excellent latte art too! Support a local mission and visit one of Akha Ama Coffee shops.
Wrapping Up
Chiang Mai isn’t just for elephant tours and hiking. Slow down during your travels and experience the true gems of Chiang Mai, the coffee shops!
Try locally roasted beans, and take in the plants and flowers that surround most cafes here. You’ll get to see the artsy, relaxed side to the city, as well as getting out of the hustle and bustle for a bit. Pamper yourself with a massage, visit one of the coffee shops mentioned above, and you’ll be totally recharged for your next adventure.
Hope you enjoyed my guide to the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai. xx Gracie
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