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Fern Forest Cafe
Activities & Tours
Chiang Mai

Fern Forest Cafe

4.4(3,346 reviews)$$$$

Tucked along Singharat Road in central Chiang Mai, Fern Forest Cafe offers a striking contrast to the surrounding city streets. Tall trees, dense ferns, and shaded garden seating create the feeling of stepping into a forest, while ambient music and the sound of water add to the tranquil atmosphere. It draws a loyal following among both visitors and locals, with many returning repeatedly during their stay. The cafe functions as a full food and drink destination rather than a simple refreshment stop. The menu spans fresh fruit smoothies, specialty shakes, cakes, and baked goods alongside savoury dishes such as sandwiches and pasta. Standout items mentioned by visitors include the black forest chocolate shake, caramel milkshake, and salmon pesto pasta. Staff are noted for being professional and attentive, and food is generally described as fresh and well-prepared. Good to know: Fern Forest Cafe is a popular spot and queues for tables are common, particularly during peak hours, so arriving early or outside of midday rush periods is advisable. Opening hours are not listed online, so it is worth confirming locally or checking on arrival before making the trip. The mid-range pricing makes it a reasonable option for most budgets, and the central location on Singharat Road is easily reachable by tuk-tuk, songthaew, or on foot from many of Chiang Mai's old city guesthouses.

Experience hints

Mid-range

Pair your visit. After Fern Forest Cafe, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

Delicious food, great ambience and very professional and polite staff. The food came in a timely manner, seemingly fresh and perfectly cooked. We had the club sandwhich and pasta salmon with pesto. They got our orders right and it was prepared perfectly. The salmon was juicy and flavorful and cooked to perfection. I'm from Norway so I know salmon, and I was very happy with it. The club sandwhich was also really good and presented beautifully. There could have been more fries, but it was good as is too. We also ordered the mango/passion fruit smoothie and the berry smoothie. Tasted as expected, very good 🤗 The ambience is very calm, chill with smooth jazz playing at the perfect level. Of course they fern theme in itself makes it feel like you're close to nature and it's the perfect place to eat. Staff was very polite and served all our needs. All in all a good place to eat for a chill meal. Their desserts seemed amazing but we didn't order any.

A Hidden Green Oasis in the Heart of Chiang Mai 🌿 Fern Forest Cafe is a true gem tucked away in the city. The moment you walk in, you’re surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees fresh, shaded, and incredibly peaceful. It feels like escaping into a secret garden right in the middle of Chiang Mai. The atmosphere is perfect for relaxing and staying awhile. Many international visitors love spending time here, and it’s easy to understand why, it’s calm, charming, and beautifully natural. I ordered the tiramisu and coconut cake, and both were excellent. The tiramisu was rich and well-balanced, the coconut cake light and fragrant without being too sweet. The yuzu cold brew coffee was also fantastic refreshing, smooth, and a perfect pairing with the desserts. If you’re looking for a serene garden café with great cakes and quality drinks, this is definitely a must visit in Chiang Mai. Highly recommended.

It's a popular place with people waiting in line for a table. We ordered a fruit smoothie and the black forest chocolate shake. Both were amazing. The smoothie was bursting with flavor while the shake, topped with tiny squares of cake and a cherry, was sweetly thick. The rich green curry goes well with the roti. The tumeric rice is well balanced, with fried battered fish fillets. Service is fast despite the place fully packed. Ambience is an oasis of forest in the middle of the city.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Through Klook or GetYourGuide

These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

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Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)