6 of the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai, Thailand

Of all the coffee shops we went to in the city this one is most likely the smallest. It also happens to be the winner of the world espresso competition, an award that of course, caught our attention. It’s not the type of place that you would sit in for hours and set up camp with a laptop but it is absolutely a great place to swing by for a blow-your-face-off strong espresso. 

One of the most popular coffee shops in the city, Ristr8to (which actually has 3 locations in Chiang Mai) not only serve coffee, but grind their own beans and hold many international awards including ‘world latte art champion’. It is a truly unique place that is genuinely passionate about coffee. Plus, they have a thing for skulls, to the point where you can even order (and purchase) coffee in a skull shaped glass. They also sell great merch and coffee beans from all over the world – yes. please. 

Down a little side street in the Nimman area you’ll find Only Coffee, a lovely little place with plenty of options from chemex and pour overs to cold brews and even some pretty unreal watermelon shakes. The owner is so friendly and welcoming and it makes for the perfect little coffee break off the beaten track and away from the crowds of the more well-known places.  

Graph may have the most unique and interesting menu we’ve ever seen in a coffee shop. Tucked away in One Nimman you’ll find this dark little coffee shop with some incredible drinks on offer from the popular favourites of cold brews and cappuccinos to more unusual offerings such as coffee with fresh lime and ginger ale.

Roxpresso is more of an experience than a coffee shop. This of course means it comes with a higher price tag but if you’re a true coffee lover, you will love it. Once again, the menu is varied and tells a story of each of the coffee beans on offer. Not only is the process truly unique (no big espresso machines, just a manual espresso maker), but the presentation is flawless. I have never in my life had a coffee presented with a little vase of fake flowers, tea and a sweet little biscuit. 

On a little back road in Old Town you’ll find Burkta Coffee, a tiny little coffee place with delicious coffee. There are also two other locations in the city, including one in the popular Nimman area. Directly above there’s a co-working space called Punspace that is a great place to check out if you’re in need of a place to work remotely. There is a wide range of options from day passes at 229 THB all the way up to 3,999 THB (monthly) for your very own desk and locker. Check out their website for current prices and options.

Whilst the above spots are not particularly suitable for laptop sessions, there are plenty of other co-working spaces in the city. One we loved and actually went in almost every other day during our stay was Heartwork. It’s a really flexible space where you only have to buy a coffee to get wifi for 3 hours, no additional payment required. Check out their site for prices and details. 

There’s also CAMP in Maya shopping Mall in Nimman which has a similar setup in terms of purchasing a drink/snack for wifi access. It is a much busier space that’s always a hive of activity so if you’d prefer a quieter work environment then perhaps Heartwork is more for you.