Best Coffee Shops in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a coffee lover’s paradise. There are so many coffee shops in Chiang Mai that it can be difficult to narrow down which ones to visit, but I’ll share with you a few of my favorites. 

I spent two weeks in Chiang Mai, and a lot of that time was dedicated to working out of coffee shops. Fortunately, the city is well-tailored for remote workers, so it’s very normal to bring your laptop with you.

Chiang Mai is one of Thailand’s biggest Arabica coffee growing regions, so you won’t want to miss having a cup of locally-grown coffee.  

Most of these coffee shops don’t accept credit cards – don’t forget cash! 

Read on to learn more about the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai.

Akha Ama

First on the list is potentially one of the most well-known coffee shops in Chiang Mai. Akha Ama has been in the coffee business for a while (since 2010), and they definitely know what they’re doing. 

In the Old City, they’re located down the street from Wat Phra Singh, making it a great place to stop for coffee while you’re exploring the city (or maybe just in need of some air conditioning). 

A second location can be found north of the Old City. I visited both and will say that the Old City location is much more spacious. 

They offer two bean options for your coffee and also have the option of purchasing coffee beans.

Pegasus Cafe & Roastery

Compared to Akha Ama, Pegasus Cafe & Roastery is a hidden gem. Pegasus uses small batch roasting to control the taste and roasting level of the coffee.

While it was designed for hotel guests, anyone can stop by for a coffee break. It’s great for a calm morning or an afternoon break.

The coffee shop is small and intimate, and the owner is so friendly. 

CoolMuang Coffee

My personal favorite coffee shop in Chiang Mai is CoolMuang Coffee. Located on the edge of the Old City, CoolMuang Coffee has an inside and outside area. You can see the Old City wall from the cafe, too!

The outside area is perfect for a cool morning, and the inside area is ideal for when you need a break from the afternoon heat. I definitely spent more than one morning curled up on the couch, enjoying the city air.

Not to mention, their coffee is delicious! Another plus is that they offer alternative milk options. 

Carrot Coffee

As the shop name implies, Carrot Coffee has amazing carrot cake and coffee. You can select the sweetness of your coffee here, which is great for those both with and without a sweet tooth.

They offer two options for beans, as well. Needless to say, they take great care of the coffee they prepare.

There’s a garden in the backyard if you’d like to take your coffee there and relax. With a laid back atmosphere, Carrot Coffee is one of the best spots to chill out. 

My Secret Cafe in Town

Fun fact: I discovered My Secret Cafe in Town because I once tried to go to Akha Ama and it was WAY too packed. Located right behind Akha Ama, however, is this hidden gem.

This cafe is spacious and perfect for remote workers with its tables, outlets, fast wifi and air conditioning. 

And can we take a second to appreciate their waffles? Definitely a highlight of my visit here was enjoying this waffle. 

Roxpresso Coffee Craft

Roxpresso Coffee Craft rocks! (Sorry, bad pun). But seriously, this coffee shop has a good selection of beans and is located by Si Phum Corner in the Old City.

Modern and well-decorated, this coffee shop is great for taking an elegant-feeling break in Chiang Mai. 

Hanna Restaurant and Coffee Shop

Both a restaurant and coffee shop, Hanna Restaurant and Coffee Shop is perfect if you’re feeling a little peck-ish and need more than a coffee. I had a vegetarian noodle dish here that was amazing.

It’s located in the middle of town, so it’s pretty easy to stop here from any area in the Old City. The staff is kind and the service is superb. 

Did I miss any great coffee shops in Chiang Mai? Let me know in the comments below!