Neil Aronson I you like to have your favorite coffee in a unique setting, than it doesn’t get much better then having a cup in Thailand. There seems to be almost as many coffee shops in Thailand as there are massage parlors. Maybe there is. According to the Bangkok Post, there are over 8,000 coffee shops operating in Thailand.
There are several large players in Thailand including Amazon Coffee and Starbucks. However most of the best ones are the local ones with character.
Locally owned family coffee shops are the best and most unique throughout Thailand, and Chiang Mai Province is no exception. Since we love a good road trip and a cappuccino, I always come across really cool places. Here are some of my favorites that hopefully you can visit as well.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes. Do the Chiang Mai Golf Challenge from Viator.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Mae Rim Valley – North
If you feeling really high class, you can stay at the Four Seasons in Mae Rim. This is me above pretending (not really staying there). But Mae Rim is one of my favorite areas around Chiang Mai. North of the city about 30 minutes, you enter a mountain wilderness full of beauty and activities. And not surprisingly, I found a few incredible cafes.
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.
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.
Vans Coffee Shop, is on the 1096 and close to the road you take to Pak Ram hotel and the Tat Mok Waterfall. Almost in the center of town, if you will, close to the 7-11, but on the north side of the road. It is a nice coffee shop, and quiet place to relax. The met the daughter of the owner who was working there. Her mom has a fresh bakery there as well.
And Ann Coffee Shop in the Mae Rim Valley, is not of the 1096. It is located on a small road, 7 Don Kaeo. It is very close to the Groveyard Cafe , which is how we found it. Also down the road from Wat Pa Dara mentioned above. Ann has a great little spot, with shady, decorated patios. Inside is a thrift store, so that is fun as well. Great coffee and nice owner.
Looking for somewhere to stay in this area? Pak Ram Is my personal recommendation for the Mae Rim Valley. I stayed here in November 2023. It is located a couple KM off route 1096, set back in the hills. I think it only has 8 rooms, and they are all private Villas with a huge room and huge bathroom.
Yoddoi Monjam Coffee
Yoddoi Monjam is at the top on Mon Jam, which is up the mountain from Mae Rim. With amazing views of the valley below and great coffee. Do some local hilltribe shopping or visit the flower fields next door.
Mon Jam is a mountaintop farming community with panoramic views, accommodations, hilltribe shops & small local restaurants. It is somewhat of a side trip off the loop route but worth the visit. Beautiful views, local shops and local food. It is a well know area and considered up top for best day trips among Thai people.
Chom Thong and Doi Inthanon Area
If your driving west to Doi Inthanon National Park, there are great options I love for a unique Coffee house experience. Off the main roads, where locals relax with their friends at these unique spots with our favorite coffee. We frequent these locations as our house is down the road.
You don’t have to be directly in Chiang Mai city to find our favorite coffee house. In Chom Thong, outside of Doi Inthanon, are a few of our favorites. The one thing about these locations is that they are a bit tricky to find, so ask or go with a local. Usually the best things take some effort!
Wan Waan Cafe
If your heading up to Doi Inthanon (which you should), you should stop by this gem of a location. It is off the main road to Doi Inthanon about a half mile, but well worth the detour. It is also down the road from our house. So if you need a place to stay!
Wan Waan Cafe is set among rice fields and the surrounding mountains the patio and views are incredibly peaceful and zen like. The owner (Mooey) couldn’t be more friendly.
Young Folk Bean and Brew Chom Thong
Young Folk is another unique local spot and a local favorite coffee. They offer both a coffee house and casual bar.
Young Folk Bean & Brew is another hidden gem, but instead of being in the countryside, it is in the city of Chom Thong. For locals, this is a favorite coffee house and bar. I know because this is how we found it, through our local cousins.
Hidden away from the main busy streets out in a residential area. Locals all know where it is so either bring one, or ask someone. From the outside it looks like a wealthy persons house at one point in time. Inside is an eclectic museum of antiques and anything old.
Coffee Garden
Coffee Garden is a local favorite coffee house in Chom Thong. Located in the city, close to the main road route 108. Another unique favorite coffee shop in a park like setting. Local Prices.
Coffee Ngeggee
A favorite coffee shop for locals, Coffee Ngeggee is also close to route 108, so it’s easy to find. Featuring a large location and lots of pastries.
The Farmer Coffee & Farm Stay
Just like the name says and as local as it gets. Stay at this small farm and drink coffee. This Farm Stay is slightly outside of Chom Thong city center. Check out their Facebook page. They may be closed seasonally.
Inside Doi Inthanon Park
As you travel into Doi Inthanon, you don’t have to worry about not being able to find a cup. There are several options, and they offer fantastic views of the mountain scenery. You can find, it you look closely a handful of small local coffee shops hidden on the way to the top. There are two however that are the most popular.
Wachirathan Coffee
In the parking lot of Wachirathan Waterfall, there in a refreshing spot to pick up some favorite coffee. I say refreshing because you can sit on the patio or trail next to and feel the spray of one of Thailand biggest waterfalls.
Baan Kafe
A favorite coffee spot is the Baan Kafe. Locate near the summit, and plenty of parking. Here you will find not just coffee and food. There is a visitors center, trails, exotic birds to photograph. Can be busy on weekends.
We hope you will be able to visit these favorite coffee spots in the future, or maybe already have. Let us know. There are no ends to great spots for a cup in Thailand, even if far from the cities.
Exploring Chom Thong and Doi Inthanon is a great way to spend part of your travels in Thailand. I can speak for this, because this is where we live. Chom Thong is close to several National parks. There are famous temples, shopping, great restaurants, and of course great coffee houses. Fantastic gold and amazing hotels are available.
Book your stay in this area on Agoda.
