50+ Cafes Later: The Ultimate Chiang Mai Digital Nomad Guide to the Best Coffee and Zero Distractions

Written by: Barsha Bhattacharya
best cafes in Chiang Mai

Instagrammers are crazy about Chiang Mai. The city is full of unbelievable spots that make it easy for them to elevate their style.

Coffee in Northern Thailand is superb, by the way, as it is grown locally in the mountains.

Yet these spots are not just coffee shops. They deliver an entire experience with fabulous food and innovative drinks.

You will find in these places all sorts of flavors: from the most authentic Thai taste to the very fashionable Australian-style brunch dishes.

Being an interior design fan, I do think that each spot listed in here is stunning.

To keep things easy, I have only included the cafes in the city so you won’t have to go too far.

Whether you’re a foodie or just after a nice picture, these cafes will definitely amaze you.

Top Best Cafes In Chiang Mai That You Can Check Out!

If you are visiting the “Rose of the North,” you will find that the best cafes in Chiang Mai offer so much more than just a cup of coffee.

We have taken an in-depth look at the best places, including their special food offerings and how well they suit the needs of people who work on their laptops.

1. KLĀY Cafe: The Aesthetic Dream

The cafe is a “Japandi” style wonder, a mixture of Japanese simplicity and Scandinavian warmth.

It is a place that serves as a cafe during the day and transforms into a bar for wine lovers at night.

You will see handmade pottery hanging on the walls and very artistic people frequenting the place.

On the menu: One of their goals is to make the food healthy without being boring. The Pasta with Cream Pu Ong Shrimp dish is the star here as it features the exotic Northern Thai crab paste.

It is a peaceful, motivating environment for imaginative work. Furthermore, they carry out workshops on candle-making and scent!

Operating hours: 8:30 AM, 5:00 PM (Cafe) | 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM (Wine Bar)

Open Days: Every day

2. Me&Bacon: The Brunch Guru

As the name suggests, they are obsessed with bacon. This place feels like a trendy Aussie brunch spot.

They serve their bacon extra-thick with a perfect char, making it the ultimate comfort-food destination.

On the Menu: You can’t go wrong with their Classic Bacon and Eggs on sourdough or their decadent Chicken and Waffles.

Digital Nomad Info: They offer free Wi-Fi, but the vibe is quite buzzy and social. It’s perfect for a short morning work session fueled by a heavy breakfast, but maybe not for a 4-hour Zoom call.

Timing: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Days Open: Daily

3. Goodday Farm to Table: Fresh & Local

This cafe celebrates the incredible produce grown in the mountains of Northern Thailand. It’s a peaceful, light-filled space that feels like a rustic farmhouse in Tuscany.

On the Menu: Everything is fresh. Try the Spinach and Salmon Rice Bowls or a Caprese salad with farm-fresh tomatoes. Moreover, they also have an evening craft bar.

Digital Nomad Info: Very peaceful with reliable Wi-Fi. It’s one of the better spots for those who need deep focus without the typical city noise.

Timing: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Days Open: Thursday to Tuesday (Closed on Wednesdays)

4. The Baristro Asian Style: Zen Workspace

This is perhaps the most famous “Asian-style” cafe in the city. It features a stunning mix of wood, concrete, and tribal patterns.

It feels like a high-end Japanese tea house but with a modern Thai twist.

On the Menu: Famous for their Matcha and Specialty Coffee. They also serve beautiful Japanese-inspired desserts.

Digital Nomad Info: This is a nomad favorite. They have dedicated charging stations, fast Wi-Fi, and a huge layout. Moreover, there is an 80 THB entrance fee, but you can use it as credit for your drink.

Timing: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Days Open: Daily

5. Lamour Cafe & Restaurant: A Splash of Color

The bright yellow walls and terra cotta accents make you feel like you have been transported to Hoi An, Vietnam. Moreover, it is incredibly photogenic, with red lanterns and hanging plants everywhere.

On the Menu: They focus on local Thai flavors but offer a very popular English Afternoon Tea with plenty of sweet treats.

Digital Nomad Info: Wi-Fi is available, but the seating is designed more for socializing and photos. It’s a great place for a casual “admin hour” in the garden.

Timing: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Days Open: Daily

6. Early Owls: The Garden Oasis

This cafe perfectly captures the “Green Chiang Mai” vibe. It’s set in a traditional wooden home surrounded by a massive, lush garden. It’s a great escape from the city’s heat.

On the Menu: A mix of Western and Thai favorites. Their Mango Sticky Rice is legendary, and their quesadillas are a great savory snack.

Digital Nomad Info: Strong Wi-Fi is available. You can sit on the outdoor patio to work, which is very relaxing, though you might want to bring some mosquito repellent!

Timing: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Days Open: Thursday to Tuesday (Closed on Wednesdays)

7. Cafe Rosemary: The Organic Choice

If you want to feel healthy while you work, this is the spot. They use organic vegetables and offer a very high-quality brunch menu that feels like something you would find in a boutique European cafe.

On the Menu: The Burrata Salad with figs and strawberries is a must-try. They also have healthy chia pudding bowls and organic kombucha.

Timing: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last food order at 2:00 PM)

Days Open: Daily

8. Fern Forest Cafe: The All-Time Classic

Founded in 2003, this place has become one of the legendary names among the very best cafes in Chiang Mai.

Furthermore, it is a mini forest right in the middle of town, with even a koi pond and live saxophone playing in the afternoons.

On the Menu: Amazing range! From Tom Yum Kung and Grilled Salmon to pancakes and tropical fruit bowls.

Digital Nomad Info: Although it is a well-known tourist attraction, it still accommodates many laptop users. There are many small spaces to sit in, and Wi-Fi is very good.

Opening Hours: 8:30 AM, 6:15 PM

Days Open: Daily

9. PLUTO: The Out-of-This-World Experience

Really, this spot has grabbed attention mainly because of its amazing futuristic, geometric architectural style.

On the menu: Why not try their “fusion” dishes, such as Spaghetti in Ramen Broth, accompanied by salmon sashimi or truffle pasta with cured egg yolk.

Moreover, just as the building is, the presentation is highly imaginative.

Digital Nomad Info: Even though it is frequented by photographers, the cafe offers free Wi-Fi and ample seating.

You can even consider this place for those quick jobs, with the bonus of being in a fashionable setting.

Timing: 9:00 AM, 12:00 AM (Midnight)

Days open: Daily

10. Mitte Mitte: A European Escape

Mitte Mitte is tucked away in a quaint building setting and serves high-end European comfort dishes.

It provides a warm, inviting space that is like a quiet retreat from the bustling city streets.

On the Menu: You will come across rare delicacies such as Beef Wellington or Duck Confit, along with freshly handmade bagels and Salmon Eggs Royale, topped with vibrant, smooth hollandaise sauce.

Digital Nomad Info: The furnishings are serene, comfy, and quite professional. Besides dependable Wi-Fi and a leisurely rhythm, it is an excellent place to bring out your laptop for a couple of hours.

Timing: 8:00 AM, 6:00 PMDays Open: Daily

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