17 Of The Best Coffee Experiences Around Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai Thailand is coffee enthusiast paradise. With hundreds of coffee shops, there are no shortage of great places. I am a cappuccino addict, so this is one of my favorite topics for traveling around Chiang Mai Province. In the city and it’s surrounding area has some of the most unique places to enjoy a coffee drink.

The reason I use the word Experiences, is that it is not just about good coffee, but the atmosphere, views, location, and uniqueness. I have found some places that you could hang out at all day. We start North of the city in Mae Rim and work our way south by Doi Inthanon where we live.

Wachirathan Waterfall Thailand — **Wachirathan Waterfall Coffee- Doi Inthanon**

Wan Waan Cafe Chom Thong — **Wanwaan Cafe Chom Thong**

Wat Hariphunchai Lamphun Thailand — **Wat Hariphunchai Lamphun**

North Of The City

North of the city in the Mae Rim district are several really cool spots to hang out. These are not just coffee shops, they are like destinations. For more on this area read more about Mae Rim.

YODDOI Coffee in Mon Jam is an experience in a hilltribe community. It is a wild steep drive up to Mon Jam, but once at the top it is worth it. There is a lot to see and do, and this coffee shop has some of the best views around of the Mae Rim Valley. The coffee is good, but you come for the views.

Rim Nara Cafe and Bistro near Mae Sa Waterfall. I was just looking for a cappuccino before heading back to Chiang Mai, and found this gem. About a km from Mae Sa waterfall, on the south side of the 1096. You have to turn on a small road, which I missed even with GPS, so go slow.

Rim Nara Cafe and Bistro Mae Rim Thailand

There is plenty of parking. The cafe, bakery, and coffee house are on a large lot with multiple places to sit. Best of all it is on a nice creek that runs along the property. Very shady and peaceful setting. I did not eat at the cafe, but saw some dishes and they look fantastic. Different types of food, and Thai of course. When we were there, they had it all decorated for Christmas. Excellent coffee.

Zombie Cafe, also near Mae Sa Waterfall, just off the 1096. I did not figure it out, but it must have been some sort of plantation before. The buildings and property are huge for a restaurant. It is on a creek as well, with lots of trees and shade. There is a bar, coffee, and food menu. Best part is sitting in the creek having a drink. There is a large tree house out back, looking out over rice fields and the mountains.

Chiang Mai City

Roast8ry is an award winning trendy coffee shop in the Nimman area. Known for its expert latte art and unique menu, Ristr8to is a favorite among the trendy young crowd. The coffee drinks of course are excellent, however it is more expensive than most places. Many CMU students hang out here on the patio and socialize or study.

Stories Cafe by the Tha Phae Gate is a newer trendy cafe in the Old City. It used to be a Black Canyon brand years ago. Why I like it is the patio. Relax and watch one of the busiest corners in the Old City, as tourist dodge turning motorbikes full of 4 family members. The cafe food is good with western breakfast items, but at tourist prices.

Akha Ama Coffee – This cafe partners with local farmers and offers a great selection of beans grown by the Akha Hill Tribe. Located just north a few blocks from the Old City. It’s popular for both coffee quality and its support for sustainable practices. Beside outstanding coffee, what makes it as experience is knowing you are contributing to the local farmers and being socially responsible. They do coffee workshops as well.

The Baristro at Ping River – A beautiful riverside location with delicious coffee. It’s known for a clean, modern vibe and stunning views along the river. A nice place to relax with friends and family.

Woo Cafe – Combining an art gallery and a garden cafe, Woo offers great coffee in a lovely, cozy setting filled with plants and art. They are located in the popular Wat Ket neighborhood which is directly across from the Ping River, not far from the Wat Gate Temple. The Cafe, Art Gallery and Lifestyle Shop are all open between the hours of 10:00am-06:00pm.

No.39 Cafe – A hidden gem with a rustic feel, this cafe is perfect for a relaxed coffee experience by a small pond. They serve everything from espresso to iced blends.

Nine One Organic Coffee is a trendy and stylish spot in the Nimman area, serving Thai Organic Premium Handcrafted Coffee. It is located on a nice quiet alley and features beautiful seating areas inside and out. Their coffee is sustainably grown on their own farm, which was originally a tea plantation.

South Of Chiang Mai

Valley Coffee By Lanna Resort. Just driving down the road above Hang Dong we decided to stop for a coffee. Searching Google, this was the closest place, not realizing it was a bit of paradise in the middle of nowhere.

Valley Coffee Lanna Resort Chiang Mai — **Valley Coffee Lanna Resort**

You can to pass a security guard, just tell them your going to the coffee shop. When you pull in to the resort, it opens up in this jungle valley with a large creek running through the property, and next to the restaurant and coffee shop. There are beautiful patios, and you can walk through the creek and relax on the rope swing. In the winter months there are butterflies everywhere and wild orchids.

Phufinn Doi is located southwest of the city off route 119. Near Grand Canyon Waterpark. It is a little tough to get to, but good places usually are. The drive out is through very nice villages, and the last part is a dirt road. The views look over Hang Dong, and the expansive patios give you options. It is a local place, not many tourists, you need transportation. Great variety of drinks and food. They have many seasonal activities and events, camping.

Kaomai Lanna Hotel and Resort is a unique boutique accommodation on the route (108) from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon, and close to Lamphun. However on property is a popular coffee shop with locals, and excellent coffee. Enjoy with garden views is a peaceful environment. Watch the local peacocks running around, and visit the tobacco plantation museum to learn the interesting history. Google map location.

The property is an old tobacco plantation that started in the 1950s, and was later turned into the resort which opened in 1997. The rooms are renovated from the former tobacco curing barns, decorated in contemporary Lanna style with colonial style teak wood antique furniture.

By Doi Inthanon

Youngfolk Bean And Brew in Chom Thong city is one of my favorite places to hang out close to our home. Located not far off route 108 on the way to Mae Hong Son. What makes this an experience, is the interior decorations, which are of old antique electronics. There are multiple shady patios to chose from, including a hidden one in the back along the creek.

Wanwaan Cafe is my hometown hangout. Located near route 1009 on your way up to Doi Inthanon. Our house is located a short drive away in the next village. Beside great coffee drinks and wonderful owners, the views can’t be beat. Relaxing on the patio looking out over the rice fields and mountains. In December you may be able to watch the rice harvest.

Wachirathan Waterfall Coffee is an very unique coffee experience, as you are sitting by one of the best waterfalls in Thailand. It is a bonus that there is a coffee shop, and food, by the waterfall. Probably because it is one of the most famous tourist stops in the park.

อินท์ไหล่เขา, In-Lai-Kao coffee is past Wachirathan waterfall, off the route 1009 on route 1284 in the hill tribe community. Here you will find spectacular views of the mountains and valleys of the communities below. There is also overnight Glamping available.

Well I hope if you are a coffee addict like me this will give you some ideas for great places to go. I’m sure there are more we have yet to find, and will add them when we do. Enjoy Chiang Mai and Thailand!