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Cafes to work from in Chiang Mai

May 3, 2012 By James Clark 92 Comments

A month of cafes in Chiang Mai – Thailand

When in need of downtime to get projects done in Asia, Chiang Mai has been my home base of choice. I realised when I first started coming here that this city is a cafe wonderland. With so many cafes with wifi, it is an easy place to live as a digital nomad. Having travelled to every country in SE Asia (except East Timor), I can say that I can’t recall a city that has such a good selection of cafes.

On my last visit to Chiang Mai I was there for a whole month, and it occurred to me that I could go to a different cafe every day and still not see them all. So that is what I did. Here is a list of 30 cafes in Chiang Mai that I visited over the space of a month. [Edited Nov 2013: some of the cafes have since closed so I have moved those to the bottom of the list.]

Chiang Mai Cafes Map


Chiang Mai Cafes Map

If you use Foursquare save the Chiang Mai Cafes List.

Nimmanhaemin Old City East of Old City/Night Bazaar Other Places

Nimmanhaemin

Ristr8to


Ristr8to - Chiang Mai

As soon as I saw this place I could tell that it had been influenced by an Australian. Sure enough this cafe was set up by an Aussie, and it is staffed by baristas who know how to pour a latte. If I lived closer to it I would have been here all the time.

Location: 15/3 Nimmanhemin Rd
Website: ristr8to-coffee-chiangmai.com

Ristr8to Lab


Ristr8to Lab

If you can’t find a seat at the original Ristr8to then go around the corner to Ristr8to Lab. Same deal here – amazing coffee being served.

Location: Between Soi 3 and 5 behind Nimmanhemin Rd
Website: 4sq.com/1VSEaLF

Impresso


Impresso - Chiang Mai

Impresso is the sort of place that wouldn’t be out of place in Brunswick St, Melbourne; a cool cafe serving great coffee.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 11
Website: 4sq.com/avLBSt

Roastniyom Coffee


Roastniyom Coffee - Chiang Mai

I nearly didn’t go to this one as I thought it was just another roadside cafe. I’m glad I went though, as not only was it a good coffee but the building has been built around a tree. I had passed this cafe many times without noticing how close the canopy of the tree is to the roof. I couldn’t see the cafe for the tree, if you will.

Location: Sirimangkalajarn Rd
Website: facebook.com pages

M-A-N-A Co-working Space


M-A-N-A Co-working Space

MANA cafe and coworking is a hybrid cafe/coworking space where you stay for an hour or a day. This is good option if you want the facilities of a coworking space without any long-term commitment.

Location: 28/12 Nimmanhemin Rd
Website: www.facebook.com/manacoworkingspace

CAMP AIS


CAMP AIS

CAMP AIS is another cafe/coworking space combination, provided by AIS – a mobile operator in Thailand. Don’t let the mall location put you off; it’s a great space and is filled with local students and international digital nomads at work.

Location: 5th Floor, Maya Mall
Website: www.ais.co.th/campais/

Tiger Ted Cafe


Tiger Ted Cafe

Next to the Maya Mall is this cyclist-friendly cafe. It’s constructed of shipping containers and is built around a beautiful tree. Great vibe and coffee here, though the little wooden hipster seats are hard to sit in for tall people.

Location: Huay Kaew Rd (at Rincome Market)
Website: 4sq.com/1rCQT2C

9th Street Cafe


9th Street Cafe - Chiang Mai

A modern little cafe/bar, the 9th St cafe would fit in just as well on 9th Street New York as it does on Soi 9 in the Nimmanhaemin Rd area.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 9

Coffee Wish


Coffee Wish - Chiang Mai

Conveniently located in the heart of Nimmanhaemin Rd.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Road

Goat Coffee


Goat Coffee

Goat Coffee was originally at Rachaphruk Rd, off Huey Kaew Rd. They then moved to Suthep road, and can now be found on Nimenhamen Soi 9.

Location: Nimenhamen Soi 9.
Website: goatcoffeethai.com

Khun Nai Teun Sai


Khun Nai Teun Sai - Chiang Mai

Khun Nai Teun Sai is the epitome of groovy cafes in the Nimmanhaemin Road area. It has a big garden, plenty of lounge space, and lots of kitschy art around the property.

Location: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 11

Tom N Toms


Tom N Toms

Tom N Toms is a South Korean cafe chain. I’ve listed it here for its prominent location at Think Park, and for the fact that it is open 24 hours.

Location: Think Park, Nimmanhaemin Road

Ninety-Four Coffee


Ninety-Four Coffee - Chiang Mai

A big chain cafe that offers free wifi.

Location: Nimmanheamin Soi 9

Old City

Pacamara


Pacamara

Pacamara turned out to be one of my favourite cafes in the old city. A good place to go in the morning before it gets too busy.

Location: 80/5 Ratchadamnoen Rd
Website: 4sq.com/eLflg8

Kaldi Coffee


Kaldi Coffee

Opposite Pacamara is Kaldi Coffee, which is a cafe and bakery attached to a hotel.

Location: 145/4 Ratchadamnoen Rd
Website: www.facebook.com/Kaldicoffee.Chiangmai

Ratchadumnern Coffee


Ratchadumnern Coffee - Chiang Mai

This cafe in the middle of the old city is bright inside and has a nice outdoor area (good for morning coffee before it gets too hot).

Location: Ratchadamnoen Road, opposite the police station.
Website: 4sq.com/7HDecX

Tree Sis Coffee

Tree Sis Coffee - Chiang Mai

An independent cafe in the old city, not far from Wat Phrasingh.

Location: Inthawarowat Road
Website: www.facebook.com/TreeSisCoffee

Coffee Lovers


Coffee Lovers - Chiang Mai

How could I resist with such a name. I ended up here a few times for their Vietnamese coffee.

Location: Ratchamanka Road
Website: 4sq.com/9UAkPN

TH Cat Coffee


TH Cat Coffee - Chiang Mai

A little hole-in-the-wall type cafe. Keeping with its name, it is filled with all things cats. This concept would be too cheesy to work anywhere else, but this is in Thailand so a cafe full of cat knick-knacks works well.

Location: Rajvithi Road

Pangkhon Coffee


Pangkhon Coffee - Chiang Mai

I like the logo of the Akha tribe woman so I went in. Not a bad option if you are by the south side of the moat and in need of an air conditioned caffeinated wifi fix.

Location: 7 Chang Lor Rd
Website: 4sq.com/qSPe6a

Black Canyon


Black Canyon - Chiang Mai

A Thai cafe chain with an American western theme. I’m still trying to work that one out. I ended up here often out of convenience as I was staying for a while near the branch at Tha Pae Gate. Points given for being a chain that offer free wifi.

Location: Tha Pae Gate, and other locations.
Website: blackcanyoncoffee.com

Ponganes Espresso


Ponganes Espresso

Ponganes is a cafe in the old city that is serious about serving great coffee. There is not much space to sit though, so it would be a good place to go for a quick meeting rather than lingering over a laptop.

Location: 133/5 Ratchapakhinai Rd
Website: www.facebook.com/ponganesespressobar

J.Ju Coffee


J.Ju Coffee - Chiang Mai

A cozy little cafe opposite the Anadard Hotel in the old city.

Location: Ratchamanka Road
Website: 4sq.com/mcy9cl

Peppermint Cafe

Peppermint Cafe - Chiang Mai

Another place I ended up many times purely out of convenience as I was living on the same street for a while. It was a good street to live in having this one nearby. Smooth coffee and a good place for lunch and smoothies as well.

Location: Rachadamnoern Road, Soi 5
Website: www.facebook.com/PeppermintCafe

Location: 36 Chaiyaphum Rd

Free Bird Cafe

Free Bird Cafe is part of Thai Freedom House, a not-for-profit community centre that assists refugees from Burma and Indigenous peoples of Thailand.

[Free Bird was formerly on Moon Muang, Soi 7 (in an old wooden home)]

Location: 116 Maneenopparat Rd
Website: thaifreedomhouse.org

East of Old City/Night Bazaar

Coffee Band


Coffee Band

This cafe is by the moat on Chaiyapoom Rd, not far from Tha Pae gate. I went in the morning and enjoyed the option of being able to sit outside with a view of the moat.

Location: 10/1 Chaiyapoom Rd
Website: 4sq.com/12DSPBo

Libernard Cafe


Libernard Cafe - Chiang Mai

Libernard is set in a classic wooden Thai house, the likes of which have mostly disappeared from the city. The cafe is set in the garden and there is a lot of artists material about. It is more of a studio in use rather than a showcase of art. This place would be very cozy with an improvement of the furniture.

Location: 36 Chaiyaphum Road
Website: 4sq.com/aEjnJw

Mo Rooms


Mo Rooms - Chiang Mai

When I find myself on this side of town I often pop into Mo Rooms, which is a boutique accommodation/art gallery/cafe. East of the moat, between Tha Pae Gate and the Night Bazaar.

Location: 263/1-2 Tapae Road
Website: www.morooms.com

Other Places

Akha Ama


Akha Ama - Chiang Mai

A place I never would have found if it wasn’t for my friends who already knew about it. Akha Ama might just be the best coffee in Chiang Mai. The cafe is run by Lee, who also grows the coffee at his home Akha village in Northern Thailand. It’s tucked away in a residential area, but if you are living here and on a motorbike this wont be a problem.

If you are interested in learning how coffee is grown and processed, then I highly recommend the coffee tour that Lee conducts a few times a year.

Location: Mata Apartment 9/1 Hussadhisewee Rd, Soi 3.
Website: akhaamacoffee.com

Bangkok Airways Lounge – Chiang Mai Airport


Coffee at Bangkok Airways Lounge - Chiang Mai Airport

Not really a cafe, but I wouldn’t have made my list seeing I departed early on my last day. This listing is part make up the numbers and part travel tip. If you are coming or going to Chiang Mai via Bangkok, be sure to check for flights on Bangkok Air. They are usually pricey when they have no competition, but as there are five airlines serving BKK – CNX, the prices are always competitive. With Bangkok Air every passenger gets to use the Bangkok Air lounge, which offer free wifi, free snacks, and…free coffee.

Location: Bangkok Airways Lounge – Chiang Mai Airport
Website: bangkokair.com

Closed

Some have fallen by the wayside since I first published this post, so I will put those in a list here.

Cafe: Yellow Bear Coffee
Location: 1 Sirimangkalajarn Road

Cafe: Baan Ped Coffee
Location: Nimmanhaemin Road, end of Soi 6

Cafe: Coffee Rider
Location: Inthawarowat Road

Cafe: Design Studio Coffee
Location: Nimmanhaemin Road, Soi 9

Filed Under: Travel Blog Tagged With: cafe, chiang mai, coffee, thailand

Comments

  1. OneWayTicketPhil says

    May 3, 2012 at 10:37 am

    Wow, cool idea and great list. I never used to frequent cafes but I find myself seeking them out more and more while I’m on the road. Reliable internet is always greatly appreciated

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 4, 2012 at 6:58 am

      Thanks. I find the cafes a better environment to work in than a netcafe, and it breaks my day up a bit by getting me out of my room.

      Reply
    • Johnny says

      April 28, 2013 at 10:34 am

      I just came back from Impresso on Nimmanheim after reading your post, and while sitting there decided to start taking my laptop there everyday to get work done instead of trying to do it from the comfort of my room. The problem with being in my room is that it’s too easy to get distracted, lay down, take a nap and watch a movie.

      Thanks fellow Nomads, my blog and new book, 12 Weeks in Thailand: The Good Life on the Cheap, wouldn’t be as successful if it wasn’t for coffee shops like these with free wifi! =)

      Reply
  2. GotPassport Family says

    May 3, 2012 at 11:12 am

    LOVE this. Thanks James. 🙂

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 4, 2012 at 6:59 am

      Thanks! Look forward to seeing where you end up over the next few weeks 🙂

      Reply
  3. Lane & Juliet says

    May 3, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    What a great list.  With all of that caffeine, I’m amazed you were still able to type this up.  🙂

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 4, 2012 at 6:59 am

      Haha, true that. I had a couple of days where I had far too much coffee and paid the price, but most days it was only one or two cups.

      Reply
  4. Paddy says

    May 4, 2012 at 2:34 am

    Very excited to see this post James! Can’t wait to start exploring some new options. So good to spend some time with you at Impresso. Hope to catch up somewhere again soon! 

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 4, 2012 at 7:01 am

      Thanks Paddy. Yes it was good to hang out at Impresso and knowing me, I’m sure I’ll be back in CM at some point soon!

      Reply
  5. James Clark says

    May 4, 2012 at 6:57 am

     Much more laid back than Bangkok, so a good place to work for me 🙂

    Reply
  6. Bali Villa Holidays says

    May 4, 2012 at 8:09 am

    Honestly, when I first read the Goat Coffee, the first thing that came to my mind is that the coffee beans used in this cafe must be from goat’s feces out of eating coffee beans. 😀 sick but yeah.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 16, 2012 at 7:19 am

      Actually I thought about Luwak coffee as well, so not so sick afterall :0

      Reply
  7. Jeremy Branham says

    May 7, 2012 at 5:21 am

    I know Chiang Mai is very popular for tourists and bloggers.  This is a great review of the cafes there.  And honestly I didn’t expect them to look so nice and inviting.  I’m impressed.

    Reply
  8. Kieu - GQ trippin says

    May 8, 2012 at 8:31 am

    MMm missing CM. didn’t realize one person could drink so much coffee in a month. Lol

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 16, 2012 at 7:19 am

      haha, luckily I paced myself…most days.

      Reply
  9. Sofia - As We Travel Blog says

    May 9, 2012 at 12:58 am

    Wow, that is one long list of tempting cafes! Thanks for sharing, will have to check them out next time we’re in CM.

    Reply
  10. Vic Philpott says

    May 13, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    Haha, amazing! You have been busy! Bookmarked this page for when I get to retire to Chiang Mai for a year to work on my blog – hope it’s soon 🙂

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 16, 2012 at 7:22 am

      Good luck with the retirement plan, it certainly is a good place to work.

      Reply
  11. James Clark says

    May 16, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Thanks for the suggestions, I now have a growing list for part II. I can’t believe I never made it to any of the Doi Chaang cafes. I kept seeing them around but forgot to go. Another good reason to go back 🙂

    Reply
  12. Maria says

    June 20, 2012 at 9:53 am

     Thanks for the list! certainly CM is a good place for the coffee lovers. I suggest you to try Hopf Coffee House at Rajwithi, coffee is really good and the atmosphere really charming. Just suggestion…

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      August 26, 2012 at 1:08 pm

      Yes, I have been there a few times! I forgot to put that in there. Thanks for mentioning.

      Reply
  13. Adam Pervez says

    August 19, 2012 at 3:14 am

    I’m at Design Studio right now. I am staying on the other side of the old city, but had to come over to this side to the wonderland of cafes in this area. Perfect way to spend my Sunday. Thanks for the list!

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      August 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      I like that part of Chiang Mai, all the Soi’s off Nimmanhaemin. Glad you enjoyed.

      Reply
  14. Gabe Lee says

    August 26, 2012 at 7:01 am

    Great post, thanks mate!

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      August 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks, it was fun to compile the list 🙂

      Reply
  15. James Clark says

    August 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm

    I like that part of Chiang Mai, all the Soi’s off Nimmanhaemin. Glad you enjoyed.

    Reply
  16. James Clark says

    August 29, 2012 at 4:40 pm

    Thanks Elisa, I have never been to those two so some more home work for me 🙂

    Reply
  17. Jmayel & Sacha says

    October 8, 2012 at 4:37 am

    Great list, we are living in Chiang Mai at the moment, definitely have to go and check some of these places out now 🙂

    Reply
  18. Thomas K says

    October 28, 2012 at 3:12 am

    Wow, this post is awesome! I’m moving to Chiang Mai soon and looks like I’ll have plenty of cafe’s to hang out at.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      December 8, 2012 at 4:03 am

      Good luck with your move!

      Reply
  19. Chris says

    November 5, 2012 at 3:45 am

    Hi James,

    thanks so much for this extensive list! It saves me a lot of time to look for good spots – either for coffee or work.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      November 9, 2012 at 9:10 am

      No worries Chris! Too bad I left CM so early, I would have liked to have caught up with you there.

      Reply
  20. Jessica says

    November 25, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Ahhhh THANK YOU for this list! I do online work as well and have been thinking of staying in Chiang Mai for a month or two, a “workation” of sorts. I need coffee at least once a day and I need wifi to get work done, so this post is really really helpful. Thanks again! *bookmarked*

    Reply
  21. Ella says

    December 4, 2012 at 7:19 am

    Awesome post.. thanks for taking the time to compile these!
    + 1 for Akha Ama (awesome), the Matchacino and outdoor plug sockets at Impresso and the great coffee at Ristr8to!

    We’d heard good things about Baan Ped Cafe but it seems it may be closed. We looked everywhere for it on Soi 6 beyond the roundabout. A similar looking building is now a new restaurant called Mu Mu. Maybe someone who knows better can confirm?

    We also like Chan Neung (Nimman Soi 1) which has decent coffee, outdoor plug sockets and an upstairs section with big desks and office chairs. Another chain worth mentioning is Happy Hut as they do have free wifi. The one on Nimman is big and has plenty of plug sockets and some comfy couch chairs.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      December 8, 2012 at 4:00 am

      Thanks for the update. The competitive nature of the cafe business in Chiang Mai will mean a some new places will replace the old.

      I never made it to Chan Neung so I wil bookmark for next time 🙂

      Reply
      • Dan Lipski says

        January 23, 2013 at 3:47 pm

        Awesome post!
        I absolutely adore iBerry over in the arts district by the university and it’s clearly no secret to locals. One of the most unique and coolest cafes I’ve ever visited. Serves both coffee, desserts, bubble teas, etc in amazing setting.
        Surprised to find that hands down the best cup I’ve found in Chiang Mai (let alone most everywhere) so far is at Raming Tea House maybe 1km out of the east gate. Incredible espresso from Thailand.
        I will continue to follow your recommendations!! Thanks for this!!

        Reply
  22. Regina says

    December 6, 2012 at 12:58 pm

    I absolutely love this article. Just as much as I love all the cafes in Chiang Mai. Admittedly though, we tried way more different cafes on our first visit. Now on our second visit we actually succumbed to Starbucks. Sure, the internet wasn’t free, but for 300 THB we got access for an entire month at any of their locations.

    And I guess we also really like the comfy chairs and some of the anonymity you get with a bigger place. At small cafes I somehow always start feeling bad/guilty when I stay longer than a couple hours. Anyone else like that?

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      December 8, 2012 at 4:02 am

      True about Starbucks that I don’t feel guilty about lingering. Too bad they don’t have free wifi like they do in Malaysia though. If a place is really busy I won’t stay too long.

      Reply
  23. Tobias says

    December 10, 2012 at 11:04 am

    GREAT website!
    I really enjoyed reading it.

    But, wawee at Nimmanheamin offers FREE wifi. I don’t know about the wawee around the more tourist area in old city.
    Or maybe it was just a special christmas offer today hahaha…

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      January 5, 2013 at 4:43 pm

      Thanks Tobias, that would be great if Wawee have free wifi now.

      Reply
    • Jeff says

      June 4, 2013 at 4:45 am

      Wawee @central business park,behind big C extra also has free wifi.I guess it must be up to the individual owner of the franchise outlet.

      Reply
  24. Eloise says

    January 4, 2013 at 3:42 am

    This it brilliant! I’m glad you like coffee shops as much as we do! Stu is gonna go crazy when I tell him there’s a Vietnamese coffee shop here- he loves it! We’ve been going to the same cafe everyday, which I don’t think is on your list. When we go today I’ll note town the name and take a photo and get back to you!

    Reply
  25. Eloise @ Am I Nearly There Yet? says

    January 5, 2013 at 9:46 am

    A couple of great coffee shops I need to mention are ‘Cafe de Thaan Aoan’ on Prapokklao Road in the Old City and ‘Sipping Coffee’ on the university road, quite far down, near the mountain. Both are really beautiful places to sit and drink great coffee in lovely surroundings. Unfortunately, I have to say the Vietnamese coffee at ‘Coffee Lovers’ was a disappointment. If you’ve ever been to Vietnam you’ll know how good and unique the coffee is and this was like normal coffee with condensed milk, but double the price! On a positive side, the actual ‘Coffee Lovers’ cafe was really nice and the staff was very friendly, so worth going to!

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      January 5, 2013 at 4:42 pm

      Hi Eloise, thanks for the recommendations. I now have more homework to do next time I go back!

      I am writing this in Saigon so I can now compare coffees, and you are right in that it is not quite the same. I though that might have been the case but I was happy to get a sweetened condensed milk hit 🙂

      Reply
  26. Marisa says

    January 30, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    Good work, James! It’s been a few years now, but my very favourite among the outstanding crop of coffee shops CM has to offer was Wawee opposite The Four Seasons in Mae Rim – for coffee quality, view and ambience. A kind of split-level art gallery. Does anyone know if it’s still there?

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      January 31, 2013 at 5:38 am

      Hi Marisa, I never made it out to that cafe so I will have to check it out next time 🙂

      Reply
    • Michael says

      May 25, 2013 at 8:55 am

      Yep, it is still there and going strong. They’ve even expanded. I love that place too. Such a great place to chill … but no aircon it can be a bit hot on some days.

      Reply
  27. Lindsay White says

    February 4, 2013 at 9:00 am

    Hi,
    I just opened a great little coffee Shop in Chiangmai & would like to invite you to test my coffee & service
    I Thank you & hope I get a reply
    Lindsay

    Reply
  28. Martin says

    February 13, 2013 at 10:35 am

    GREAT post – im a coffee lover and off to C.M. in 2 weeks – now i have a list of coffee places to checkout – thanks!

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      February 18, 2013 at 1:35 pm

      No worries, Martin – enjoy your caffeinated trip!

      Reply
  29. steve says

    March 28, 2013 at 7:17 am

    Good work james, founds some new favourites. Love The coffee bar and Pacamara. Also many cafes have shut down, the list so far is Goats, Yellow bear, Knun Nai, Baan Ped, Coffee rider and cant find Design studio.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      March 30, 2013 at 1:19 am

      Hi Steve, thanks for the update! I have been wondering if any cafes have since closed down so thank you for the update!

      Reply
  30. Jon Brown says

    May 5, 2013 at 4:26 am

    I’m mostly working out of the new coworking space Punspace http://punspace.com in Nimmanhaemin while I’m here in CM, but I’m staying in the old city and craving walking distance coffee shops. This list is aweome, THANKS!

    FWIW, I think it be cool to add the rough location of the coffee shops to the list, or even a map. I know some of the street names but most I’ve got to go look up to see where they are when I really just want to head out the door and know I’ll arrive at a decent shop in a few minutes walk.

    Reply
  31. Laura says

    May 9, 2013 at 11:27 am

    As the other posts above say – great post!!
    A few are outdated (Goat coffee moved and yellow bear disappeared) but still this is a list i visited alot when i first arrived in CM.

    I hope to grab a coffee with you next time you are in Chiang Mai!!!

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      May 15, 2013 at 5:05 pm

      Thanks for the update Laura! I really need to get back to CM, if only to update the cafes 🙂 That would be great to have a coffee with you too.

      Reply
  32. Jeff says

    June 4, 2013 at 5:09 am

    Luvv coffee bar
    On nimmanhaemin rd is a great cafe.not only a nice cup,but they have perfect set up for laptops.lots of benches set up around the cafe with outlets for all.and a cosy and relaxed atmosphere.And free wifi of course.
    Located on the corner of soi 8

    Reply
  33. trissie says

    August 19, 2013 at 1:14 am

    not sure if anyone mentioned. goat coffee has shifted. to somewhere at niman.
    there are some nice cafes now in The Habour and near to CMU.

    Reply
  34. George Millo says

    October 29, 2013 at 9:45 am

    Currently in Chiang Mai post-DCBKK, this list is a handy reference! Thanks.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      October 30, 2013 at 3:28 pm

      Thanks George!

      Reply
  35. Chris says

    November 2, 2013 at 8:34 am

    HI James,
    I am currently in Chiang Mai. There are about 23121 new coffeeshops but your list is still solid.

    There is one change though: Goat Coffee has now moved into the place where design studio coffee was on Soi 9.

    See you soon again,
    Chris

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      November 2, 2013 at 2:48 pm

      Thanks Chris, I will amend this link!

      I really need to go back and do some more research. It would be classified as a business trip as well 🙂

      Reply
  36. Tom says

    November 22, 2013 at 10:14 am

    Peppermint Cafe isn’t closed, same owner, has been for years.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      November 22, 2013 at 11:07 am

      Thank you Sir! That is a relief to read as I enjoy this cafe. Just fixed the listing.

      Reply
  37. David says

    November 27, 2013 at 11:38 pm

    Are there any cafes in Chiang Mai that serve cream?
    So far i’ve been to two locations and neither had cream for coffee.

    Reply
  38. Leon Jay says

    February 23, 2014 at 6:35 am

    Could you also consider including us in this list.

    Coffee Monster is a new cafe/coffee shop aimed at digital nomads and internet marketers by providing a co-working space, meeting room, podcasting studio, presentation space, table tennis and pool table all for free to customers. We also have 30MB fibre line load balanced with a 16MB ADSL line to ensure good connection.

    There are always interesting people here to meet and ongoing improvements to better meet the needs for those working online.

    Thanks

    Reply
  39. Matt says

    February 26, 2014 at 5:20 pm

    Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive list! I am considering a move to Chang Mai and I was so glad to come across this!

    Reply
  40. Amy says

    March 16, 2014 at 6:53 am

    Hi James, thank you for this post. If possible it would be great to have information such as whether food or alcohol is available as well as coffee, if the space has air conditioning, and a price range or category. I also agree with a previous comment that a map wild be very helpful. Good work! I look forward to checking out some of your finds.

    Reply
  41. Mich says

    March 19, 2014 at 8:32 am

    Thanks for the information about the airport. It’s nice knowing there are freebies to be had for people using Bangkok Air.

    Reply
  42. Sally says

    March 26, 2014 at 8:22 am

    Hi!

    We’ve been exploring the many cafes being suggested, but what do you do if you’re a bit of a health nut and not a big coffee drinker? Is it time to take up the habit? 😉 Or, are there places to set up and work online that actually have healthy options like fruit shakes and smoothies (that aren’t packed full of sugar). Because it’s so hot, we’re also looking for air-conditioned spaces. The two don’t seem to go together. I’d really appreciate any suggestions.

    Thanks 🙂

    Sal

    Reply
  43. Hannah@GettingStamped says

    March 29, 2014 at 2:26 pm

    Thanks for sharing, we are renting an apartment in Chiang Mai in a few days for the whole month. Planning on catching up on the blog, great to have a list of cafes

    Reply
  44. Kevin Grunert says

    April 28, 2014 at 2:48 am

    Thanks for a very comprehensive list! There’s definitely a few new places for me to go and check out over the coming weeks.

    A few of my favourites that weren’t on that list are Marble Arch (Nimman Soi 9), Coffee Villa (Nimman Soi 5) and Play Cafe (Nimman Soi 13).

    I’m working on adding details like coffee prices and internet speed tests on my site for the cafes in Chiang Mai, so when I visit some of the ones from your list, I’ll add them to my site too. 🙂

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      April 28, 2014 at 2:54 am

      Hi Kevin, thanks for that. I haven’t been back for 2 years so these lists need regular updating. I have a comprehensive working cafes page at http://www.nomadicnotes.com/cafes/. When you have made your post let me know and I will add your link there too.

      Reply
  45. vera says

    June 15, 2014 at 12:13 am

    I can not stop reading your blog!

    We just started our worldtrip based on good coffee and are currently in Bangkok (and have been to chiang mai, of course!). What you wrote about both cities is so near to my impressions and feelings. So we will go back to chiang mai after visiting vietnam.
    The next stop ist Ho Chi Minh city and I am exhausted to visit a lot of your recommanded cafes!

    My recommandations for a nice coffee (but without wifi):

    Chiang Mai:
    https://m.facebook.com/mountain.coffee?refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.th%2Furl&_rdr

    Bangkok
    https://m.facebook.com/pages/Ceresia-Coffee-Roasters/431787946917113?refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.co.th%2Furl&_rdr

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      June 16, 2014 at 4:22 am

      Thanks Vera! I was just in Bangkok and I went to Ceresia – great little cafe (even without wifi). I’m back in HCMC now 🙂

      Reply
  46. Steve says

    November 24, 2014 at 1:51 am

    And don’t forget Tiger Ted’s, the complex of old shipping containers stacked up… Favourite for hip cyclists.. Jammed in between the Maya and the night market… Obligatory free wifi, great eats and a anally retentive barista… He fusses over every cup..
    And can park the bike out the front in full view of the seating.
    Arroy mak !

    Reply
  47. monkeytime says

    April 14, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Great list! You have to add Tanita Coffee House, it’s a must visit for Chiang Mai!

    Reply
  48. Hippie says

    May 21, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    I will start the first thread of coffee markssss.Helps a lot with the shortlist. Thq

    Reply
  49. Joel says

    October 22, 2015 at 6:07 am

    Great list. Already used this to find the Tiger Ted and a few others.

    A couple other ones I’ve run across in the past 2 days.

    Juice shop – right across from 9th st cafe
    Salad Concept – salad / juice place that serves coffee & I’ve seen a lot of people working there.
    Local Cafe – just across the street from the mall. Big, open space. Is so nice it feels like it could be a chain, but doesn’t feel like on.

    Reply
    • James Clark says

      October 22, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Thanks Joel! So many new places I look forward to checking out myself.

      Reply
  50. Darío Omar says

    February 13, 2020 at 3:04 pm

    Hey James!

    Thanks for the recommendations, went to Tom n Toms and had a great time! visited during the night (after my aftger party) liked that Korean blend and the concept its so unique! keep making and writing about this. way to go!

    Reply
  51. Lindsay White says

    February 14, 2013 at 2:33 am

    Hello again
    My place is called Chiangmai Coffee Stop on Huew Kaew Road opposite the new Harbour shopping center & a few doors down from Chiangmai Hill Hotel
    I have great seating & free WiFi & we only use the Best Coffee from the Royal Project up North
    I look forward to welcoming you
    Lindsay

    Reply
  52. James Clark says

    February 18, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Thanks Lindsay, I will be sure to visit next time I come to Chiang Mai 🙂

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Digital Nomad Links says:
    May 4, 2012 at 4:35 pm

    […] cage, Garmisch (everywhereist.com) 38 Reasons Why I am Excited to Visit Japan (nomadicmatt.com) 30 cafes to visit in Chiang Mai (nomadicnotes.com) Photo Essay: The markets of Laos (globetrottergirls.com) He Said/She Said: […]

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  2. Things we love about Chiang Mai | GlobetrotterGirls Travel says:
    September 28, 2012 at 3:44 am

    […] Thai people love coffee, and its preparation has become a bit of an art form in Chiang Mai. There are more cafes here than any other city we visited in South East Asia. Some are tiny, no more than two tables, others are trendy art cafes, plus there are large coffee shop chains as well. One of the best (read: strongest) takeaway coffees we ever had came out of a coffee truck, which had rows of flowers on a makeshift bar and a full coffee menu. One thing is certain – they all own and operate some sort of state of the art coffee machine, and most have wi-fi, which is great for the hundreds of people in Chiang Mai like us working wirelessly. Among our favorite cafes are: Old Chiang Mai Café, Coffee Zebra, Akha Ama Café, and Doi Chaang. If you’re a coffee-holic like we are, you might also enjoy this list of 30 cafes to visit in Chiang Mai. […]

    Reply
  3. How Much to Live in Thailand? says:
    October 18, 2012 at 5:56 am

    […]30 great cafes for wifi and coffee in Chiang Mai[…]

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  4. [Interview] James T Clark from Nomadic Notes says:
    December 4, 2012 at 2:01 pm

    […] 2012 you visited 30 cafés in Chiang Mai. What’s the story behind your obsession with […]

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  5. Snapshot: Culinary Adventures in Chiang Mai | The Rebecca Project says:
    January 5, 2013 at 6:19 pm

    […] just read a post today by Nomadic Matt called 30 coffeehouses to visit in Chiang Mai, that I stumbled upon on Twitter. Looks like I’m going to develop quite the caffeine habit as […]

    Reply
  6. a Nomad's Dream | Photo of the Week: Akha Ama Coffee Shop says:
    January 27, 2013 at 6:18 pm

    […] we hadn’t read about it from other travelers and digital nomads, we probably never would have found it, although our current place is actually very close […]

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  7. Quora says:
    March 3, 2013 at 8:32 pm

    What should I do in Chiang Mai, Thailand when visiting for the first time?…

    Great answers, but in case you still need more, there are lots of great cooking courses available. I did a course run by a company called Asia Scenic and it was a great experience. I wasn’t convinced before hand but honestly it was one of my bet days …

    Reply
  8. The Coffee Shop Culture of Chiang Mai | American Expat in Chiang Mai says:
    April 5, 2013 at 4:30 am

    […] Nomadic Notes has written an article detailing thirty different cafes visited during a trip to Chiang Mai, with a little review of each (including those excerpted above). […]

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  9. Our 10 Favourite Neighbourhoods Around the World says:
    July 11, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    […] of funkily dressed Thais who love to shop in the stylish boutiques, work on laptops in the many cafes, and eat at the varied range of international and Thai restaurants. It’s becoming more popular […]

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  10. A Guide to Living in Chiang Mai says:
    February 19, 2014 at 12:01 pm

    […] choose to work at home but many digital nomads work in the hundreds of cafes all over the […]

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