“To truly understand the people of a country, just observe how they spend their leisure time.”
Lin Yutang
There is a kind of tranquility that is unique to Chiang Mai. Most locals and tourists move about unhurriedly and at ease. On the contrary, those who are in a rush to check emails or scroll through Facebook will find themselves anxious no matter where they go. To slow down your pace, you must first adjust your state of mind. Upon arriving in Chiang Mai, I found cafes everywhere, mostly small ones, each with its own distinct charm.
This trip lasted 10 days, and I visited one or more cafes every day.
Here are some of the cafes I visited and would recommend:
1. Using locally sourced beans — Akha Ama Coffee
2. A conscientious little eatery offering refined vegetarian fare — Free Bird Cafe
3. Coffee × art exhibitions × botanical space — Woo Cafe & Art Gallery
4. Black-and-white café — Graph Cafe
1. Using locally sourced beans — Akha Ama Coffee
This cafe specializes in northern Thai coffee and also sells beans grown in the Akha villages of northern Thailand, supporting local coffee farmers. The owner is also from a northern Thai ethnic group, born and raised in the region.
The cafe is located in a quiet alley, far from the hustle and bustle. The storefront is filled with plants, gently drawing you into the world of coffee with their soft green energy. I spent over an hour here with a friend, sometimes sitting outside, sometimes inside. Chiang Mai summers are scorching, and air conditioning is a blessing, but sitting outdoors embraced by nature is wonderfully comfortable too...
I ordered a latte and an iced black coffee (75 Baht), both with a hint of sweetness and very refreshing.
akha ama coffee
Address: 9/1 Mata Apartment, Hussadhisewee rd, soi 3 Chang Phuak, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Transport: About 18 minutes on foot from the north gate of the Old City
Hours: 08:00–18:00
Phone: 086 915 8600
Website: http://www.akhaama.com/
2. A conscientious little eatery offering refined vegetarian fare — Free Bird Cafe
In the morning, you’ll definitely want to find a place for a hearty breakfast. This is Free Bird Cafe.
Aside from being a vegetarian cafe, Free Bird Cafe is also a charity organization and school dedicated to helping refugee children. The food is healthy and delicious, with a wide variety of vegetarian options—even I, not a vegetarian, enjoyed it immensely. The Cacao Smoothie Bowl is visually appealing, with a refreshing and cooling taste that rescued me from the heat of Chiang Mai.
Also, the staff and customers are especially friendly and lovely. While I was sitting there, I even got to chat with fellow travelers nearby. We talked about Thailand, travel, and had a truly relaxing time. In these unforgiving times, writing a simple yet profound memory together with strangers and a little cafe.
Free Bird Cafe
Address: 116 Maneenopparat Rd, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hours: 09:00–17:00 (Tuesday – Saturday)
Website: http://www.veggieinchiangmai.com/free-bird-cafe https://www.facebook.com/FreeBirdCafe
3. Coffee × art exhibitions × botanical space — Woo Cafe & Art Gallery
Located on Charoenrat Road, the area is dotted with many cultural and creative shops and restaurants, offering a vibe quite different from that of the Old City—yet coexisting harmoniously within the same urban fabric. Every decoration and every plant is thoughtfully designed. The meticulous arrangement makes you feel surrounded by art and greenery as soon as you step inside: the giant fern planter at the entrance, the small potted plants in the hallway, and every flower and leaf inside the cafe all reflect the designer’s careful consideration.
The only downside is that this place is extremely popular. When I visited around 3 PM, it was crowded and inevitably a bit noisy, so if you’re looking for a quiet spot to read or listen to music, this might not be the best cafe for you.
Woo Cafe & Art Gallery
Address: 80 Charoenrat Road Wat Gate, Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand
Transportation: About a 20-minute walk from the eastern gate of the Old City, “Tha Phae Gate,” towards the Ping River
Hours: 10:00–22:00
Phone: 052 003 717
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Woochiangmai/
4. Black-and-white coffee at Graph Cafe
At first, I came here just for a cup of black-and-white coffee called monochrome, but later I realized it was the story of the café that truly captivated me.
Life is full of twists and turns, with ups and downs, which is why this café is named “Graph Cafe.” The owner loves photography, coffee, and traveling, and the shop is filled with his collection of vintage cameras and hats. Blending life into work is probably a dream for many.
Small city, small café — the charm lies in its character. It can close for a break anytime, and if the owner wants to go traveling for a month, they just go. After all, the rent is cheap, so there’s not much to lose. Giving up what you truly want to do just to earn a little money is the real loss.
Graph Cafe
Address: 25/1 Rajvithi Lane 1, T.Sriphoom, A.Muang Chiangmai 50200
Website: https://www.graphdream.com/
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