Early Owls is a charming wooden cafe nestled in the quiet streets of Chang Phueak. It’s set within a beautiful, lush garden, with a picturesque lotus pond and a gentle stream. The cafe offers a cosy retreat and a delightful green space where you can rest and recharge in the heart of Chiang Mai city.
Three Unique Settings, One Ancestral Gem: Early Owls Cafe
Early Owls is housed in a beautiful converted two-storey wooden home that once belonged to the owner’s grandmother. While this charming house serves as the centrepiece, the cafe offers three distinct areas: the wooden house, the garden, and the deck.
The Wooden House
Step into the wooden house, and downstairs you’ll find a snug, air-conditioned room. With bare brick and concrete walls softly lit by natural light from the windows, it’s a cosy spot. The space features cushioned bench seating, wooden stools, and a table for four, all under charming exposed wooden beams that give it a touch of English cottage charm. To your right as you enter, the counter awaits for placing orders. Once you’ve ordered, a buzzer will let you know when your food or drink is ready to pick up.
Upstairs is another cosy air-conditioned room with seating. There’s also a charming balcony with a table and additional seating which lends prime views over the gardens and pond.
The Garden
A highlight of Early Owls is its wonderful garden. Grab a lawn chair and table and go sit anywhere you like. Choose a spot in the sun or under the shade of a tree, whichever you prefer—the choice is yours. They also provide mats for that perfect picnic vibe. It really is a lovely environment to sit and chill—you could easily forget you’re in downtown Chiang Mai.
The beautiful lotus pond adds to the serenity. During rainy season the pond is filled with royal lotus flowers in bloom. With their tall stems and large leaves the pond is transformed into a miniature jungle. There’s a small jetty here too for your obligatory IG photos, and a small rowing boat.
Take a stroll around the pond, and you’ll most likely meet the family of resident ducks who reside in a small house by the water.
The Deck
If you like the outdoors but prefer more conventional seating, there’s also a raised deck area with tables and chairs. This has views over the garden but with the bonus of being covered and sheltered from the weather. You’ll also find some power points here if you’d like to get some work done.
Breakfast, Brunch, and More
Early Owls serves up a western-inspired menu featuring breakfast and brunch dishes, with some vegan options too. Breakfast includes yoghurt bowls and bacon & eggs, while lunch brings dishes like spaghetti, chicken quesadillas, paninis, and hearty rice bowls. For something sweet, there are brownies, apple cranberry cake, the signature Owl Special Cheesecake, and waffles with ice cream. Seasonal specials are also available throughout the year.
Drinks wise, Early Owls offers something for everyone. The menu features both hot and iced coffees—with a choice of the Early Owls house blend or single origin beans—alongside an array of flavoured lattes. Tea lovers can choose from organic, premium, and iced teas, while those seeking a refreshing burst can opt for cold-pressed juices, fizzy drinks, or smoothies. Additionally, the cafe features a selection of unique ‘Owl’-themed house specials that add a playful twist to the experience.
Two Personalities, One Name: The Meaning of Early Owls
The name ‘Early Owls’ reflects the personalities of its owners, a blend of an ‘Early Bird’ and a ‘Night Owl’. One loves to rise with the sun, while the other thrives in the late hours. The name beautifully captures the essence of their contrasting yet complementary lifestyles.
The owners’ shared passion for travel and owls shines through in the cafe’s decor. In Western culture, owls are associated with wisdom, wealth, and good fortune, while in Japan, they symbolise a smooth and trouble-free life. Their travels have yielded a unique collection of owl-themed items, including owl figurines, which adorn the space. This personal touch reflects their love for this wise creature and adds a unique charm to the cafe.
Early Owls: At A Glance
In a city known for its abundance of cafes & restaurants, Early Owls stands out with its relaxed, homey vibe and serene green escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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Design/Style | Traditional |
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Food | Western / Cakes & Pastries |
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Seating | An eclectic mix of seating, with cushioned benches and wooden or padded stools inside the wooden house. Outside, you’ll find wicker-style chairs on the deck and low-slung camping chairs available for the garden. |
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Cost of a Hot Latte | 80 Baht* |
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WiFi Speed | See speedtest results below |
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Power Outlets | Limited inside, with a few on the deck |
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Restroom/WC standard | Ok |
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Good To Know | • Early Owls is also known as Baan Hook (The Owl House) • The building across the small bridge next to the restrooms (Suan Chang Puak) has weekly Yoga sessions and is also available to hire; facebook.com/suanchangpuak • Early Owls use plant-based straws and biodegradable cups in their support of the environment • Please return your lawn chairs/tables/mats when you leave |
Credit: Icons by Freepik – Flaticon
WiFi Speedtest
• Measured November 2024
• You may experience different results dependant on your device, browser and other factors
Early Owls: Gallery
Location
📍Early Owls is located in Chang Phueak district close to Chiang Mai Rajabhat University. It lies in the area between the northern moat of the Old City, and the Superhighway.
