Our Guides to Chiang Mai
The city, the way the locals love it
After years of living here, these are the places we actually go — the cafés we start our mornings in, the kitchens we book for friends, the bars we end the night at. Every spot below is one we'd happily send you to. No sponsored listings, no tourist traps.
The kitchens we send our own guests to — from riverside fine dining to neighbourhood favourites.
13 places →
Khao soi, sai ua and sticky rice — the soulful Lanna cooking Chiang Mai is famous for.
3 places →
World-class roasters and slow, design-led cafés — the city grows its own beans in the hills.
6 places →
Garden cafés and all-day kitchens for unhurried, beautiful breakfasts.
5 places →
Rooftop sundowners and tucked-away cocktail bars for the evening.
1 place →Not sure where to start?
Let us plan your days
We've turned our favourite spots into ready-made itineraries for 2 to 7 nights — food, coffee and culture, paced just right.
See example itineraries