i.b.

A tiny matcha-and-coffee hideout on Thanon Khunlumprapas, i.b. is where Mae Hong Son starts its day. It’s a short stroll from Wat Chong Kham and the lakeside, and the vibe leans Japanese: pale wood, a clean counter, quiet music, and a couple of stools inside with simple outdoor seating when the weather’s kind. Doors open at 8:30am, so it’s perfect for a pre-temple caffeine fix or an easy afternoon cool-down before sunset at the lake. Order at the slow bar and watch the ritual. Matcha is the headline here, whisked to order and offered in four distinct profiles—from soft and mellow to deeper, more robust cups—each explained so you can pick your style. Coffee is handled with the same care, with measured pours and tidy presentation. Regulars come for the clarity of flavor and the unhurried pace; it’s the sort of place where a single cup turns into a quiet half-hour. Practical bits: it’s at 15 Thanon Khunlumprapas, just off the temple complex at Wat Chong Kham. Open daily 8:30am–4pm. Seating is limited, so come early if you want a spot at the counter, or take your drink to the lake and sip it under the shade. Phone: +66 93 697 9791.