Northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai stands out as the country’s premier coffee destination. Local tours take visitors straight to the source – working coffee farms where you can roast beans, learn traditional brewing methods, and even plant coffee trees. The best experiences combine coffee education with culture, letting you meet hill tribe farmers and see how coffee grows in mountain forests.
I’m especially fond of the small-group tours that pair coffee experiences with village visits. These intimate outings, usually 4-8 people, give you quality time with local farmers who share generations of coffee-growing knowledge.
Check out these outstanding coffee tours that showcase the best of Chiang Mai’s coffee heritage:
Key Points
- The “Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest” tour offers an immersive 8-hour experience, including a 4WD ride, hike, coffee tree planting, and hands-on workshops.
- The Chiang Mai Coffee Tour provides a 5-star rated experience with trekking, hands-on activities, an educational presentation, and a farm-to-table vegetarian lunch.
- The Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour offers a highly recommended, personalized experience with a maximum group size of 8, lunch, and opportunities to savor coffee and tea.
- The “CNX: Trekking & Villager Living” tour combines exploring tea and coffee farms with a hiking experience, tea ceremony, and wildlife viewing in Mae Kampong Village.
- The “The Ultimate Elephant Experience and Coffee Workshop” tour offers a unique combination of interacting with elephants and a hands-on coffee tasting journey focusing on hand-drip brewing techniques.
Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop
This Chiang Mai Coffee Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the entire coffee production process firsthand.
From trekking to a local coffee farm to roasting and brewing the beans, this tour provides an immersive, 100% recommended experience. With a 5-star rating and a Badge of Excellence, the tour includes hotel pickup, a guided trek, and hands-on activities like coffee bean picking and planting.
Travelers will also enjoy an educational presentation on roasting and brewing, as well as a farm-to-table vegetarian lunch featuring local specialties like radish miso soup and spicy tomato dipping sauce.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level, but the exceptional guides and authentic, tourist-free setting make it a must-do for coffee enthusiasts visiting Chiang Mai.
As a bonus, participants get to take home freshly roasted coffee beans as a souvenir.
Read our full review: Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest: Roast & Brew Trek
Venturing deeper into the lush, verdant expanse of Chiang Mai’s Upstream Coffee Forest, the “Chiang Mai Hilltribe Coffee Trek: Adventure, Roast & Taste” offers a captivating journey that goes beyond the traditional coffee experience.
Priced at $110.66 per person, this 8-hour tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s coffee culture, from planting trees to perfecting the art of roasting and brewing.
Kicking off with a 4WD ride and a 1.3-hour hike, participants gain insight into the local flora and contribute to sustainability by planting coffee trees.
The experience culminates in a hands-on coffee roasting workshop and a V60 Brew Masterclass, equipping visitors with the knowledge to craft the perfect cup.
Complementing the activities is a farm-to-table organic vegetarian lunch, allowing participants to savor the flavors of the region.
With a maximum group size of 8 and a 5/5 rating from 17 reviews, this coffee trek promises an immersive and authentic experience for discerning travelers.
Read our full review: Whispers of the Upstream Coffee Forest: Roast & Brew Trek Review
Book now: Check availability
Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour
Nestled amidst the lush hills of Chiang Mai, the Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour offers an immersive experience for coffee enthusiasts. Priced from €50.96 per person, this highly recommended tour boasts a 4.7/5 overall rating from 12 reviews, with 92% of travelers endorsing it.
The tour includes a delectable lunch, as well as the opportunity to savor coffee and tea. With a maximum of 8 travelers per group, the experience provides a personalized touch, starting at 9:00 am. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability, and free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the tour.
Operated by Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour, this excursion isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
However, for those seeking an immersive coffee adventure in the picturesque Chiang Mai region, the Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour promises an unforgettable journey.
Read our full review: Chiangmai Coffee Farm Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Cnx: Trekking & Villager Living in Forest, Tea& Coffee Farm
Travelers seeking an immersive experience delving into the local culture and natural wonders of Chiang Mai will find the CNX: Trekking & Villager Living in Forest, Tea & Coffee Farm tour an enticing option.
This 8-hour journey takes visitors to the picturesque Mae Kampong Village, where they’ll explore tea and coffee farms, participate in a cooking class, and witness local product-making. The guided tour includes hiking, a tea ceremony, and wildlife viewing, with highlights such as trekking through the jungle, visiting coffee fields and tea farms, and seeing a 7-tiered waterfall.
Priced at $130.03 per person, the tour offers free cancellation and the flexibility of reserving without upfront payment. Additional experiences, like a tree house visit and local stream herbs experience, can be added for an extra fee.
The tour isn’t suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or limited mobility, but it promises an authentic glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and community life.
Read our full review: Cnx: Trekking & Villager Living in Forest, Tea& Coffee Farm Review
Book now: Check availability
The Ultimate Elephant Experience and Coffee Workshop
This thrilling nine-hour tour combines the captivating Elephant Experience with the immersive Coffee Workshop, offering visitors a comprehensive glimpse into Chiang Mai‘s natural wonders and cultural traditions.
Priced from $110.66 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, and a small group experience limited to 8 participants. Guests will explore the elephants with knowledgeable locals, feed and interact with the gentle giants, and even walk with them to the river for bathing.
After the elephant encounter, the tour continues with a vegetarian lunch at the Chiang Mai Hilltribe coffee camp, followed by a hands-on coffee tasting journey, where you will learn about hand-drip brewing techniques and experience the art of hand-roasting coffee to develop flavor profiles.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a well-rounded and unforgettable experience in Chiang Mai.
Read our full review: The Ultimate Elephant Experience and Coffee Workshop Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Cost of the Coffee Tours?
The cost of the coffee tours varies, but generally range from around $20 to $50 per person. Many tours include coffee tastings, visits to local plantations, and hands-on experiences like roasting or brewing demonstrations.
Can I Bring My Own Coffee Equipment to the Workshops?
Participants can typically bring their own coffee equipment to the workshops, allowing them to fully engage in the hands-on experience and apply the techniques they learn directly with their personal gear.
Are the Tours Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?
The tours are generally suitable for people with mobility issues, though it’s best to check with the tour operators in advance. They may be able to accommodate special needs or provide alternative arrangements for those with limited mobility.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From the Locations?
Many coffee tour companies in Chiang Mai offer transportation to and from the tour locations. This can be helpful for those with mobility issues or who don’t want to worry about getting to the various stops on their own.
Can I Purchase Coffee Beans or Products Directly From the Farms?
Many coffee tours in Chiang Mai offer the opportunity to purchase coffee beans and other products directly from the farms visited. Visitors can often select and buy their favorite coffee varieties on-site.
The Sum Up
Chiang Mai offers a variety of immersive coffee experiences. Visitors can trek to remote farms, learn roasting and brewing techniques, and even combine coffee with wildlife encounters. These tours provide an in-depth exploration of the region’s thriving coffee culture and allow travelers to gain a deeper appreciation for the art of coffee production. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, Chiang Mai’s coffee tours cater to a range of interests.