Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro is a spacious, contemporary urban bistro, nestled conveniently off the superhighway just south of Central Festival. Opened in early 2023, Vaanaa’s trendy aesthetic, welcoming atmosphere, and eclectic menu have quickly made it a popular destination and urban haven in the heart of the city.
Vaanaa’s Nordic Vibes
Vaanaa’s building is quite striking. It’s a tall warehouse-like structure built from glass and steel with a spacious and light-filled interior. The Nordic-inspired design, with its clean lines, adds a touch of sophistication. A lot of thought has gone into the interior design too — the handcrafted wooden furniture lends a natural feel, while the designer furnishings help to soften the vibe. Floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy feel, allowing natural light to flood the space. With all that glass it could feel like a greenhouse, but the clever use of polycarbonate panels—imported from Germany—effectively reduce the heat from Chiang Mai’s piercing sun.
Vaanaa has two distinct seating areas. As you walk in, you’ll find the main space, set beneath an impressive 3D wooden lattice structure elegantly suspended from the lofty ceiling. This space is all about relaxation, with comfy furniture perfect for a casual coffee or a laid-back meal. The back area has a more formal vibe, with regular tables and chairs. It’s ideal for those who prefer a traditional dining set-up, whether it’s for a casual meal or a business lunch. Plus, those looking to get some work done will appreciate the space. A beautifully crafted wooden table, seemingly carved from a single, giant tree, dominates the room. It’s perfect for large groups or communal dining.
A Playful Theme
The outdoor area extends over approximately four rai and has a bit of a playground feel. Scattered around the car park and green area are retro toy cars and children’s tricycles — you’ll even find a ‘Postman Pat’-like van parked up (an Instagram magnet!). The playful theme extends inside too with colourful Bearbrick collectables — Sesame Street favourites, Elmo and Cookie Monster!
At the rear of the property there’s a garden area where you can take a stroll or enjoy your food or drink beneath the shade of majestic trees and where you’ll find another stunning wooden table.
A Fusion of Flavors: Thai & Western Delights
Vaanaa’s menu caters to a wide range of tastes, offering both Thai and Western options. You can choose from classic Thai dishes like curries and spicy salads—including a selection of Southern cuisine and Northern Thai specialties like Hung Lay—or opt for comforting Western fare such as soups, pastas, burgers, and pizzas. For breakfast or brunch, Eggs Benedict and club sandwiches are available, alongside their popular Banana Toast.
Coffee lovers are well catered for with a curated selection of expertly brewed beverages, featuring both local and international beans, complete with detailed tasting notes. Non-coffee beverages include fruit juices, sodas, Matcha teas, and a collection of refreshing mocktails.
For dessert or a guilty pleasure, you’ll find an indulgent selection of cakes and pastries behind the display cases.
To order or pay your bill simply press one of the buttons on the device on your table and a member of the friendly staff will quickly appear!
From Coffee to Cocktails: Vaanaa’s Evening Transformation
In the evenings, the lights dim and Vaanaa transitions from a brunch and coffee haven to a sophisticated cocktail bar and elegant dining venue. The Sonos music system that enhances the ambience with an eclectic playlist by day, shifts to a chillout vibe by night.
A Space for Everyone: Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro
Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro is one of those rare spaces that suits everyone—couples, groups of friends, families with children, business meetings, coworking, or solo visits. It’s not uncommon to see all types gathered there at once!
And with the Major Cineplex at Central Festival just a short walk away, Vaanaa is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-movie meal, offering an alternative to the typical restaurant chains at the mall.
Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro: At A Glance
Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro provides a refreshing alternative to the typical Chiang Mai cafe scene. It offers a modern and stylish space, delicious food and drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere throughout the day and into the evening.
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Design/Style | A Contemporary structure with a Nordic twist |
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Food | Thai / Western / Pizza / Cakes & Pastries |
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Online Menu | Food | Drinks | Cocktails (opens in Canva) |
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Seating | Soft designer furniture with cushioned chairs at tables and some hard seating |
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Cost of a Hot Latte | From 90 Baht* |
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WiFi Speed | See speedtest results below |
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Power Outlets | Distributed throughout the space on the vertical steel posts |
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Restroom/WC standard | Good |
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Good To Know | • Vaanaa opened in 2023 as a collaboration with Art Farmer Cafe who source Vaanaa’s coffee • The name Vaanaa (Wana) means ‘forest,’ as a homage to the land’s original forested landscape |
Credit: Icons by Freepik – Flaticon
WiFi Speedtest
• Measured September 2024
• You may experience different results dependant on your device, browser and other factors
Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro: Gallery
Location
📍 Vaanaa Cafe & Bistro lies just a short walk south of Central Festival, in Wat Ket subdistrict. It’s set back from the superhighway off the south-east corner of the San Dek intersection (access is through the LPG gas station on the corner).
