Chiang Mai’s Most Talked-About Cafes Right Now

The Story 106 Co-Working Space &Cafe - Laptop friendly and low-key creative

On the east side of the Ping River, The Story 106 is part cafe, part co-working refuge. It is trending because remote workers are hunting for quieter alternatives to the packed Old City work cafes, and this spot hits the sweet spot between focus and comfort.

Inside, you get big windows, plenty of outlets, fast Wi-Fi, and a mellow playlist that makes long work sessions bearable. The drinks menu leans into solid espresso-based coffee, iced lattes, and easygoing comfort food, so you can stay all day without thinking about where to eat next.

Why it is trending now:

• Growing word of mouth among digital nomads who want a less touristy work base
• A steady rise in online reviews that mention the relaxed, non-rushed vibe
• Neighborhood energy picking up as more creative studios and apartments fill in around it

Best for: deep work sessions, small meetings, and anyone who wants a cafe that feels like a friendly office away from home.

Transit Number 8 - Industrial cool near the tracks

Transit Number 8 is one of Chiang Mai’s most photographed cafes, a coffee hangout built around an industrial train-yard aesthetic. It is trending because it nails the mix of design, coffee quality, and atmosphere that social media loves.

Expect exposed concrete, metal details, and a layout that feels like a set from a music video. The baristas take their craft seriously, with carefully dialed-in espresso and filter options, plus creative seasonal drinks that keep regulars coming back.

Why it is trending now:

• Huge review volume and consistently high ratings keeping it at the top of search results
• Instagram and TikTok content featuring its industrial backdrop and latte art
• A go-to stop for cafe-hopping routes that loop between the train station and trendy neighborhoods

Best for: design lovers, cafe-hoppers, and anyone who wants a “this could be in Tokyo or Seoul” coffee moment in Chiang Mai.

ma lune (มาลูน) Thai Specialty Coffee Roaster - Micro roastery with serious cred

ma lune is a compact specialty coffee roaster that has quietly become a must-visit for coffee purists. It is trending because more travelers are seeking Thai-grown beans and roasters who can explain flavor notes, processing, and origins in detail.

The space is minimalist and calm, with a small bar that keeps the focus on the coffee itself. You will find single-origin Thai beans, carefully prepared pour-overs, and espresso that highlights sweetness and clarity. Many visitors leave with bags of beans as souvenirs instead of generic gifts.

Why it is trending now:

• A surge in recent reviews praising both the coffee quality and education from baristas
• Growing interest in Thai specialty coffee among international visitors
• Word of mouth in coffee forums and nomad groups recommending it as a “must-taste” roaster

Best for: serious coffee drinkers, home brewers shopping for beans, and anyone who wants to understand what makes Thai coffee special.

Magokoro Teahouse by มีใจให้มัทฉะ - Matcha sanctuary in the city

Magokoro Teahouse by มีใจให้มัทฉะ is a Japanese-inspired teahouse that feels like a calm pocket of Kyoto in Chiang Mai. It is trending because matcha culture is booming, and travelers want quieter, ritual-focused spaces instead of only coffee bars.

Inside, you will find tatami-style seating, wooden details, and carefully prepared matcha in multiple grades, plus wagashi-style sweets and seasonal desserts. The staff often explain preparation and flavor profiles, turning your drink into a small ceremony.

Why it is trending now:

• Strong and steady review growth from both locals and visitors who seek a slow, mindful tea experience
• Social media buzz around its photogenic matcha sets and serene interiors
• Rising interest in non-coffee cafe options for afternoons and caffeine-sensitive guests

Best for: tea lovers, anyone needing a sensory reset, and travelers who want a quiet, contemplative break from the city.

Akha Ama Phrasingh - Ethically sourced hill-tribe coffee

Akha Ama Phrasingh is a flagship cafe for one of Thailand’s most respected social-impact coffee brands. It is trending because conscious travelers are prioritizing ethical sourcing and community stories behind their cup.

The cafe sits near Wat Phra Singh, making it a perfect stop on any Old City walk. Beans are sourced from Akha hill-tribe communities and roasted to highlight balance and drinkability. You can order everything from classic cappuccinos to hand-brewed single origins, along with light snacks.

Why it is trending now:

• High and sustained review volume that keeps it on every “best coffee in Chiang Mai” list
• Growing interest in responsible tourism and supporting local farming communities
• Its central Phrasingh location makes it an easy meeting point for both locals and visitors

Best for: travelers who care where their coffee comes from, Old City explorers, and anyone wanting a cafe with a strong story and consistent quality.

How to cafe-hop Chiang Mai like a local

• Cluster your stops: Plan one day around the Old City and Phrasingh (Akha Ama Phrasingh, then Magokoro Teahouse), and another around the riverside and creative districts (The Story 106, Transit Number 8, plus ma lune).
• Go early: The most popular spots fill up fast. Mornings mean better light, cooler temperatures, and quieter corners for work or reading.
• Alternate coffee and tea: Mix intense espresso stops like ma lune with slower tea sessions at Magokoro so you do not burn out on caffeine.

Why these Chiang Mai cafes are trending now

Chiang Mai’s cafe scene is evolving from simple laptop spots to places with strong identities, ethical sourcing, and design-led spaces. These five venues show where the city is heading: community-focused, visually distinct, and serious about what is in your cup.

Use MapsBuddy to keep ahead of the curve. We surface the cafes gaining real momentum in reviews and local buzz, so you can find the next favorite spot before it goes fully mainstream.