For coffee lovers and travellers alike, Chiang Rai offers a rich and aromatic escape into the heart of Thailand’s coffee culture. This region isn’t just about beautiful landscapes; it’s where unique flavours, fascinating traditions, and unforgettable experiences blend together in every cup.
An Alternative Crop
It’s hard to believe that Chiang Rai, once tied to opium, has transformed into Thailand’s coffee hub. Back in the 1970s, coffee was introduced as a substitute crop, and by the 1980s, the region was buzzing (pun intended!) with its potential. By the 1990s, farmers had refined traditional techniques to produce the world-class beans that are loved today.
A Unique Flavour
The high-altitude farms here, nestled between 1,000 and 1,800 metres, create coffee that’s as delightful as the views. The rich soil and elevation work magic, producing Arabica beans with distinct notes of citrus and berries and natural acidity. The resulting complex flavour profile is best enjoyed at a Chiang Rai coffee bar where you can enjoy your caffeine fix amidst idyllic vistas.
Image by Blake Dinkin via Wikimedia Commons
Black Ivory Coffee
Chiang Rai is also where you can sample Black Ivory Coffee, one of the world’s rarest (and priciest) brews served at properties like Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. The secret of creating this beverage may shock you because it involves… wait for it… elephants! These gentle giants digest Thai Arabica beans which remove the bitterness. Once they have ‘passed out’ the beans, they are carefully collected, handpicked, sun-dried and brewed in a state-of-the-art machine resulting in coffee that’s both smooth and rich in flavour.
Coffee Plantation Visits
Your Chiang Rai adventure isn’t complete without a visit to Doi Chang, a picturesque area that is known for producing some of the finest coffee. At plantations like Doi Chaang Coffee Farm, you can learn about (and sometimes get involved in) the coffee-making process, and of course, indulge in a freshly brewed cup at an on-site café. Suffice it to say it’s bliss in every sip!