Coffee, Tea, or Me?

More than its high-quality coffee, Doi Tung is a key reason Chiang Rai was designated a UNESCO Creative City of Design. The area began its transformation under the guidance of the Princess Mother, who envisioned improving the livelihoods of local people and restoring the environment through creative problem-solving. The DoiTung brand was later established to carry on this vision.

So visit Doi Tung—sip a cup of coffee straight from the source and admire the results of this project’s ongoing success.

This is where it all started for one of Thailand’s most famous coffee beans. Visit Doi Chang to see how this community-based model brought prosperity to the region. Tour the plantation, learn about the roasting process, and of course, enjoy a cup brewed to perfection.

Tucked along the Thai–Myanmar border, this small Akha village is known for its scenic beauty and exceptional beans. Here, coffee production is tightly woven into daily life, and you can sip freshly brewed cups while taking in panoramic views over misty valleys.

A family-run farm that embraces innovation, Leehu Coffee Farm is the place to experience on-the-ground eco-friendly farming practices while taking sips of freshly roasted and brewed coffee.

This farm combines coffee and macadamia nut cultivation to create delicious twists in their products, which range from drinks to snacks. They also offer visitors a chance to chat with the farmers themselves.

Above the misty mountains and a quaint village sits this little coffee shop. Sip a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee and enjoy a moment far from the noises of mundane life.

This charming riverside café sits right by the Kok River Bridge in Chiang Rai Province. Escape the heat under the shade of a lush, forest-like atmosphere. The menu has a bit of everything: coffee, pastries, cakes, and savoury dishes!

Located near Mae Fah Luang Airport, this café is any Chiang Rai trip’s perfect last stop. Relax beneath the trees and enjoy delicious dishes, or pick a book from the bookshelves to read with your favourite drink.

This charming cafe overlooks Wat Huay Pla Kang and its towering Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) statue. You can sip coffee from Doi Chang while sampling Akha dishes and desserts. The thatched roof gives a unique look and adds to the peaceful and relaxing vibe.

Tucked on the route to Mae Sai, this charming farm & cafe is built around a lush garden and a small stream, providing visitors with a tranquil atmosphere where you can delight in a diverse menu featuring freshly brewed coffee, homemade baked goods, and savoury Northern Thai dishes.

Located in the Mae Chan District of Chiang Rai, this elegant and photogenic stop features a classic, sophisticated ambience with beautiful antique-style decor and a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. Beyond expertly-brewed coffee, you can take delight in a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and classic Thai dishes.

One of the largest and most famous tea plantations in the area, Choui Fong has a café that offers various tea-based drinks and desserts, including signature tea sets showcasing the region's best. Visitors can also tour the stunning terraced tea fields plantation, experiencing tea cultivation and processing first-hand.

High up in the mountains, join guided tours & learn all about the rich history of tea cultivation on the premises, admire the sweeping views of the verdant hills, and savour a cup of some of the finest oolong tea in the area.

Searching for a peaceful retreat amongst the greenery? Look no further! Travellers are welcome to discover all about tea — from the sustainable cultivation process to the flavours of organic teas, while taking in stunning panoramic views.

For a more authentic, intimate tea experience, visit Choke Chamroen and dive deep into local tea culture. With its small-scale production and personal touch, this plantation allows visitors to enjoy a peaceful, undisturbed tea session while learning about the traditional methods still in use today.

In the sprawling park that spans to include lakes, gardens, and plenty of green spaces, Singha Park’s tea plantation is perfect for lovers of interactive experiences —whether it's tea-tasting tours, cycling through the fields, or simply soaking in the good vibes.

Founded during the early Lanna Kingdom (14C), Chiang Saen is a site of remarkable archaeological and cultural significance.

Through the efforts of the Fine Arts Department, the remnants of double city walls, moats, and more than a hundred temple ruins still stand both inside and outside the old town. 

Some recommended must-visit sites include the Chiang Saen National Museum, the old town area, the Golden Triangle, and Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and its height-defying skywalk!

One of the oldest temple in the region and the original home of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered religious image. The temple’s architecture and art—steep multi-tiered roofs, intricate woodwork, and local symbolism—reflect classic Lanna design. The onsite museum also contains many Lanna religious artefacts.

Founded by a local historian and art collector, this private museum showcases the multicultural roots of Lanna civilisation, extending beyond Thailand to include Tai peoples from Myanmar, Lao PDR, China, and even Northeast India. Historical textiles, jewellery, lacquerware, and royal regalia collected here offer a deeper, more academic insight into Lanna history.

A contemporary art museum and community space where a great range of visual arts, including paintings, sculptures, and installations, are showcased. The museum also frequently hosts workshops, lectures, and cultural events, aiming to engage the community and foster artistic dialogue.

While not always labelled as “Lanna” sites, the Royal Villa incorporates traditional Lanna architectural elements and reflects the legacy of Princess Mother Srinagarindra, who was instrumental in preserving and reviving Northern Thai culture through sustainable development. The gardens and development projects honour Lanna craft, local textiles, and community-based living.

Even if you're a beginner, a breathtaking mountaintop view is just a short climb away! In just 20 to 40 minutes, you can steadily hike up this 1-kilometre trail and be treated to sweeping views of lush green peaks, and on some days, a sea of dreamy clouds. 

For those looking to explore further, this trail also connects to other scenic routes of other mountain peaks within the Doi Pha Mon sub-range—a natural border between Thailand and Lao PDR. For the best scenery, start your climb early at dawn to catch the sunrise!

You can also visit Phu Chee Duen and Phu Chee Dao nearby for 360º views of the region.

Looking for a natural escape not too far from Chiang Rai? Head to Khun Korn Forest Park for a beginner-friendly hike to the breathtaking Khun Korn Waterfall! As you make your way along the trail, you'll be surrounded by towering bamboo groves and might even catch glimpses of birds darting through the forest. The round-trip hike is just 1.8 kilometres and can be completed in about an hour, perfect for a quick yet refreshing adventure. 

For more experienced hikers, this 11-kilometre trail might be just what you're looking for. As you make your way toward the waterfalls, the route winds through dense forest, rivers, tea plantations, and even a local village. With so much to see along the way, it's best to set aside around 4 hours for the full hike. The area is also popular for birdwatching and camping, making it a great spot for a full day of nature immersion.

Tea lovers and hikers, listen up: Mae Salong Tea Trail is the perfect adventure for you! Beginning at Ban Mai Santi, this scenic trail leads you through peaceful stretches of forest and tea plantations nestled in the valley. Along the way, feast your eyes on the stunning rows of tea plants set against a backdrop of vibrant greenery, an experience that blends natural beauty with cultural charm. Though considered a hard hike, it’s actually quite a short one!

Located in Khun Chae National Park, this challenging trail takes you from Doi Pa Ka Peak to the summit of Doi Mae Tho. Perfect for experienced hikers, the route offers a rewarding journey through vibrant green landscapes and sweeping mountain views, ideal for those looking to push their limits while enjoying nature’s beauty.