If I had to give a title to the best spot for digital nomads in the world, Chiang Mai would 100% be in contention for the top spot. This is a place packed with other remote workers, a low cost of living, a captivating culture, and an amazing food scene. It’s so easy to work here, with some of the best cafes in Chiang Mai offering a comfortable chair to top-notch coworking spots.
Having spent several months living and working in Chiang Mai, I grew to love the coffee shop vibe and preferred to go to the best coffee shops in Chiang Mai over a coworking space. It’s so easy to meet other people, be productive, and of course, enjoy the very best coffee in Chiang Mai while you’re working. I tried out many cafes during my time there and trust me, there’s no shortage.
Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Chiang Mai
It’s very difficult to give the title of the best cafe in Chiang Mai because there are so many and they all have their own little quirks, but I rose to the challenge. In a bid to give you a selection of the best cafe working spots, I compiled my list based on the quality of coffee and food, service, location, customer reviews, and of course, my own personal experience. After plenty of deliberation, I narrowed my selection down to these ten cafes.
1. STORIES (Best Cafe in Chiang Mai Overall)
STORIES is one of the best cafes to work from in Chiang Mai, and it’s my personal favorite. I love to snack while I’m working and this place offers so many delicious things to eat, including healthy options, fantastic sandwiches, and cakes. Of course, the coffee is pretty high quality too and the menu is quite substantial.
From a working point of view, the chairs at STORIES are relatively comfortable. However, make sure you choose the chairs with the wicker back and not the regular “kitchen chairs” if you’re planning on staying a while. There are plenty of charging outlets, and I had no problem with the WiFi; I visited quite a lot, too.
This is a great cafe to beat the heat as they crank up the air-conditioning. Also, they don’t mind if you stay for a few hours, as long as you buy a proportionate amount of food/drinks for your time there.
STORIES Information
Address: 1, 3 Rachadamnoen Rd, พระสิงห์ เมือง Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 63 398 2888
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 7.30 am-10 pm
Must-Try Items: Iced latte, cappuccino, salad selection
Average Cost: $2-$3 per latte, $4-$5 per lunch dish, $2 for desserts
2. My Secret Cafe in Town (Best for Atmosphere)
If you’re looking for laptop-friendly cafes in Chiang Mai, I highly recommend My Secret Cafe in Town. It’s one of those places that everyone seems to know about, but it’s often considered a hidden gem. I visited here several times and loved the homely feel and how comfortable it was in general.
The WiFi at this cafe is fast and reliable, and there are plenty of charging points dotted around. The chairs are comfortable, but the tables are a little small, so don’t expect to spread out too much. The table size was the only downside I noticed, and although the cafe itself isn’t that big, it’s what makes it feel so comfortable.
I loved the coffee at this spot and the lunch menu is delicious. I tried several of the sandwiches and salads on the menu, and when I go back, it’s the first place I intend to head for lunch. The opening hours are convenient too – from 8:30 am until 8.30 pm – and it’s centrally located.
My Secret Cafe in Town Information
Address: 175 12 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 81 499 9911
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 8.30 am – 8 pm
Must-Try Items: Latte, sandwich menu, salads
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $3.5 per main, $2 for desserts
3. Cool Muang Coffee (Best for Quiet & Comfort)
I found some of the best coffee in Chiang Mai at Cool Muang Coffee, and I enjoyed sitting outside on the patio to work. I also spent some time happily watching the world go by, as there’s a great view over the street. The coffee here is ideal if you don’t like it too strong (like me), and they have a great selection on offer.
You can choose to sit inside if you prefer air-conditioning, and there are plenty of charging points whether you sit inside or outside. I also found the internet here to be very reliable and strong; I did a few video calls and had no issues whatsoever.
Many other digital nomads were working from this cafe when I visited, and there’s even a meeting room, which is ideal for collaborating and networking. Overall, this coffee shop is probably on par with some of the coworking spaces, so it’s a great choice if you prefer cafes to office-style layouts.
Cool Muang Coffee Information
Address: 81 Mun Mueang Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 62 269 7889
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat, 8.30 am – 6 pm, Sun, 8.30 am – 7.30 am
Must-Try Items: Latte, macchiato, carrot cake
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $3-$4 per main, $2.50 for desserts
4. Ombra Cafe (Best for Lunch)
Ombra Cafe is one of the best cafes for working on a laptop in Chiang Mai and the staff are super helpful and patient. I worked from this cafe for the entire day, and the staff never bothered me once; I simply bought a couple of coffees and lunch. This is a popular spot amongst digital nomads and that could have something to do with the very fast WiFi; I did a few video calls, and it worked like a dream.
The lunch menu here is a real seller, and the coffee menu is large and really delicious. The prices are very reasonable, and it’s a comfortable spot to spend a few hours. There are many different seating options and plenty of charging points if your laptop needs a top-up.
Located in Nimman, this cafe sometimes gets busy at the weekends but it never felt overly crowded when I was there. It has a very laid-back feel to it, and yet the design is modern and stylish at the same time. I was very productive when I worked from this spot, and I’d recommend it for a few hours before exploring the Nimman area.
Ombra Cafe Information
Address: ช้างเผือก 3/1 เมือง Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Phone: +66 98 815 7222
Operating Hours: Mon – Sat, 8 am – 6 pm, closed on Sundays
Must-Try Items: Latte, cold brew, salad menu
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $3-4 per main, $2 for desserts
5. Carrot Cafe (Best for Delicious Cake)
I can easily be swayed by a cafe that offers great cake, but regardless, Carrot Cafe is still a great place to do a few hours of work. The layout makes it super easy to be productive, with large, open spaces, and a warehouse feel to the decor. There are plenty of charging outlets, and the WiFi is very reliable.
For me, this is one of the best cafes in Chiang Mai for menu choice, as they offer more than just coffee, with juices, flavored waters, and teas on offer. They serve some fantastic cakes – I went back there a few times just to work my way through the sweet menu.
This cafe is popular but not to the point where it’s loud; I found it quite chilled-out and quiet most of the time, except for weekends when it did get a little busier. Overall, I never had a problem working from here, and the central location is ideal.
Carrot Cafe Information
Address: ร้าน Carrot Coffee CNX เลขที่ 42/1 , 42/2 42/3 Ratchamanka Rd Soi 7, พระสิงห์ Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 62 256 9415
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 8 am-6 pm
Must-Try Items: Cold brew, carrot cake, brownie
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $2 per juice, $2.50 per dessert
6. Thesis Coffee (Best for Espresso)
Thesis Coffee is a really modern coffee shop in Chiang Mai that has a cool and stylish feel. I’m not sure whether it was designed primarily with digital nomads in mind, but it feels like it was, thanks to the comfortable seating, large tables, and plenty of power outlets. The WiFi is also high quality and never dipped once while I was there.
If you like your coffee strong, you’ll enjoy this coffee shop – I did ask the barista to make mine slightly weaker, and they were more than happy to help. They also have a great snack range, and the cakes are delicious.
If you want to collaborate with other digital nomads, it’s really easy to do so, thanks to the different types of seating, including high bar-style tables and stools and sofas. It did get quite busy while I was there, but it never felt loud or overwhelming, and I managed to get through few hours of productive work during my visit.
Thesis Coffee Information
Address: 237/1 Huay Kaew Rd, Don Kaeo, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 94 256 5600
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 8.30 am – 6 pm
Must-Try Items: Espresso, latte, pastry menu
Average Cost: $2.50 per latte, $3 per dessert
7. Wake Up Coffee (Best for Around-the-Clock Working)
Wake Up Coffee is a cool coffee shop in Chiang Mai and there are a few branches you can choose from. I went to the B2 Riverside Premier branch and loved the modern vibe and how easy it was to get some work done in a comfortable environment. However, this branch isn’t all that central, so you could opt for the branch near Nimman, which although easier to find, isn’t as comfortable.
The great thing about this coffee shop is the opening hours; if you need to work late or you suddenly get inspiration in the middle of the night, it’s open 24 hours. It’s also got very fast WiFi, comfortable seating, large tables for easy productivity, and plenty of charging spots.
The coffee at this branch is the same as all the others and I really enjoyed the milder taste. They have a large menu to choose from, and I became slightly addicted to their espressos, which definitely helps if you’re working a little later than normal.
Wake Up Coffee Information
Address: 195, 1 Thanon Charoenrajd, Chang Moi Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Phone: +66 52 009 161
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, open 24 hours
Must-Try Items: Espresso, caramel macchiato, latte
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $3 for desserts
8. The Barisotel (Best for Coffee Range)
For the best coffee roasters in Chiang Mai and a stylish feel, it has to be Barisotel. This cafe is very centrally located in Nimman and offers a trendy vibe from the moment you walk in. They have a huge range of different coffees and other beverages to choose from, and although it’s slightly pricer than some other places, it’s a very pleasant place to work from.
I found the WiFi to be excellent at this cafe, and the seating was very comfortable too. Despite the slightly higher costs, it’s a popular place for digital nomads to base themselves, which is reflected in the design of the space. It never felt crowded to me; even when I visited on a Saturday afternoon. The air-conditioning was pleasant too and added to the overall comfort.
The Barisotel is a very modern choice, and it doesn’t feel very traditional, but in terms of productivity and comfort, this is one of the best in the Chiang Mai area.
The Barisotel Information
Address: 7, 2 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 9, Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 81 898 8998
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 8 am-6 pm
Must-Try Items: Cold brew, peach tea, latte
Average Cost: $3 per latte, $3-$4 per dessert
9. Akha Ama Coffee (Best for Fast Internet)
Akha Ama Coffee is one of the most unique cafes in Chiang Mai because of its design and layout. It manages to remain very quiet, despite welcoming plenty of customers. It’s a great place to do some work and enjoy a good coffee without struggling because of noise or not being able to find a chair.
The only downside of this coffee shop is that there are very few charging points, so make sure you take a power bank or your devices are already full of juice. There aren’t any snacks available, but their coffee is very high quality, and I really enjoyed their cold brew; in fact, this is the cafe that got me into cold brew coffee and I haven’t been able to get enough since.
The location is another plus point as it’s right in the middle of the Old Town. Of course, that means there is plenty to see and do once you’ve finished your work for the day.
Akha Ama Coffee Information
Address: 175 2 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Phone: +66 88 267 8014
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 8.30 am-5 pm
Must-Try Items: Cold brew, iced latte, cappuccino
Average Cost: $2 per cold brew, $2.50 per iced latte
10. Artisan Cafe (Best for Meeting Other Digital Nomads)
Hands down, Artisan Cafe is one of the best cafes in Chiang Mai if you want to be surrounded by other digital nomads. This is a very popular cafe and one that really does earn its stripes. I found it particularly easy to work from this cafe, thanks to its comfortable chairs, plenty of charging outlets, and large, coworking-style tables.
I’m not the biggest espresso fan, but this cafe won me over. They also have a range of other coffees to choose from as well as fruit juices and snacks. I also enjoyed the bright decor, with huge windows and plenty of greenery dotted around; they certainly understand the benefits of biophilic design!
The only real downside to working from this cafe is that they close at 5 pm, which is a little early compared to some other cafes. However, this can easily be overcome by simply arriving earlier – it’s an excuse to enjoy the evening sooner too!
Artisan Cafe Information
Address: 149, 153 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
Phone: +66 80 439 5635
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 8.30 am-5 pm
Must-Try Items: item 1, item 2, item 3
Average Cost: $2 per latte, $3-$4 per meal, $2.50 for desserts
Chiang Mai Cafes and Coffee Shops FAQs
Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions about the best cafes and coffee shops in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai is packed with fantastic coffee shops, including STORIES and My Secret Cafe in Town, where you’ll find some of the best coffee in Chiang Mai. Many digital nomads choose to work from coffee shops instead of coworking spaces. You’ll find most coffee shops are happy for you to use your laptop during your visit.
Tipping in Chiang Mai, and Thailand in general, isn’t expected or customary, but it’s a nice thing to do if you feel you had good service. Tips will always be appreciated, and the general rule of thumb is around 10-15% of your total bill if you choose to do so.
The best Chiang Mai cafes can be found in the Old Town and Nimman areas of the city. These are two of the busiest spots, and there are countless cafes dotted around.
Many cafes in Chiang Mai serve fantastic coffee, especially espressos from the Arabica coffee beans which are grown in northern Thailand itself. You won’t struggle to find specialty coffee in Chiang Mai, and there are many upmarket coffee shops with large selections, especially in the Old Town and Nimman areas.
Coffee prices vary slightly depending upon the cafe you choose, but on average, a standard coffee in Chiang Mai costs around 70 THB/$2.
The Arabica coffee bean is grown in northern Thailand and coffee in general is very popular across the country, especially in Chiang Mai. With the influx of international visitors, especially digital nomads, the coffee culture across the city has grown over recent years and you’ll see both tourists and locals alike sipping cups of coffee throughout the city.
Most coffee shops and cafes in Chiang Mai have no problem with people taking their laptops inside to work as long as food and drinks are bought during their stay. So, whether you’re looking for the best cafe in Chiang Mai with a view or you simply want a quiet spot for an hour or so, you’ll be able to work quite easily in many cafes across the city.
The Arabica coffee bean is grown in northern Thailand, so you’ll see locally produced espressos in most cafes across Chiang Mai. However, you’ll also find lattes, macchiatos, and many other coffee types in the larger coffee shops dotted around the city.
In Conclusion
If you’re like me and you prefer to work from cafes and coffee shops rather than coworking spaces, you won’t struggle to find an excellent spot in Chiang Mai. There’s a huge selection of cafes to choose from, and so long as you’re happy to purchase food and drinks proportionate to the amount of time you’re going to spend there, most places have no issue with you taking your laptop to work for a few hours.
Cafes and coffee shops are ideal places to meet other digital nomads, and I met many remote workers while I sipped on great coffee and got on with my work. It’s an ideal opportunity to collaborate, network, or simply meet new friends. You’ll also find a few dog-friendly cafes in Chiang Mai, such as Mingmitr Coffee, where you can mingle with other dog lovers while having a productive day on your laptop.
Enjoy!
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