Fern Forest Cafe
Tucked along Singharat Road in central Chiang Mai, this cafe delivers an unexpectedly immersive escape from the surrounding city streets. Tall trees, dense ferns, shaded garden seating, ambient music, and the sound of water combine to create an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the urban environment outside — a quality that draws both visitors and locals back repeatedly during their time in the city. The menu goes well beyond drinks, functioning as a full cafe and dining destination. Fresh fruit smoothies, specialty shakes, cakes, and baked goods sit alongside savoury options including sandwiches and pasta dishes. Visitor favourites include the black forest chocolate shake, caramel milkshake, and salmon pesto pasta. Food is generally described as fresh and well-prepared, and staff are noted for being attentive and professional. Mid-range pricing makes it an accessible option for most budgets. Good to know: Fern Forest Cafe is a popular spot and queues for tables are common, particularly during midday and peak tourist hours. Arriving early or timing a visit outside the main rush is advisable to avoid a wait. Opening hours are not listed online, so it is worth confirming locally before making the trip. The central location on Singharat Road is easily reachable on foot from many old city guesthouses, as well as by tuk-tuk or songthaew.
Experience hints
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.
Location Info
54, 1 Singharat Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandVisitor 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
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)
Where to stay near Fern Forest Cafe
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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.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
Tha Phae Gate
Chiang Mai's iconic eastern Old City gate, a restored Lanna-era landmark surrounded by a lively public square.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
A sprawling nightly market on Changklan Road blending street food, local crafts, and lively atmosphere.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
A hilltop Buddhist temple southwest of Chiang Mai, free to enter and genuinely peaceful year-round.
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Lumphini Park
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SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
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Location Info
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
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)
Where to stay near Fern Forest Cafe
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.