chiang mai cafes : Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy a drink, grab a bite, find a co-working spot, or just seek a peaceful retreat, Chiang Mai has a cafe to suit every need and mood.
A short train ride from Bangkok, Chiang Mai stands as Thailand’s northern hub for coffee culture. Here, it’s perfectly acceptable to linger at a table for hours with just a single order. Many cafes offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and water, making them ideal havens for escaping the heat, satisfying hunger, or tackling procrastination while being productive.
In Chiang Mai, a particular type of cafe flourishes throughout the Old City and its surrounding areas: the visually stunning ones where the ambiance and interior design rival the quality of the menu. For those who appreciate a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, there’s no shortage of coffee shops and eateries designed to inspire and enchant.
Here are eight of most beautiful Chiang Mai cafes.
Woo Cafe
Part cafe, part art gallery, and part design store, Woo Cafe is a visual treat for anyone with a taste for aesthetics. Located east of the Ping River on Charoenrat Road, near Warorot Market, this cafe is among the most beautifully designed spaces in Chiang Mai. Guests are welcomed by a giant hanging fern, and can choose between the light-filled front rooms or the cozy, plant-filled back area.
The front counter displays a tempting array of homemade cakes and brownies under glass cloches, complemented by an eclectic mix of design objects. Woo’s coffee and light lunches are excellent, with highlights like Thai-style spaghetti with Isaan sausage and chili. The unique earthenware used for serving can be purchased from the adjoining shop.
Though on the pricier side, Woo Cafe is worth a visit for its stunning decor alone.
Rustic and Blue
Situated in a charming glass box on Soi 7 in Nimman, Rustic and Blue offers an intimate and airy atmosphere. The cafe overlooks a wild back garden where guests can enjoy their meals among the trees. Inside, aqua-painted communal tables and a white-tiled counter adorned with dried herbs and tea jars create a delightful setting.
Rustic and Blue’s commitment to local produce shines through in dishes like soft scrambled eggs with radicchio and cherry tomatoes, and the Dutch baby pancake served hot with fresh tropical fruit. The cafe’s focus on seasonal and artisan foods makes each visit a culinary delight.
SS1254372 Cafe
Affixed to Gallery Seescape, SS1254372 Cafe is one of Nimman’s trendiest spots. While the menu includes fusion dishes and all-day breakfast options, the cafe’s design is the main attraction. Described as a ‘food supply vehicle for artistic exploration,’ SS1254372 features large porthole windows and colorful mosaic-tiled tables, creating a vibrant, extroverted ambiance.
In the evening, the cafe’s orange glow spills out onto the street, making it a striking sight even from outside.
Ab’Petite Cafe
Ab’Petite Cafe, inspired by Parisian cafes, is a delightful find on the quiet Wiang Bua Road. Though initially hesitant to try it, we’re thrilled we did. The cafe offers a range of reasonably priced coffee and food, including a layered club sandwich. With its excellent wifi and tranquil atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for work or study.
Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and cozy rear nooks, Ab’Petite blends colonial charm with modern comforts.
ImmAim Vegetarian & Bike Cafe
ImmAim stands as a green oasis in its neighborhood, offering an indoor/outdoor dining experience in a shaded courtyard. The decor includes rusted bicycles, terracotta pots with guppies, and moss-covered stones, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
The cafe’s plant-based dishes and healthy smoothies provide a refreshing veggie fix, making it a great spot to enjoy a nutritious meal in Chiang Mai’s pork and rice land.
Dom Cafe (formerly Local Cafe)
Located inside Think Park, Dom Cafe is a prime spot for people-watching. Its decor features whimsical touches, including a miniature version of the giant cat sculpture from Think Park. The menu, blending Japanese and Thai flavors, includes unique dishes like tempura Isaan sausage.
The cafe’s magazine-style menu, complete with an illustrated local map, adds a creative touch to the dining experience.
One Place
Accessible from our apartment complex, One Place may not be bustling, but it offers excellent coffee in a calm and comfortable setting. The cafe, with its embroidered cushions and brushed concrete floors, is better suited for conversation than for working on a laptop.
Though it keeps unusual hours and is often quiet, its quality coffee and relaxing atmosphere make it a hidden gem.
Clay Studio Coffee in the Garden
Known for being one of Chiang Mai’s most photographed cafes, Clay Studio Coffee in the Garden offers a serene retreat within the Old City’s walls. The cafe, housed in a greenhouse, serves matcha lattes and light meals like mango sticky rice.
The real attraction is the outdoor garden, adorned with life-size statues and clay sculptures created by the renowned Ban Phor Liang studio. Every visit reveals new discoveries among the artistic displays.
Chiang Mai is teeming with beautiful cafes, too many to count and far too many to photograph! I look forward to exploring more of them in the coming months. What’s your favorite cafe in Chiang Mai?
