📝 1. Overview
Running parallel off the main Nimmanhaemin Road, Sois 5–13 are the soul of Chiang Mai’s trendiest neighborhood. These lanes are where digital nomads sip cold brews, students hang out after class, and boutique owners craft slow fashion. If the main road is the runway, Sois 5–13 are the backstage magic. Expect hidden cafés, unique concept stores, street murals, and a walkable layout full of surprise gems.
🌟 2. Soi Highlights
☕ Soi 5 – Indie Coffee & Chill Corners
- The Barisotel by The Baristro – Boutique café/hotel with white-on-white minimalist charm
- Why Not? Café – Cozy, vintage-style chill zone
- Great for quiet reading or solo laptop time
🛍️ Soi 7 – Design, Decor, & Style
- Boon Tong Kee Art – Thai-style home goods & handmade art
- Minimal-style stationery stores & gift shops
- Street photography heaven: tiny storefronts, vines, and wall art
☕🧁 Soi 9 – The Café Sweet Spot
- Ristr8to Original – World-famous for tattoo-style latte art ☕
- Cheevit Cheeva – Soft serve bingsu & Thai desserts 🍧
- Chom Café & Restaurant (just nearby) – Enchanted forest vibes if you wanna go big
🎨 Soi 11 – Concept Stores & Creatives
- One More Thing – Funky concept space with art, fashion, and homeware
- Brew Fact – Industrial chic café with local roasts
- Lots of mini galleries and jewelry spots tucked inside small arcades
🍣🍔 Soi 13 – Foodie Favorites & Cozy Hideouts
- Tong Tem Toh – Northern Thai dishes that locals and expats both adore
- Beast Burger – Arguably Chiang Mai’s best gourmet burgers
- Kantary Terrace – Modern shopping plaza with Japanese & fusion cafés
💡 Tips for Exploring Soi 5–13
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Ristr8to latte art (Soi 9) – Snap before sipping
- Soi 7 murals + vines – Raw artsy vibes
- Cheevit Cheeva’s soft serve bingsu – Colorful & cute
👟 Walk it! Sois 5–13 are totally walkable and best explored on foot
🛵 If you’re lazy-hopping, rent a scooter and loop through in zig-zag fashion
🧃 Bring your reusable cup — many cafés offer discounts + eco vibes are strong here
🛍️ Come back on a weekend afternoon for pop-up markets & design collectives
🚗 Access
📍 From Chiang Mai Airport – ~15 min Grab/taxi
📍 From Old City – 10 min red songthaew or ~25 min walk from Suan Dok Gate
🚶 Explore Sois 5–13 in order, then loop back via Kantary Terrace or One Nimman
🛏️ Best stay: Boutique hotels or Airbnb-style studios right in Soi 9 or Soi 13 for café crawl access
