CHIANG RAI — From the misty northern hills of northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai and Bangkok’s buzzing avenues, Thailand’s specialty coffee scene has changed dramatically. Specialty coffee, once a sideline for a few enthusiasts, now sits firmly at the forefront.
The country, long known for tea, has developed a genuine coffee culture. From remote farms in Doi Chang, Chiang Rai, to modern cafés like Factory Coffee & Brew Bar, there’s a new energy here focused on excellence, eco-friendly practices, and fresh ideas.
This feature covers how specialty coffee gained popularity in Thailand, the rapid growth in Google searches for “coffee shops near me,” soaring demand for Doi Chang’s beans, and Chiang Rai’s growing status as a coffee destination, including well-loved spots like Coffee Bean by Dao and Inthanin Coffee.
From Tea Roots to Specialty Coffee Passion
Thailand’s specialty coffee journey is a recent story. Back in the 1980s, most people sipped instant coffee brands like Nescafé or the signature “kafae boran” (strong, sweet coffee made through traditional cloth filters). The country’s social life revolved around tea, with coffee rarely seen outside homes or street stalls.
That began to shift in 1969 when King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Royal Project introduced cash crops to replace opium. Arabica coffee plants thrived in the cool, fertile northern regions of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Doi Tung, producing beans known for chocolate, nut, and fruit flavours.
By the early 2000s, as Thailand’s economy and tourism expanded, modern cafés started popping up. Coffee can bring much higher profit margins than tea, which soon attracted business owners. By 2018, the Bangkok Post reported Thailand’s coffee market at 36 billion baht, rising by 15 percent annually. New specialty coffee cafés served carefully sourced beans and featured skilled baristas. Cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai quickly became coffee hotspots.
The shift also changed how people connect. Coffee, seen as modern and stylish, drew in young professionals and travellers. Cafés moved beyond just selling drinks. They became places to hang out, work, or showcase craft specialty coffee. In areas such as Phuket’s Old Town and Bangkok’s Thonglor, cafés can now be found on nearly every corner, featuring everything from single-origin espresso to local snacks.
Google Searches Reflect a Coffee Craze
Thailand’s passion for café culture is supported by hard data. Since 2015, Google search trends reveal a steady climb in queries for “coffee shops near me,” especially around the tourist high seasons of November and December.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai top the list, though cities like Phuket, Khon Kaen, and Chiang Rai are catching up. People across the country want not just any coffee, but good coffee close to home.
This growing interest matches the rise in physical coffee shops. Euromonitor counted 8,025 coffee shops in 2018, up 4.6 percent from the year before. By 2025, that number will have increased even more, led by both independent cafés and established chains.
Factory Coffee & Brew Bar in Bangkok, praised for champion baristas and cool design, draws crowds from across the city. Inthanin Coffee, originally from Chiang Mai, has built a strong reputation by serving quality drinks at reasonable prices, appealing to all sorts of customers.
Young Thais, especially those in urban centres, enjoy the sensory side of coffee. They’re drawn in by tasting notes, latte art, and photogenic drinks. Instagram helps spread the word: popular spots like Factory Coffee & Brew Bar and Coffee Bean by Dao feature in countless posts.
At Coffee Bean by Dao in Chiang Mai, fans celebrate its carefully roasted beans and inviting atmosphere, with digital nomads and travellers often sharing their visits online.
Doi Chang: Chiang Rai’s Coffee Heartland
Doi Chang village in Chiang Rai plays a leading role in Thailand’s specialty coffee story. Tucked in the Golden Triangle, between 1,200 and 1,600 metres high, the village’s unique climate helps produce smooth, flavourful Arabica beans with a strong aroma.
The Doi Chaang Coffee Company, run by local farmers in partnership with Canadian supporters, has set new standards in quality and sustainable farming since the early 2000s. Its beans have earned global recognition, including honours at the World Cup Tasters Championship.
Demand for Doi Chang coffee keeps rising at home and abroad. Perfect Daily Grind notes that Thailand’s specialty coffee market grows by 15–20 percent each year, and beans from Doi Chang fetch high prices for their rich, chocolate-citrus flavour.
The village’s commitment to organic farming and fair trade appeals to those seeking ethical products. Yet, with Thailand producing 28,500 metric tonnes but consuming 82,500 tonnes in 2018, exports remain limited, so finding Doi Chang beans outside of Thailand can be tough.
Doi Chang’s story goes beyond beans. The Akha hill tribe, who grow the coffee, see direct benefits from profits, bringing new opportunities to an area once hurt by the illegal drug trade.
Visitors to the Doi Chang Coffee House can tour coffee plantations, sample local drinks, and buy beans to take home, making the village a centre for coffee-focused trips. This approach has also inspired other northern producers, further strengthening Chiang Rai’s position on Thailand’s coffee map.
Chiang Rai’s Emerging Coffee Scene
Chiang Rai, often overshadowed by Chiang Mai, has become a must-see for coffee fans. Along with Doi Chang, the area boasts a growing lineup of cafés and roasters that showcase the region’s best beans. A few highlights include:
- Doi Chaang Coffee House: Near the source, this venue offers direct views of the hills and a close-up look at Akha farming methods. Guests can try a variety of brews, from classic pour-over to nitro cold brew, and pick up freshly roasted beans.
- Bluekoff: Operating out of Chiang Rai since 2010, Bluekoff partners with local minority farmers and runs a processing centre in Doi Chang. It’s known for classes and workshops that raise local coffee standards. Its Bangkok location is also popular for quality drinks.
- Akha Ama Coffee: Best known for its Chiang Mai outlets, Akha Ama works with farmers from Chiang Rai’s Mae Suay area. Started by Lee Ayu Chuepa, an Akha university graduate, the group produces single-origin beans with sweet, nutty notes and a strong focus on social impact.
These cafés, plus many smaller operators throughout Chiang Rai, highlight a shift toward better processing techniques like yeast fermentation and anaerobic methods. This brings out new flavours in Thai beans and draws attention from local and international baristas.
Coffee Bean by Dao and Inthanin Coffee: Homegrown Favourites
Coffee Bean by Dao and Inthanin Coffee both play strong roles in Thailand’s specialty coffee movement. Based in Chiang Mai, Coffee Bean by Dao stands out for its focus on Thai-grown Arabica beans and a comfortable, photo-friendly setting.
The roastery’s careful approach highlights the flavours of northern beans. Locals and visitors often order its Orange Americano, a refreshing blend of citrus and coffee.
Inthanin Coffee, another Chiang Mai brand, has carved its niche by keeping good coffee accessible. With shops across the country, Inthanin sources beans from the north and serves a wide selection, from espresso to cold brew.
Many branches sit close to Bangkok’s BTS and MRT stations, which makes it easy for city workers to grab a cup on the go. Inthanin blends old Thai coffee traditions with new trends, giving lots of people a taste of specialty coffee.
Factory Coffee & Brew Bar: Bangkok’s Urban Coffee Leader
Factory Coffee & Brew Bar is a standout among Bangkok’s cafés. Found in the stylish Thonglor area, it’s known for its modern vibe, award-winning staff, and advanced equipment like Slayer espresso machines and Kalita Wave brewers.
The café serves single-origin beans from both local and international roasters, with a special focus on pour-over and nitro cold brew drinks. Its signature fruity cold brew is especially popular with the city’s coffee lovers.
Factory Coffee is part of a group of establishments, including Roots and Mother Roaster, that are raising coffee standards in Bangkok. These cafés stand out for their careful brewing, appealing setups, and focus on the coffee experience itself. Being close to shops and nightlife, Factory Coffee has become more than just a café. It’s a meeting spot that blends good coffee with a sense of community.
Facing Challenges, Finding Opportunities
Thailand’s growing specialty coffee industry faces a few hurdles. The changing climate threatens vital crops in the northern highlands. Global price swings and import tariffs (up to 45 percent on foreign beans) create barriers for local producers. Some critics say government support for the domestic coffee farming sector falls short, making it hard to compete on a bigger stage.
Still, new opportunities are opening up. Coffee tourism is bringing more visitors to places like Doi Chang and Chiang Rai, helping farmers and local cafés benefit directly. Young growers are trying new methods such as mucilage and yeast-based fermentation, which help their beans stand out. Events like the Thai Specialty Coffee Awards and Cup of Excellence boost the country’s standing, with dozens of Thai coffees in 2023 scoring above 85 at auction.
Thailand’s specialty coffee movement shows how tradition and new ideas can work together. From Doi Chang’s careful growers to Bangkok’s stylish bars, coffee is sparking economic growth and cultural change, and drawing international attention.
Rising search numbers for “coffee shops near me” capture the enthusiasm for good coffee and genuine connection. Brands like Coffee Bean by Dao, Inthanin Coffee, and Factory Coffee & Brew Bar lead the way, while Chiang Rai is quickly gaining recognition among coffee travellers.
As Thailand refines its coffee skills and builds on its roots, more eyes are turning to its cafés, beans, and people. Whether enjoying a pour-over at Factory Coffee or exploring the plantations of Doi Chang, it’s clear that Thailand’s coffee culture has matured and is ready for the world.
