Chiang Mai never runs out of chic new must-hit openings, so if you’re heading up north this winter, here are our hot spots to eat, drink, sleep and, most importantly, get a hit of fresh northern coffee.

Serious Grub

Arno’s

Bangkok’s all-conquering butcher-slash-eatery is now busting out its famous dry-aged Charollais beef up north—go for their 45-day aged steak (200g) with fries for B350 or an 800g tomahawk for B1,220. 
114/1 Ratcha Phakhinai Rd., 053-273-493. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.fb.com/arnos.chiangmai 

Chocolate Factory

Khao Yai’s Chocolate Factory takes on a charming 150-year-old Lanna house by the Ping River, serving savory Thai and international dishes as well as all things chocolate—try the white chocolate cheesecake (B100) or decadent chocolate hazelnut lava (B180).
95 Charoen Prathet Rd., 063-381-6667. Open daily 10am-10pm. goo.gl/QrYU1s

Goro Japanese Restaurant

One of Bangkok’s original family-owned Japanese restaurants has relocated up north to continue its tradition of unpretentious, umami-packed food at reasonable prices—try the rich yakitori motsuyaki (grilled marinated meat skewers, B25 each) and the uni aburi nigiri (grilled sea urchin on rice, B290).
9/2 Atsadathon Rd., Siphum, 053-234-563. Mon-Sat noon-12:30am, Sun noon-midnight. www.fb.com/goro.cnx

Hom Duan

Ekkamai’s much-loved northern-Thai diner is now serving its lip-smacking khao soi, luscious gaeng hang lay and spicy sai oua (B50-80) in a white-washed American-style country house in Chiang Mai, complete with a spacious balcony, fairy-lit courtyard and in-house coffee shop. 
144/4 Suthep Rd., 095-673-6351. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.fb.com/HomduanChiangmai

Kaprao168

This tiny alfresco spot next to Chiang Mai University is dedicated entirely to kaprao, from classic pork to braised beef (B55), crispy deep-fried squid (B55), sweet Chinese sausage (B40) and even pork intestine (B65). 
Baanmailangmoa Soi 5, 097-095-0168. Open Sun-Fri 11am-8pm. www.fb.com/Kaprao168

Paisley Tapas Bar & Restaurant

Take a plush red leather seat in this lavish opium den-like tapas bar, where craft cocktails are accompanied by sharing dishes like deviled eggs topped with pumpkin mousse and shrimp (B180) and lemongrass-wrapped minced pork (B280).
185/3 Wualai, Hai Ya, 088-216-6028. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.

Caffeine Stations

Cottontree Coffee Roasters

Follow the scent of coffee wafting from the back room roaster into this sparse and simple cafe, dotted with dark wood furniture and the odd plant. Head here for silent reading parties (a real thing) and an earthy cold brew steeped overnight with ginger caramel (B90). Don’t miss the perfectly sweet and tart cheesecake made daily.
45/38 Chang Phuak Rd., 086-090-9014. Open Wed-Mon 8am-4pm. goo.gl/NYc22i 

Find Coffee

Science lab-like with its glossy surfaces and bare-bones decor, this coffee shop prepares reasonably-priced drinks and baked goods with clinical precision. Go for the daily-baked, small-batch “cruffin” (croissant crossed with a muffin) in custard, green tea or lemon with a coffee (B40) made from locally-sourced beans.
257/22 Suthep Rd., 086-567-3330. Open daily 7:30am-6pm. www.fb.com/findcoffeecnx

Frose Yogurt Cafe

Surround yourself with flamingo sculptures, colorful treats in bell jars, potted flowers and neon signs with cloying, Insta-friendly declarations at this dollhouse-like cafe, as you devour fruity frozen yogurt with over 50 toppings—fresh-cut fruit, gummies and cookies, to name a few (B59/100g). 
Nimmanhaemin Soi 5, 061-789-9165. Open 11am-9pm. www.fb.com/froseyogurtcafe

Gateway Coffee Roaster

One of the north’s best-loved coffee houses has expanded yet further to this crumbling two-story building. Don’t be deterred by the shabby exterior, as inside you’ll be treated to cosy, rustic interiors and creative concoctions like the Hibernate (B145)—a latte with orange pulp and honeycomb on a base of maple panna cotta. 
Thapae Rd. Open daily 9am-6pm. www.fb.com/gatewaycoffeeroasters 

Graph Cafe

Chiang Mai’s Instagram darling has a new spot at One Nimman, with undeniably cool Soviet-inflected interiors—think raw, industrial cinder block walls and dim, hanging light bulbs. Grab a Lost Garden (a nitrogen-brew coffee infused with rose water, B135) and a golden, custard-stuffed “cruffin”.
One Nimman A103-104, 1/6 Nimmanhaemin Rd., 086-567-3330. Open daily 10am-9pm. www.fb.com/graphonenimman

Keep in Touch

To the north of the city, this charming plant-covered coffee shop serves Western-inspired dishes, like the zucchini fritters topped with creme fraiche, mango salsa, and house smoked salmon (B135) and the waffles topped with caramelized banana, fresh fruit and ice-cream (B149), as well as classic Thai khao soi (B95). 
24/21 Chonlapatan Rd., 089-999-0509. Open daily 10am-9:30pm. www.fb.com/keepintouchchiangmai

Luciano Coffee Bar

Crossing 17th-century baroque with contemporary industrial, this beautiful moody-blue cafe blends exposed brick with faux-antique miscellany. Head here for decadent ice cream—from Oreo Cheese Cream to Collagen Boost Yogurt (B25/scoop)—or Belgian waffles (B159).
204 Faham, 053-230-021. Open Wed-Mon 8am-5pm. www.fb.com/Lucianocoffeebar

Maled

Coffee snobs and Instagram aesthetes unite at the second branch of Maled—dash in for a quick morning coffee and you’ll invariably be drawn into the cafe’s cozy, loungey mood and the Scandinavian minimalism that’s right out of a Kinfolk photoshoot. Arrive early to catch the specialty Jelly Black (coffee jelly with milk, B95), as they only serve six cups of it per day.
D.K. Mansion, Suthep, 099-295-5655. Open daily 8am-6pm. goo.gl/a6Bc6W

On Cloud 9

Everything on the menu here will have you buzzing, whether it’s the drinks topped in clouds of cotton candy or the signature Fluffy Unicorn Poop (B155)—a double almond brownie heaped with cookies ‘n’ cream ice cream and cotton candy. In contrast, the decor skews minimalist, with a glass-brick wall and occasional signs the only ornamentation. 
5 Nimmanhaemin Soi 9, 065-478-0688. Open daily 11am-10pm. www.fb.com/Oncloudnineofficial

Piccadilly

Like its many sweet-shop peers, Nimman’s snug dessert extravaganza comes in solid pink. With outdoor alleyway seating shaded by trees, order a cute, picture-perfect ice cream (B80/ scoop) festooned with kaleidoscopic toppings from Froot Loops and Pocky through marshmallows in myriad shapes. 
Nimmanhaemin Soi 7, 083-325-2533. Open daily 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/piccadillydessertbar

Simple Simple

Take a detour down the back-alleys of Nimmanhaemin Soi 17 and you’ll discover this nook for quality coffee, sweet treats and photo opportunities. Sip on matcha, milk and espresso and rose-infused lattes (B75-85) dressed up with Instagram-worthy finesse amid potted plants, colorful flower jars and pops of vintage-green.
8/5 Soi Champi Sirimangkalajarn, 064-474-4446. Open daily 9am-6pm. goo.gl/ABmsD1

Farms, Forests and Coffee

Any good Instagrammer knows that the best photo ops are out of town and in the forest. Check out Chiang Mai’s latest wilderness cafes.

Chez Nous

Just 15 minutes’ drive from the center lies a little piece of Brittany—arches, red brick walls and quaint furniture accompany ingredients flown in from France. For something filling, try a bread bowl (B169-179), topped with cheddar, mozzarella and an egg.
118/5 San Klang, 094-663-8855. Open Thu-Tue 9am-5pm. www.fb.com/cheznousbakingatelier

Jungle de Cafe

If you’re heading to Mae Rim, lose yourself in nature at this treehouse-style cafe perched above a waterfall.  
99/9 Pongyang, Maerim, 053-106-327. Open daily 9am-6pm. www.fb.com/jungledecafe

Brandnew Field Good

Originally built as a wedding venue for the celebrity couple owners, this dreamlike space has now been transformed into a cafe and restaurant. Traipse the raised boardwalk lined with fairy lights for a taste of northern coffee.
210 Banpong, Hangdong, 097-978-8456. Open Mon, Wed-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. www.fb.com/brandnewfieldgood

Munchies Café

Surrounded by farms and foliage to the southwest of the city, this cosy spot brings the pastoral vibes: farm-animal murals, exposed brick, raw wood and lots of plants. The cakes and jams are homemade, which is probably why the sticky date pudding and exotic fruit cheesecake are so fresh and fruity (B100).
Soi Ubosod, Mae Hea, 081-764-3446. Open Tue-Sat 9am-6pm. www.fb.com/MunchiesCafeChiangMai

Naive Cafe  in Art

On your way to Mae Kampong village? Make a stop at Chiang Mai Art Museum, a small independent gallery that also houses this little garden cafe, where coffees (from B50) are served alongside dishes including thin-crust pizzas (from B199) and buffalo chicken wings (B79).
Chiang Mai Art Museum, Rong Wua Dang, San Kampang, 094-635-4570. Open daily 9am-5pm. goo.gl/5K47UL

Something Stronger­ 

NUII Nui

Ice-cream parlor by day, hipster hangout by night, this intimate rustic cafe transforms into a bar come sundown with the flick of a pink and blue light switch. The limited four signature cocktails (B150-200) entail unusual umeshu-based (Japanese plum wine) concoctions, mixed with the likes of passion fruit, rose water and egg white.
11/1 King Prajadhipok Rd. Open Thu-Tue 10:30am-5:30pm and 6-11:45pm. www. fb.com/NUII 

Yeepua Tapas & Jam Bar

Retro ‘80s neon lights flood a space topped by kitsch crate and bottle chandeliers. Order over six items to get discounted “wholesale” prices—from deep fried pork neck (B105) and seared scallops with mushroom Caesar sauce (B160), to cocktails like the Yeepua (London dry gin, cucumber, elderflower and red wine, B240).
179/44 Choc Chiangmai Project, Mahidol Rd., 053-282-053. Open daily 11am-midnight. www.fb.com/yeepuatapasandjambar

We Didn't Land on the Moon Since 1987

The third incarnation of this secretive dive bar conjures up a dingy spaceship feel with its UV-tinged white surfaces and distinctive circular window. Upstairs, pink lights and colorful disco balls preside over intimate indie gigs amid all manner of random paraphernalia, while the friendly bar serves beers and cocktails resulting in an experience akin to drinking at an eccentric friend’s apartment.
Tha Pae 2, 085-499-6245. Open Thu-Sat 5pm-midnight. www.fb.com/wedidntlandonthemoonsince1987chiangmai

Shop and Spa

One Nimman

At this eye-catching, Europe-evoking mall, you’ll find cafes, restaurants, spas, and boutiques selling arts and crafts, home decor and colorful, local fabrics with a modern-chic energy—check out Outfit of the Day, which sources clothing and accessories under a “Minimal & White” concept, or head to eco-friendly Swiss brand, Freitag, to get your hands on their signature bag. An organic locally-grown market is held on Sundays, too (7am-2pm).
1 Nimmanhaemin Rd., 052-080-900. Open daily 11am-11pm. www.onenimman.com 

RarinJinda Wellness Spa

After a major revamp, this spa is back—bigger and better than ever. The traditional decor belies treatments which utilize the most modern onsen and hydrotherapy technologies, while of course classic Thai massage is also on offer. Packages last anything from one to four hours—try the one hour Splashy Hydropool Massage (B2,000), which sees your whole body massaged by warm jets of water from eight-station shower heads in a big indoor swimming pool.
1, 14 Chareonraj Rd., 053-247-000. Open 9am-10pm. www.rarinjinda.com

Hotels to Rest Your Head

Away Chiang Mai Thapae

Health is at the heart of this vegetarian, alcohol-free resort, where a relaxing atmosphere combines with organic eating at the onsite Moreganic restaurant. The elegant white and blond wood interiors mix colonial architecture and Lanna style, while the rooms offer contrasting dark wood and ocean-blue walls, with blue Portuguese ceramic tiles and brass fixtures in the bathrooms.
9 Kotchasarn Rd., 053-904-974. From B3,000/night. www.awayresorts.com 

Chantra Khiri Chalet Resort

Offering panoramic views from its hilltop perch, this resort is home to two-story Lanna-style villas, featuring dusky teakwood, multi-tiered roofs and spacious balconies with stunning forest views, all centered around a man-made waterfall. The elegant onsite restaurant specializes in traditional Thai and northern dishes and opens out onto the resort’s hillside swimming pool.
49 Moo 3, Baan Pong, Hangdong, 052-010-155. From B4,375/night. www.chantrakhirichalet.com

Elliebum Boutique Hotel

In the city center, this colonial-style mansion boasts a limited 12 rooms. The minimalist interiors mix clean whites and lacquered blond wood flooring, saving all the fuss for the gloriously palatial gold-tiled bathrooms with their stencil-patterned appliances. Limited space means there’s no gym or spa, but they do have a Western-leaning restaurant onsite.
114/3-5, Rachamankha Rd., 090-318-6429. From B2,000/night. goo.gl/5afLbD

Onsen at Moncham

Bringing Japanese bathing to the peaceful rolling green hills of Moncham, this high-end retreat abounds in minimalist blond-wood and bamboo elegance. Each stay in the 16 rooms and suites grants access to a range of therapeutic pools and private bathtubs capable of increasing your blood flow and rejuvenating your skin. A well-stocked bar, gym and spa complete the list of facilities, while the lakeside Thai-Japanese restaurant offers views of the green surrounds.
293 Pong Yaeng, Mae Rim, 053-111-606. From B6,000/night. www.onsenmoncham.com

X2 Chiang Mai Riverside Resort

Situated right on the banks of the Ping River, this five-star resort takes inspiration from Wat U-Mong, Chiang Mai's Lanna-style temple known for its maze-like tunnels. Red brick walls and carved pathways blend with modern design elements and facilities like a rooftop gym, pool and bar with views of Doi Suthep and the city. The five-story building boasts 30 rooms and suites, some overlooking the river.
369/1 Charoenraj Rd., Watket, 053-931-999. From B6,200/night. www.x2resorts.com/resorts/chiang-mai-riverside 

Insider Knowledge

Locals tell us their top food picks for an authentic Chiang Mai experience.

Ratchapn Charoenksl, 24, fashion stylist
“Aong Thip Rod. Here, they’ve got these delicious nipple-shaped meatballs with pork-bone broth that’s bomb. The place is located right in the middle of the city and closes very late at night—always my go-to spot after a bar crawl.”

Jedsadarak Loylom, 24, barista
“Boat Bakery does really great Thai-fusion dishes. I’ve been going there since I was a kid and now I’m still finding it very, very good.”

Poohrin Chaita, 23, office staff
“I’ve grown up eating at Rad Na Yok Fah and I’ve got to say the flavor at this noodle place has never changed. The vermicelli with beef gravy is the absolute best!”