GUEST POST: CNXLocal
CNXlocal Reviews: Our Go-To Bella Goose Cafes Around Chiang Mai
Guest post by Lily Szabo, founder of CNXlocal.com — a community guide to life and family in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai’s coffee and cafe scene is definitely part of what makes the city such a special place to live. Bella Goose is one of our favorites because whether we’re planning a fun family outing or Kris or I need a place to sit down and cowork, we know we can count on great coffee — and can always pick the cafe that best suits the needs of the day.
As a guest contribution to the Bella Goose blog, please enjoy our notes and reviews of their wonderful Chiang Mai locations.
Bella Goose Café at the Hill — Meet with Friends in the City
The first Bella Goose I ever visited was their location at the Hill, near the corner of Chang Klan and Sridonchai. This spot sits near the heart of town, between the Old City and the river, but just far enough from the night-market chaos to feel like a hidden gem. I instantly fell in love with their brunchy, Southern-leaning menu.
While we don’t live so close to this location anymore, I still get back here regularly since it’s a convenient meeting point with friends who live in town. If you’re visiting Chiang Mai and staying in town, this is one of the easiest Bella Goose cafes to visit.
Bella Goose Café Alt Old Town — In the Heart of the City
If you want to be in the Old Town itself, then head on over to Bella Goose at Alt_Chiang Mai, located right behind the famous Wat Phra Singh. Alt_ is the city’s premier coliving and coworking brand. Even in the low season this place tends to be booked by digital nomads and remote workers here to check out the scene. Day passes are available for those who want to visit, but you’re also welcome just to stop by to enjoy coffee, juice, or a delicious baked treat at Bella Goose’s cafe corner here.
For more coworking friendly cafe recommendations, check out our directory on CNXlocal.
Bella Goose Café Alt Ping River — Coffee & Quiet Near the River
Bella Goose also runs a cafe at Alt_Ping River — not on the river itself, but tucked down a little side street behind Chiang Mai’s First Church. This is their larger coliving and coworking space, and part of a little urban revival hotspot. It’s a nice walk from the Iron Bridge, past Alt_, the nearby Anusarn Building and the lively Sanpakhoi Market. There’s definitely a scene emerging in this area worth exploring for visitors and even longtime locals.
Fun fact, this is where Kris and Zach first connected through mutual friend John Ho, owner of Alt_. Kris had signed up for a coffee tasting event that Zach was hosting.
Bella Goose Café on the Pond — Escape the City for Family Time
For family time, there’s no better place to go than Bella Goose Café on the Pond in Hang Dong. As soon as we get out of the car, our kids immediately run to the little shaded playground. When we first started venturing out as a family — before we discovered Chiang Mai’s extensive kid-cafe scene — Bella Goose was the first place we went together since they had a nice little play-room for kids where we felt like we could bring our little one without disturbing other guests (that room is tucked away and nicely separated).
This is a popular weekend brunch spot for good reason. Nice additional perk of this location? If you call ahead you can book a massage so this becomes a few hours of fun and leisure: sipping delicious coffee, enjoying yummy food (whether it’s their Southern favorites or Thai staples), and mom and dad can take turns getting relaxed while the other watches the kiddos play. I can think of far worse ways to spend a morning or afternoon!
For more kid-friendly cafes, visit our favorite places to go as a family on the CNXlocal blog.
Whether you’re visiting Chiang Mai for the first time, logging hours as a remote worker, or juggling brunch plans with small kids, there’s a Bella Goose that suits your needs.
For meeting with friends in town, The Hill and Alt_Chiang Mai work great. If you want to get some work done, definitely go to Alt_Chiang Mai or Alt_Ping River. With the family? Bella Goose on the Pond for sure.
Whichever door you walk through, the coffee’s constant — carefully roasted, reliably excellent, and served with the quiet warmth and hospitality that makes Chiang Mai so warm and welcoming.
About the Author
Lily Szabo is the founder of CNXlocal, a community guide to life and family in Chiang Mai. Half Thai and half American, she grew up in Chiang Mai’s gentle embrace. After a taste of London’s startup scene and New York’s fast-paced grind, she returned home in 2017 with a new appreciation for the slower rhythms and deep community of Northern Thailand.
Now raising two young children here, Lily writes about what it really takes to build a meaningful life in Chiang Mai — balancing modern work with family, creativity, and connection to place. Through CNXlocal, she shares practical, honest, insider knowledge to help others do the same.