Chiang Rai’s coffee story began in the 1960s when the Thai Government encouraged northern farmers to grow Arabica coffee as part of a broader strategy to combat poverty in the “Golden Triangle.”
The climatic and altitude conditions in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Rai, were ideal for introducing Arabica beans from Central America. Many people find that Arabica coffee beans are smoother and have more complex flavors than Robusta beans.
Coffee was a viable alternative to opium growing and a means by which the Thai government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) weaned the economy off of rice in the 1970s.
Chiang Rai, Thailand, has become well-known as a coffee exporter. The government supports agricultural research and farmer education programs through these endeavors. Additionally, it promotes women’s empowerment through coffee and provides development grants.
The 1980s, however, were a watershed decade. Establishing the Thai Coffee Association in 1982 played a role in regulating and advancing the industry. Home coffee consumption also rose during this time.
People started preferring specialty coffee over mass-produced commercial mixes and inexpensive instant coffee.
Modern cultivation practices, more infrastructure investment, and rising local and worldwide demand for specialty coffee have all contributed to the explosive expansion of Thailand’s coffee market in recent years.
Chiang Rai’s Famous Coffee
Famous coffee-growing regions in Chiang Rai, Thailand, including Doi Chang, Doi Tung, and Khun Chang Khian, have become famous for their high-quality Arabica coffee beans.
The high altitude of Chiang Rai, between 900 and 1,400 meters above sea level, greatly influences the taste of coffee. Coffee ripens slowly at higher elevations, giving it a fuller, more nuanced flavor.
Another factor that gives this coffee its unique taste is the area’s vitamin and mineral-rich soil. These things unite to form a unique environment that makes Chiang Rai coffee special.
Daytime highs in the 30s and 40s with high humidity give way to chilly evenings in Chiang Rai. Temperature variation enhances coffee’s sweetness and acidity. Also, the coffee cherries ripen slowly and evenly because of the region’s rainfall pattern: heavy during the rainy season and light during the dry season.
The distinctive flavor of coffees grown on Doi Chang results from the special processing techniques employed. The ripest coffee cherries are hand-picked and sorted for quality. The next step is to remove the cherry’s skin by pulping and fermenting the fruit for at least a day or two.
After fermentation, coffee beans undergo a series of washings and sun dryings. Drying is vital because it contributes to the coffee’s aroma and flavor. Careful monitoring and frequent turning of the beans provide uniform drying.
It is common practice to sort dried beans by size and density after hulling them to remove the parchment layer. Careful roasting of the beans brings out the distinctive scents and flavors of coffee from Doi Chang, the last phase in the process.
Doi Chang Mountains
Doi Chang is a mountainous area in Chiang Rai known for its coffee. The Baan Doi Chang area, a Lisu and Akha community, has many cafes and coffee farms. At present, this region is home to more than a thousand villagers.
The 62 farmers of our coffee cooperative are entirely from the Lisu and Akha Tribes.
The residents of Doi Chang hold a festival known as the Doi Chaang Coffee Festival to commemorate the coffee harvest season, an essential event in their community.
Located at an impressive elevation of 1400 meters (4,500+ feet) on a picturesque mountaintop, the coffee from Doi Chang is known for its remarkable quality, freshness, and vibrancy, which are the result of the meticulous process that the farmers there put into their work.
If you’re planning a longer trip to explore the provinces of northern Thailand, Doi Chang is a great place to spend the night because it is close to Chiang Rai city. There is a wealth of culture, delicious, locally sourced food, and excellent coffee here.
Doi Chang Coffee Estate
The Doi Chang Coffee Estate is a must-visit destination in Chiang Rai, Thailand. This estate showcases the region’s rich agricultural legacy through its high-quality Arabica coffee beans.
In addition to taking in stunning views of the natural environment, visitors can learn about the estate’s coffee growing and harvesting procedures. The aroma of freshly roasted coffee fills the air, beckoning you to relax and enjoy the tastes that make this place special.
Doi Chang Coffee Estate provides a tranquil setting for relaxing with freshly brewed coffee. You can enjoy your drink in the company of nature at this café, which has both indoor and outdoor seating.
As much as it is a sensory treat, the experience becomes educational thanks to the helpful staff, who are happy to tell you the backstory of each beer. To further elucidate the many flavor characteristics of its offers, the estate frequently arranges coffee-tasting sessions.
If you want to take some of this experience home, you can buy freshly roasted beans and distinctive coffee mixes at the Doi Chang Coffee Estate shop.
Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just passing through, Doi Chang Coffee Estate is sure to provide an unforgettable experience showcasing the rich coffee culture of Chiang Rai.
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Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
