Chiang Mai coffee shops: Top spots for cafe lovers

Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern cultural hub, is a haven for coffee lovers, boasting a vibrant cafe scene that blends world-class brews with local charm. Fueled by the region’s high-quality Arabica beans grown in nearby Doi Saket and Mae Chaem, the city’s coffee shops offer cozy spaces, artisanal drinks, and stunning backdrops, from historic shophouses to jungle-inspired rooftops. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a casual sipper, or a caffeine connoisseur, this guide highlights the top Chiang Mai coffee shops in 2025, with tips to enhance your cafe-hopping adventure.

Chiang Mai’s coffee culture thrives due to its proximity to Thailand’s coffee-growing regions, a creative expat and local community, and a relaxed vibe perfect for lingering over a pour-over. The city’s cafes range from minimalist specialty spots to lush, Instagram-worthy venues, often showcasing beans roasted in-house or sourced from hill tribe farmers. Affordable prices (50–150 THB per drink) and diverse atmospheres make Chiang Mai a must-visit for cafe enthusiasts.

Top coffee shops in Chiang Mai

Ristr8to

Located in the trendy Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) area, Ristr8to is a legend among coffee purists, known for its award-winning baristas and specialty brews. The industrial-chic space doubles as a training hub for latte art.

• Vibe: Hip, professional, and bustling.
• Signature Drink: Satan’s Whisper (espresso, milk, chili infusion, 120 THB).
• Highlights: Single-origin pour-overs, latte art workshops (1,000–2,000 THB), and beans from Doi Chang.
• Cost: Drinks 80–150 THB; pastries 50–100 THB.
• Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 13, 10-minute walk from Maya Mall.
• Hours: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Tip: Try the nitro cold brew for a smooth, bold kick. Arrive early to avoid crowds.

Graph Cafe

Tucked in the Old City, Graph is a minimalist gem specializing in micro-roasted beans and experimental brewing methods. Its tiny shophouse setting is perfect for intimate coffee tastings.

• Vibe: Cozy, artsy, and focused.
• Signature Drink: Cascara Fizz (coffee cherry tea, soda, 100 THB).
• Highlights: Chemex and AeroPress brews, beans from local farms, and vegan pastries.
• Cost: Drinks 70–130 THB; snacks 40–80 THB.
• Location: Ratvithi Road, near Tha Phae Gate.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM.
• Tip: Ask for a coffee flight (3 brews, 200 THB) to sample different roasts. Limited seating, so visit mid-morning.

The Barn Eatery & Coffee

Set in a lush garden near the Ping River, The Barn offers a rustic, farm-to-table experience with a focus on organic Thai coffee. Its wooden barn aesthetic and outdoor seating create a serene escape.

• Vibe: Relaxed, nature-inspired, and family-friendly.
• Signature Drink: Dirty Coffee (espresso over cold milk, 110 THB).
• Highlights: Organic beans from Mae Hong Son, homemade cakes (80–120 THB), and pet-friendly outdoor area.
• Cost: Drinks 80–140 THB; mains 150–300 THB.
• Location: Santitham, 15-minute walk from Nimman.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM.
• Tip: Pair your coffee with their khao soi (120 THB) for a northern Thai twist. Bring a book for a leisurely afternoon.

Akha Ama Coffee

A social enterprise in the Old City, Akha Ama sources beans from Akha hill tribe farmers in Mae Suai, promoting fair trade and sustainability. The cozy cafe feels like a community hub.

• Vibe: Warm, ethical, and authentic.
• Signature Drink: Akha Espresso Blend (hot or iced, 80 THB).
• Highlights: Farm-direct beans, coffee workshops (500–1,000 THB), and stories of Akha culture.
• Cost: Drinks 60–120 THB; cookies 30–60 THB.
• Location: Hussadhisawee Road, near Wat Phra Singh.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
• Tip: Buy a bag of their beans (200–400 THB) as a souvenir. Visit their second branch in Nimman for a quieter vibe.

Overstand Coffee

Perched on a rooftop in Nimmanhaemin, Overstand combines specialty coffee with panoramic views of Doi Suthep. Its modern design and open-air seating make it a hotspot for digital nomads.

• Vibe: Trendy, airy, and scenic.
• Signature Drink: Coconut Cold Brew (coconut water, espresso, 130 THB).
• Highlights: Syphon brews, rooftop sunset views, and avocado toast (150–200 THB).
• Cost: Drinks 90–150 THB; brunch 100–250 THB.
• Location: Nimmanhaemin Soi 11, near One Nimman.
• Hours: 7:30 AM–8:00 PM.
• Tip: Work remotely with their fast Wi-Fi, but bring sunglasses for afternoon sun. Best for sunset visits (6:00–7:00 PM).

Into The Woods

Hidden in a fairy-tale-like garden in Santitham, Into The Woods is a whimsical cafe with treehouse vibes and a focus on creative coffee drinks. It’s ideal for Instagram lovers and families.

• Vibe: Playful, lush, and magical.
• Signature Drink: Woodland Latte (matcha-coffee fusion, 120 THB).
• Highlights: Garden seating, dessert platters (100–200 THB), and kid-friendly spaces.
• Cost: Drinks 80–140 THB; desserts 80–150 THB.
• Location: Santitham Soi 5, 10-minute ride from Old City.
• Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (closed Mondays).
• Tip: Try their signature cakes, like pandan chiffon, and visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.

Coffee Telling

A quirky cafe in Chiang Mai’s Wat Ket neighborhood, Coffee Telling blends retro decor with storytelling-themed drinks inspired by local legends. It’s a favorite for creative types.

• Vibe: Eclectic, nostalgic, and artistic.
• Signature Drink: Lanna Tale (espresso, rose syrup, milk, 110 THB).
• Highlights: Vintage typewriters, local art displays, and beans from Doi Inthanon.
• Cost: Drinks 70–130 THB; snacks 50–100 THB.
• Location: Charoenrat Road, near Ping River.
• Hours: 8:00 AM–5:30 PM.
• Tip: Check their monthly storytelling events (free or 100–200 THB). Perfect for a morning coffee stroll along the river.

Practical tips for Cafe-Hopping

• Plan Your Route: Group cafes by area—Nimmanhaemin for trendy vibes, Old City for cultural charm, or Santitham for green escapes. Use Grab (50–100 THB) or rent a scooter (200–300 THB/day) for multi-cafe days.
• Time Your Visits: Mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) are quieter for work or relaxation; afternoons (2:00–4:00 PM) are busier but great for people-watching. Sunset at Overstand is a highlight.
• Budget Wisely: Expect to spend 300–600 THB per person for a cafe day (2–3 drinks, snacks). Many cafes accept cards, but carry small THB bills (50–100 THB) for smaller spots.
• Stay Connected: Most cafes offer free Wi-Fi, ideal for digital nomads. Buy an AIS or TrueMove SIM (300–600 THB for 30 days) for navigation between spots.
• Try Local Flavors: Experiment with Thai-inspired drinks like tamarind latte or Chiang Mai’s signature orange coffee (80–120 THB). Pair with northern snacks like sai ua (spicy sausage, 50–100 THB).
• Support Sustainability: Choose cafes like Akha Ama that support local farmers. Bring a reusable tumbler for takeaway coffee to reduce waste.
• Capture the Aesthetic: Chiang Mai’s cafes are Instagram gold. Ask staff for the best photo spots, like The Barn’s garden or Into The Woods’ treehouse.
• Respect the Space: Keep noise low in work-focused cafes like Graph or Ristr8to. Tip baristas (20–50 THB) for great service or latte art.

Extend your Chiang Mai adventure with nearby attractions. Explore the Old City’s Wat Chedi Luang (40 THB) after Graph, or shop for handicrafts at Nimman’s One Nimman after Ristr8to. For a cultural twist, join a Thai coffee-making workshop at Akha Ama (1,000–1,500 THB). Pair your cafe day with a northern Thai dinner at Huen Phen (100–200 THB) for khao soi or nam prik ong.

Chiang Mai’s coffee shops are more than just places to sip—they’re cultural hubs where local beans, creative brews, and inviting spaces come together. From Ristr8to’s bold espressos to The Barn’s garden serenity, these cafes cater to every taste and vibe. Plan your cafe-hopping route, savor Thai-inspired drinks, and immerse yourself in Chiang Mai’s thriving coffee scene. Grab your reusable cup, chase the perfect latte, and let the city’s caffeine culture fuel your adventure.