Thailand is both underrated and overrated as a coffee destination. It’s underrated because…well, no one really thinks of it as a coffee destination. I’d say that a majority of people I know who live in the north have never ever been to a coffee farm.
On the other hand, in spite of growing plenty of coffee, many Thais aren’t great at preparing it. Coffee in Thailand can often taste burnt or overly bitter, to say nothing of how lacking the cafe culture is in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, especially compared to just about any city in adjacent Vietnam.
Then again, I’m not here to legitimate Thailand’s merits in this regard. I simply want to help you visit a coffee farm in Thailand!
Thailand is Underrated as a Coffee Destination
Most travelers don’t think to seek out coffee farms in Thailand, which makes sense—many travelers don’t even drink coffee in Thailand! At least not intentionally, or at a place that isn’t called Starbucks. The reality is that in most of Thailand (with the possible exception of expat-haven Chiang Mai), both local cafes in Thailand and the coffee they serve leaves quite a bit to be desired.
In spite of this, I do feel that Thailand is slightly underrated as as destination for coffee lovers, or at least that its potential is underrated. This is first and foremost the case because, as I’m about to explain, so few coffee farms are open to the public. Moreover, if prospective cafe owners in Bangkok and elsewhere had the same drive and business acumen and those in Chiang Mai, it could really change the game.
How to Visit a Thai Coffee Farm On Your Next Trip
Fly or take a bus to Chiang Rai
Most quasi-public coffee farms are located in Chiang Rai province, so naturally, you’ll need to travel there in order to visit them. If you’re coming from Bangkok, you’ll need to fly. From Chiang Mai, on the other hand, a bus (or, if you fancy, a taxi) is probably your best bet.
Arrange a car to Doi Chang
When I visit a Thai coffee farm in the Doi Chang growing area, I typically ask my hotel in Chiang Rai to arrange a car. While I’ve recently made peace with driving in Thailand, I’m not exactly eager to do it, and will leave the effort to a professional whenever possible.
(Or rent one)
On the other hand, if you’re less hesitant than me to rent a car in Thailand, there’s little to lose by doing so. On your way back to Chiang Rai, you can stop at various places inconvenient to reach by public transport, such as Singha Park (which is itself home to some of Thailand’s only notable tea fields).
(Or book an organized tour)
While there aren’t too many options available for organized tours that visit a Thailand coffee farm—and no cheap ones—this Chiang Rai coffee tour covers all the bases, and is great if you don’t want to drive and can’t be bothered to rent a car. Plus, it includes a friendly local guide and a delicious lunch.
Stay overnight in Doi Chang
Obviously, sleeping the night in Doi Chang will require either having your own set of wheels, or paying for the driver for two days, and for him to sleep somewhere. On the other hand, accommodations like this coffee farm stay might make you not only want to stay here, but live here as well.
Other Things to Do in Northern Thailand
Whether in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang or elsewhere, Thailand’s north is one of the most captivating parts of the Kingdom to visit. Here are just a few ideas:
- Spend a few days in and around Chiang Mai, whether you stick to exploring the walled Old City on foot, or rent a motorbike or car and drive up Doi Inthanon mountain, or even along the Mae Hong Son Loop.
- Take a bus or taxi (or fly direct from Bangkok) to Lampang, a sleepy river city I often say feels like Chiang Mai 50 years ago, or how I imagine it to have been. Make a day trip from here to the Wat Chalermprakiat “sky temple.“
- There’s of course lots to do right within Chiang Rai. Visit the “white, black and blue” temples, watch the sunset behind the Clock Tower or the Wat Huay Pla Kang guanyin statue, or make a day trip to the alluring Golden Triangle.
Of course, you can also check out my northern Thailand itinerary for more detailed information—and more compelling inspiration.
Other FAQ About Visiting Coffee Farms in Thailand
Where is coffee grown in Thailand?
Most of Thailand’s coffee is grown in the fertile soils of Chiang Rai province, within a couple of hours of the city. While limited in number, there are coffee farms that tourists can visit if they happen to be in Chiang Rai to begin with, and if they can arrange their own transport.
Which coffee is famous in Thailand?
Doi Chang is the most famous Thai-grown coffee for sale in Thailand. Apart from that, as sad as this sounds to say, Starbucks is probably the most famous coffee in Thailand. Thailand simply doesn’t have a robust local coffee culture in the way that, say, Vietnam does.
Is Thai or Vietnamese coffee better?
Whether you prefer coffee prepared the Thai way or as Vietnamese ca phe sua da is a matter of personal preference. However, if you’re an avid coffee drinker and want to travel somewhere that coffee can be a part of your everyday life, I’d say that Vietnam is probably a more suitable destination than Thailand.
The Bottom Line
Wan to visit a coffee farm in Thailand? You’re in the right place! The good news is that there aren’t a lot of options, at least in terms of places you can access as a foreign tourist—you’ll need to choose from a handful of farms in Doi Chang, near Chiang Rai. Where the decision making comes in is terms of transport, and more to the point, whether you secure your own, or take some kind of tour, which of course is mostly down to personal preference. Want personalized guidance, instead of just information for you to make your own call? Hire me to plan your custom Thailand itinerary!
