If you haven’t already heard, Chiang Mai is Thailand’s new caffeine capital. As the home ground for many cafes, Chiang Mai is shifting the paradigm of what a cafe should be and raising the standard for all cafes out there. With more and more of them popping up all over, food and drinks are no longer what cafe-goers are paying attention to. Rather, the overall look and atmosphere of the place. In other words, they’re changing course to cafes with Instagram-worthy shots to take.
With so many cafes to choose from, we’ve prepared a list of the crème de la crème of Instagram-worthy cafes in Chiang Mai.
1. No. 39 Cafe
No. 39 Cafe is a charming wooden cafe snuggled up in a jungle of forests, almost like one of those Summer cabins from the movies. Well, it certainly has that much-needed peaceful ambience and scenic view you’ve been looking for. What’s more, the glimmering turquoise-blue pond in the center adds the final touch giving it jungle-like vibes and making it the perfect Instagram-worthy shot! So, sit by the pond with a thirst-quenching drink in one hand and take in the handsome view of nature.
The best part is that the cafe menu is filled with mouthwatering treats and beverages to keep you company as you bask in the serenity of nature, away from the hubbub of the city.
| Location: 39/2, Moo 10, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 09:30 ~ 19:00
2. Chom Cafe and Restaurant
Chom Cafe & Restaurant is a scene straight out of a Disney movie – a real-life replica of the magical Mermaid Lagoon from Peter Pan. This rainforest-themed cafe is that oasis in the city you’ve been searching for. Then, there’s the flora and fauna against the cascading waterfall, enveloped in a thick layer of mist that only makes this place even more mystical. What’s more, if you’re lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time, you might see a rainbow or two. That’ll surely be a shot worthy for Instagram!
Being both a cafe and restaurant, they’ve got a variety of tooth-sweetening treats as well as a fine selection of delectable dishes to dine on!
| Location: 2/13, Moo 2, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 11:00 ~ 23:00 (24:00 on Tue & Thu)
3. Phufinn Doi
Phufinn Doi is definitely a spot you want to save for an evening visit. Just a few minutes away from major attractions like Grand Canyon Water Park and Chiang Mai Night Safari, this cafe is where you want to be for the best sunset views! Perched on the side of a hill, Phufinn Doi overlooks Hang Dong District, providing the most magnificent panoramic views of the valley below. The main highlight of Phufinn Doi is, unfortunately, not the desserts they serve, but the hundreds of photo ops at every corner to fill up your Instagram feed – especially among the giant nests against the backdrop of the clear blue skies.
Don’t forget to try this juicy treat right here, the ‘Snow Ice Watermelon, which is a popular dessert menu at Phufinn Doi!
Also, if you’ve got time to spare, check out Phufinn’s other locations – Phufinn Terrace and Phufinn In The Lake – which have equally amazing views. 🌅
| Location: Nam Phrae, Hang Dong District, Chiang Mai 50230, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 09:00 ~ 19:00
4. Forest Bake
As a quaint wooden cabin, you wouldn’t expect it to be filled with probably the most picture-perfect scrumptiously appetizing pastries in the world. Nonetheless, just one look inside Forest Bake will prove quite the contrary. The amount of dedication and effort they’ve put into their tasty treats as well as their interior, which also has that cabin-in-the-woods feeling to it, is quite amazing. The crimson-red leaves and flowers definitely give the place a special touch and definitely bring out the color of the berries in their pastries even more. Personally, I think the place gives off a Little Red Riding Hood vibe and the pastries here look like the very heavenly treats she would be carrying in her basketful of delights to her grandmother.
With tasty treats like these, this is surely a cafe I’d visit for the food. So, have your phones at the ready to snap away for the perfect gram here at Forest Bake.
They have a Bangkok branch too, so if you’re in the area make sure to pay a visit!
| Location: 8/2 Nha Wat Kate Road., Soi 1, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 10:30 ~ 17:00
5. The Barn: Eatery Design
It’s not every day you find a barn house in the middle of the city. Well, The Barn: Eatery Design isn’t just your typical barn where you’d expect to find a stable of horses. What used to be an actual barn is now a modern, chic cafe popular amongst the youth for its laid back vibes and good atmosphere which is great for getting some work done or just hanging out. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a greenhouse / botanic garden due to the huge glass window panes and open, airy space. It’s hard to place my finger on anything specific, but the overall interior and atmosphere definitely give off the ideal Instagram aesthetic. Add a dash of the vintage feels after a visit to The Barn: Eatery Design!
And, of course, you can’t leave out the tasty treats. They sure make some mean coconut pies here that will have you begging for more. However, keep in mind, they are as popular as they are delicious so, if you’re hoping to grab a slice, make sure to get there early!
| Location: 14 Srivichai Soi 5, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 10:00 ~ 01:00
6. Daddy’s Antique Cafe & Restaurant
Get a taste of Europe at a quaint Swiss-style church in Chiang Mai at Daddy’s Antique Cafe & Restaurant. The name doesn’t denote the antiquity of the building itself but the actual pieces of antiques decorating the walls of the restaurant – antique collectables from all over the world belonging to the owner’s father. The collection of antique clocks and framed photographs hanging on the brick wall is a sight to see and definitely one you wouldn’t come by often.
Don’t forget to get your cameras snapping outside for the European feels. The vine-covered stairwell is another beautiful Instagram-worthy spot to get your finger clicking away!
If you’re a fan of coffee, try Daddy’s Antique’s signature beverage – Jack Hammer Cold Brew. It does sound like a type of liquor but it’s a bottle of smooth cold-pressed coffee with a special touch to it!
| Location: 45/8, Moo 1, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand
| Hours: Daily 11:00 ~ 22:00
Once you’ve checked out these cafes, head on out to experience the rest of Chiang Mai!
Activities to do in Chiang Mai:
Siam Dragon Cabaret Show Chiang Mai
Miracle Cabaret Show Chiang Mai
Also, check out these other blogs to brush up on your knowledge of Chiang Mai:
10 Activities You Must Do In Chiang Mai
There are so many more great cafes all over Chiang Mai it would be impossible to list all of them here. Nonetheless, if you had to choose, which cafe would you check out first?
As fun as it is, cafe-hopping isn’t the only thing to do around here. Discover many more things to see and do in Thailand on Trazy.com, Asia’s #1 Travel Shop.
