You're pretty spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee in Chiang Mai as the coffee scene has boomed over the last few years - with quirky, hipster coffee shops popping up everywhere in the city. They offer more than just Thai ice coffee with specialized beans soured locally and from around the world, together with different brewing methods that would attract coffee lovers alike.

To get your next perfect cup of coffee, here’s a list of 5 great spots to get your next fix from:

Overstand Coffee Shop

There are two Overstand coffee shops in the city, one in the Old City and one in Nimman, just outside the Old City walls. Overstand represents great coffee, local art and excellent western-style brunch food. They source their coffee beans from the Chiang Mai region and support local businesses in the area by buying their coffee as well as their food produce.

The cafe in Nimman is rather small but offers a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious, smooth and strong coffee. You can get your favorite Aussie style flat white to a more local Thai iced coffee, as well as locally produced Monsoon Teas.

They also offer great brunch and lunch options six days a week, from avocado mixed with feta to their most popular dish of parmesan eggs and olive tapped on sourdough. If you’re after more of a health kick, then you can go for their delicious fresh smoothies that are packed with vitamins.

Coffee prices:

50 - 90 Baht.

Addresses and opening times:

Old City: 19/3 Ratchamanka Road Soi 2.

Open 08:00 - 15.30, everyday.

Nimman: 29 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane.

Open 08:00 - 15.30, everyday.

FB: @OverstandCoffee

Ristr8to - Specialty Coffee

If you’re after a more eccentric kind of coffee, then look no further than Ristr8to.

Ristr8to is an Australian inspired specialist coffee cafe who have a range of beans from around the world and locally, as well as offering a very unique experience. The coffee menu is more like a book, with a wide range of different combinations, such as coffee with butterscotch presented in a skull glass to coffee presented in test tubes. The vast menu describes each coffee in detail so you can choose the right one for you.

The cafe is small but oozes character that attracts a lot of tourists for its unique style, which means it can get busy. It’s located right near the Maya Lifestyle Shopping Centre so be sure to check it out after or before your next shopping splurge.

Coffee prices:

68 - 88 Baht.

Address and opening times:

15/3 Nimmanhemin Road

Open 07:00 - 18:00, everyday.

FB: @ristr8to

Fahtara Coffee

Fahtrara Coffee is a little touch of tranquility on the outskirts of the Old City.

You’re greeted by beautiful plants both inside the cafe and in the rear garden, which is a great place to unwind with a quality cup of coffee. They have this magnificent waterwheel that drowns out the noisy streets, together with the vaporizing feel of fresh plants and trees that incase you in this little haven.

The beans are locally sourced by local hill tribes from around Chiang Mai. The profit Fahtrara make goes towards helping children in remote locations who don’t have access to Kindergarten level education. So not only can you be assured that you’re getting a great coffee, but you’re also helping those in need.

You can get a range of lattes that are hot or frappe, from vanilla and hazelnut to a more sweeter cookie cream latte. As well as the classic Italian coffees.

The cafe is also known for its great range of food from classic western dishes like Eggs Benedict to Khao Soi, which is the most famous dish in Northern Thailand.

Coffee prices:

50 - 110 Baht.

Address and opening times:

57 57/1 Jhaban Rd.

Open 08:00 - 21:00, everyday.

FB: @fahtaracoffee

Ma-Chill Coffee

If you’ve had a busy day walking around the Old City and want to recharge your batteries with some good quality coffee blends, then head to Ma-Chill Coffee for your fix.

You can tell they really care about the coffee they produce as you get a little card with your drink of choice explaining what type of coffee it is, and where it’s from. It also comes with complimentary water and a small biscuit, which is a nice welcoming touch.

If you’re peckish, there’s a range of quick bites, such as filling sandwiches and fresh pastries.

Coffee prices:

60 - 85 Baht.

Address and opening times:

11/11 Sri Donchai Road.

Open 08:00 - 16:00, every day but closed on Monday’s.

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Ma.chill.Chiangmai/

Ponganes Coffee Roasters

This small batch coffee roasters could easily be missed if you don’t look for it. Located right near the famous Tha Pae Walking Street in the Old City, this little cafe will give you a good, quality boost before you hit the night market.

Ponganes lets the coffee do the talking; with its minimalist layout including a small espresso bar and a roastery in the back - you can tell these guys are serious about their beans. I really like this style of cafe because it doesn’t try to be anything else than just a coffee shop.

They often display tasters of different coffees from Colombia, Sumatra and local brews that you can try before you buy. Ponganes also offer workshops that allow you to learn how to get the best out of your beans at home.

Coffee prices:

60 - 100 Baht.

Address and opening times:

133/5 Ratchapakhinai Road.

Open 10:00 - 16:00, Thursday to Sunday.

FB: @ponganeseespressobar