Day Trip to Doi Chaang (ดอยช้าง) - Thailand's Coffee Paradise

Doi Chang (Doi Chaang plantation) is a coffee growing village in the Chiang Rai area of Thailand. Get all the details of how you can visit here: migrationology....
When I was in Chiang Rai, one of the places I really wanted to visit was Doi Chang (ดอยช้าง), where some of the best coffee in all of Thailand is grown. Before you get confused, most of the time, the village is known as Doi Chang and one of the main coffee brands in spelled Doi Chaang Coffee - so just keep that spelling difference in mind.
Doi Chang (ดอยช้าง) is located in the Golden Triangle region of Thailand, the area that was once an important part of the world opium production and trade. But with the help of a Thai Royal initiative, the area was transformed. Doi Chang was give coffee plants to start growing on their land in place of opium, and due to the areas higher elevations and cooler temperatures, coffee began to flourish. For years, the tribes around Doi Chang grew organic coffee, but they also were forced to sell their high quality beans to third parties who didn’t do their coffee justice by mixing it with lesser quality beans and selling it as generic coffee. After growing coffee for over 20 years, the heads of Doi Chang (ดอยช้าง) decided to form their own alliance and sell their high quality coffee themselves, calling it Doi Chaang Coffee.
As a coffee lover, I was extremely excited to be in Chiang Rai, and even more excited that we decided to rent a car and make the 1 - 2 hour drive to Doi Chang village and coffee plantation to drink coffee and to see coffee trees. It took us a bit longer to drive there from Chiang Rai town since there was heavy fog in the mountains, but nevertheless, the drive was beautiful and the air was fresh and crisp. We arrived in the morning, and headed straight for the Doi Chaang Coffee House, where I enjoyed my first cup of Americano. The coffee was so pure, not even a hint of acidity, and just strong but mild at the same time. It was an amazing coffee to start with.
After the first cup of coffee, we walked around the village for a bit, and went to see some of the coffee plants. Unfortunately, when I visited, in September, it wasn’t coffee season, so they weren’t processing any coffee beans and the Doi Chaang plant, but it was still nice to walk around. We then got pretty hungry, but since it wasn’t coffee season, there weren’t many other visitors, so there weren’t really any restaurants in the village, except for one. Ying and I sat down for a good freshly cooked Thai meal. It was simple, but every dish tasted great, and everything tasted extremely fresh. I think the vegetables were harvested right outside the home restaurant.
We then headed to another coffee shop, known as Doi Chang Coffee Farm. I first had an espresso, which was incredible, and hit the spot after lunch. But then as I was getting ready to leave, the owner of the Coffee Farm, met us and invited us to taste a few samples of her coffee. She made us first a non-processed bean and then a Doi Chang peaberry coffee, both of which were strong, almost fruity, and extremely good.
Wired off of high quality coffee, we then headed back to Chiang Rai. It was a great day trip, nice to see the amazing scenery on the way there, and I don’t think there’s anything much better than drinking coffee at a coffee plantation in the mountains. If you love coffee and if you’re ever in Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai, Thailand, you might want to take a day trip to Doi Chang.
Get all the details about how I visited here: migrationology....
Music courtesy of audionetwork.com
Mark is the eater at: migrationology.... & www.eatingthaif...
Eating Thai Food Guide: www.eatingthaif...
Thank you for watching, don’t forget to subscribe for many more food and travel videos and vlogs: www.youtube.com...

[@terrytico4009]

I visited there years ago and I agree that their coffee is the best. I don't drink black coffee but I tried theirs and really enjoyed it. I may get back there again in early 2024 and will buy several bags to take with me.

[@sarafade]

Man! I love your videos! Can't wait for more! Keep up the good work Mark!

[@8milesfromhome]

Driving up to Doi Chaang Today because we have run out of coffee :-S So cool that we can do that because we live so close

[@superslyfoxx1]

Loved everything about this video. Gosh the views were so peaceful. Thanks very much for sharing.

[@MarkWiens]

superslyfoxx1 Thank you very much

[@amaclean4515]

I just stumbled on this gem last week, and was surprised to learn how much coffee was actually grown in Thailand; I visited years ago, but don't recall even hearing about a coffee industry. Anyways, imagine my surprise when I walk into my local coffee shop (the only one in my small Northern Canadian town) and what do I see in the corner? A 50lb bag of Doi Chaang- turns out I've been drinking it for months! Great video, Mark, as always.

[@atitrai9895]

Would love to see you guys progressing your life and adventure like this,well done with this video again

[@wallenbergphoto]

It changed so much, I was doing a photo reportage about the growers back in 2003, took us on dirtroads approx. 5 hours just up the mountains. Interesting to see how they evolved. I remembered how people written with string words on some of the doors of houses, no missionaries wanted lol. There were no hotels just sleeping In people's houses that was exciting times.

[@burbsonian7827]

cof-coffee-tastic...sure they'll get plenty more visitors now you've set taste buds tingling!!

[@lerchan]

love watching your videos mark! keep up the good work.

[@terrypalmore7314]

Please continue your facial expressiveness. It conveys your emotional response to good stimulai. I can't taste the food, but when you nod your head and smile I know it tastes good!

[@tacticutest3130]

The expression is full of positive feelings.. keep it up sir and be yourself

[@JEREACUNA]

I take coffee every morning , I would love to try this coffee, looks delicious and by the way the place is very beautiful. Mark Greetings from Mexico

[@jenniferwyatt7481]

This is the BEST!!!!wondered if i would ever see coffee in thailand!!! So much tea is the lower elevation!

[@jaymeez]

Mark you definitely have one of my favorite youtube channels and I'm so happy overtime I see a new upload. Coffee looked Amazing! Thanks for sharing :)

[@MarkWiens]

Thank you very much jaymeez

[@Cinvaj]

You are definitely my favorite KZbinr! Your food adventures make me miss Thailand very much. I have a few places to eat at next time I am in Thailand again thanks to your channel.

[@MarkWiens]

Cindy Vang Thank you very much Cindy!

[@TheBkktocal]

Doi Chang produces very good coffee graded 90 points or better. The peaburry is a round bean that comprises of 20% of the entire lot. It said to be more flavorful than that of a twin-beans counterpart. You have good coffee palate, Mark.

[@AndersChanTidemann]

Lovely video thank you for sharing your experience +for being so positive and enthusiastic! Headed to Chiang Mai in a few days and definitely plan to visit perhaps these coffee plantations!

[@bobdcosta9856]

Hi Mark. This visit to Doi Chang was such a pleasant trip of your yours, I felt I was in it too. I really liked it. In all probability, I might visit it next March.

[@walkertongdee]

I've been going there for 25 years it was unknown to most Thais even in the area until the coffee brand became known. Sen Charoen, a Akha Village is the interesting place to go there on the way up the mountain from the south near Mae Suay. It had and probably still has a Spirit Gate at the south walking entrance.

[@royottaway9434]

Our next visit will include Doi Chang for sure ... Thanks for sharing

[@MarkWiens]

You're welcome Roy UK Hope you can visit.

[@mgdon100]

In all the time I visited Thailand, I didn't know that they grew coffee in Thailand. I wonder if I can buy this in Canada. I have been a connoisseur of good coffee since I was in university almost 50 years ago. Buy coffee beans, grind them, and put them through a filter. A far cry from when my Mom would put the ground coffee in an aluminum pot with water, a bit of salt and and fresh egg in a shell and boil it. I give 5000 stars to this video.

[@CommonSenseAdult]

This is all I drink lately after having it in thailand. Back home in Toronto Canada, I found a Sobeys grocery store in Oakville that sells it. Love it!

[@popcorn3035]

Hi Mark, Thanks for sharing this video. I'm from Thailand and now live here in US, I've heard that Doi Chang coffee is one of the top 10 best coffee in the world and always want to visit the farm. The love of coffee I decided to roast my own coffee so ended up with opened a coffee roaster business here. You're welcome to visit when ever you come to back this side of the globe :-) ps. love all of your videos, remind me of the old days street food that I enjoyed.

[@pozzo6828]

Such a beautiful video travel/food review. Stunning place. You two are a great team. All the best, from India.

[@seijoscha]

Hi Mark was a very interesting video. I'm also a big coffee fan I am impressed by the nice coffee region. This is really worth a visit.

[@Jester2123]

Mark looked so buzzed after all that coffee. Coffee did look good and the freshness would have been amazing.

[@MarkWiens]

Jerry Atal Thanks Jerry, I was definitely a bit shaky!

[@kevinp8108]

Hey Mark, thanks for sharing your trip to Doi Chaang! This reminded of my trip to the coffee fields of Kona, Hawaii.

[@MarkWiens]

Kevin P Thanks Kevin, wow very cool, that must have been a great trip too.

[@seecanon5840]

I discovered how fresh chili tasted over dried or processed. You're right the flavor is superb. I watched the coffee fields and really enjoyed to see growing coffee but not an opit. I don't drink coffee but I saw you drink what I would have had. You made organic really organic. Did you think maybe the beetle was looking for its daily fix of coffee? Thanks Mark!

[@MarkWiens]

See Canon Cool, good to hear you're experimenting with different types of chilies. Haha, I wouldn't be surprised if that beetle was wired off coffee beans.

[@walkertongdee]

You can go up the mountain from Mae Suay and down the other side to Chiangrai if you have a appropriate vehicle or a motorcycle, worth the trip!

[@MsPrettybabe23]

What a nice place to chill and drink coffee 😃 I feel you!

[@bangkokjack]

From one Thai to another...awesome Video. Doi Chaang Here i go.

[@utta77]

Hello Mark, I am a coffee addict too. I loves to drink coffee. I will visit the place Doi Chaang that you visited for great coffee.

[@JusticeForPinoys]

Wow! That's such an amazing sight.

[@TessCooks4u]

Mark, The coffee looked great. Coffee addict here! Food looked nice and fresh and good as well.

[@MarkWiens]

Tess Cooks 4u Yes, glad you love coffee too. Thanks for watching.

[@bernardhengst5525]

Always enjoying your happy face, Mark, you are a good representative for Thailand..tip my hat (if only I had one)...

[@Mitchwilmarth]

Thanks for sharing this video Mark! I visited Chang Mai this year and had my fill of coffee from a coffee shop named Akha Ama Coffee! Some of the best coffee I've ever had. Now I'll have to go visit Doi Chang on my next visit to Thailand!

[@MarkWiens]

Mitch Wilmarth Hey Mitch, thank you for watching. Oh yah, Akha Ama is great too, I went there also when I was in Chiang Mai last visit. I would love the Akha Ama coffee village as well - I know that would be fantastic as well.

[@Nisabehere]

Mark Thank you for wonderful video up north. I'm going to Thailand in Feb 2016 and planing to travel to Chaing Rai and I'd like to follow your foot steps ,restuarants and coffee house. Just awesome to watch your. I"m wondering what kind of camera did you use?

[@ritankarsasmal5537]

Coffee trip!! :) this video makes me wanna go to my next vacation badly....

[@sawangchitdunlap6699]

Love love love your video Mark Wiens! I am so homesick!

[@chrysanths6395]

You are a pleasant person.Thank you for this nice video.

[@douglasdsr]

Fantastic video Mark, enjoyed every second!

[@MarkWiens]

***** Thank you Douglas

[@joyfullyorganic]

Wow that place is so beautiful!

[@MarkWiens]

joyfullyorganic Thank you Joy

[@alansaxon]

Loved this post Mark! I'm a coffee fan too and would love to make that same trip as you!.

[@MarkWiens]

Alan Saxon Hey Alan, glad you love coffee too!

[@edcsilver8438]

Yyay wow road trip,coffee trip and food trip 😋👍 that chilli is so fresh haha with all those coffees you drank keep you alert and awake driving!😄 thanks for a nice video again! Can't wait for the next one! Regard to your wife and always be safe....

[@MarkWiens]

edcsilver Thank you very much

[@TheMehcuryCrowd]

I love how your face lights up when you take the first bite of food

[@teacherjon82]

Howzit Mark! Great video! I just started drinking coffee again so I definitely have to make a trip there. Loved how you showcased the dishes. Even though we have those dishes here, you made me excited to go out and eat them again. Love how those dishes didn't have Bpla Ra in it which makes it safe for me to eat!

[@MarkWiens]

Jon Watanabe Thanks Jon, good to hear you started drinking coffee again. Haha, yup no pla ra in this meal this time.

[@noyesv1]

Hi Mark, I am currently in Chiang Mai and your videos and books have been invaluable. I'm actually able to help other clueless tourists ha ha!! Is there an organized tour of coffee plantations near Chiang Mai? I love coffee and have owned a coffee house in the past and would love to visit a farm.

[@niyushakya3478]

Ying is so simple and beautiful! :)

[@MissCGY1]

Hello Mark! Thank you for your wonderful videos, I've recently discovered your channel and I'm such a fan. Keep up the great work! This coffee spot looks amazing btw. Safe travels :)

[@TabbyAngel2]

WOW that scenery *.* I wanna be there!!!

[@GScottChaosnaut]

Excellent job. What do you like most about Thailand ?

[@evogardens]

Hey Ying & Mark, Picturesque scenery, great coffee, giant beetles, and pick your own chillies. Sounds like the perfect day trip. Any trouble falling asleep that night? Jim.

[@MarkWiens]

evogardens Thanks Jim, yah that's a recipe for a great day. Luckily I was so tired, I still had no trouble falling asleep.

[@Zulithe]

Keep doing your thing Mark! Wow It can't be overstated just how affordable *GREAT* looking quality food is in other countries! You got a FEAST for under $14. Here in San Francisco? I could barely get one plate for $20 of food that would compare. Would be a great place to retire. :) Beautiful country

[@MarkWiens]

Zulithe Thank you very much. And this food was even more fresh than usual, I'm sure all the ingredients came from just outside the window where I was eating. Hope you're doing well.

[@PREPFORIT]

I would Love to tour Fair trade coffee producing areas !Thanks again for taking us along.

[@RituMakhijaritumak]

I'm amazed that you can eat chilli like that! I can barely have a bite!

[@MarkWiens]

Thank you Ritu Makhija I'm addicted!

[@TabbyAngel2]

You're so pretty ^.^

[@RituMakhijaritumak]

thank you haha

[@etanick1]

can't wait for your vids in Saigon. I saw the vid by Kyle and looks like you all were having a blast!

[@MarkWiens]

Thanks eta nick, they are coming soon. Kyle's a great guy.

[@vanadee1618]

lol, you couldnt resist the chili at the tableside...that was just lovely

[@MarkWiens]

Dee Awais That is one of the greatest things!

[@TheHandofMan]

Do more of these videos please ! love the Travel+Food

[@MarkWiens]

Thank you TheHandofMan, I'll do more of these in the future.

[@giamoore742]

That coffee looked amazing. I have to go there!

[@MarkWiens]

Gia Moore I hope you can visit Gia

[@pdude1911]

Awesome video Mark! Be sure to not let those bags of fresh coffee beans sit around for too long, enjoy them while they're still fresh.

[@MarkWiens]

pdude1911 Thanks, I'm drinking them right now!

[@leeneeloo3739]

Hi Mark and Yin. Thank God! Such an enjoyable video at last of food and travel. I've been having 'nightmares' of the sok lek!!! This really is a fantastic video of sightseeing, food and coffee. I drink Americano too! In fact, I had one at KingsX station London recently for a meeting. I was biting my tongue, not to complain, that it was the smallest Americano I'd ever seen. It was only a little larger than an Espresso. I wanted to ask where was the rest of my coffee. Anyway, love the lunch shown. With the fresh picked chillies. Heaven. ps. you were probably 'bouncing' from the coffee grown on cocaine soil. Fabulous video. Same again please. Best wishes and God bless to you both.

[@MarkWiens]

Hey leenee loo thank you very much, glad you enjoyed this video, and glad you love coffee too. Haha, yah that's some potent coffee, but really it was really good quality and really smooth. A great coffee day.

[@valsrain123]

Love these day trip videos!

[@MarkWiens]

valsrain123 Thank you

[@girlygloss91]

Adding this place to my list of to-do's in Thailand! Thanks for the great recommendation, Mark. :)

[@MarkWiens]

Thank you Nicolette T

[@JurgenMiHoff]

Homie my mom grew up in this village selling opium for my grandfather lol, things were so much different back then, tourism blanketed most of the hill tribe’s culture these days

[@butsayaphianjit3840]

มาร์ค! ฉันเป็นคนไทยแท้ๆ ยังกินเผ็ดไม่ได้เท่าคุณเลย คุณเก่งมากอ่ะ!! ชื่นชมๆ

[@roomforthefiiixins2491]

KZbin needs to disable the thumbs down button on Mark's videos :) They are really exceptional.

[@Boriville]

Good idea!!! I totally agree.

[@MarkWiens]

roomforthefiiixins ***** Thank you both, I appreciate all your support!

[@mdjcsmith]

Good point actually, why would anyone thumb down something like this? Unless they're jealous of course.

[@TamilTrekkerOfficial]

You made it

[@bzylizzy]

Another awesome video, you guys should come to New Zealand one day, amazing scenery and food here (don't know about the coffee though)....

[@netraksasin]

I miss my hometown.. BTW, Thank you for your sharing. I love your vdo and your face. LOL

[@barnaliskitchen]

Very nice location Mark. Enjoyed the foggy roads and the green hills. Are you shooting the videos yourself ? If yes then its wonderful selfie video you are doing. And also Ying is now having less pressure on shooting videos. May i know which camera you are using to shoot the selfie ? Please reply.... i will wait. Thank you.

[@MarkWiens]

Hey Barnali's Kitchen thank you very much. This video was sort of a combination of both selfies and my wife shooting, but yah I'm trying to get more into selfies as I think it's more natural overall. I just got a Canon S120. I like the camera and the built in microphone, but the only thing I'm having trouble with is the battery dies really fast... so I'm not fully sure if I would recommend it. But quality is very good.

[@barnaliskitchen]

Mark Wiens Thank you very much for the reply Mark..will wait to see your selfie videos !! Keep it up !!

[@jamesdale9253]

In Bali there are amazing coffee plantations near the volcano!

[@MarkWiens]

james dale Good to hear that James, I'd love to try the coffee in Bali someday.

[@MrBlueComa]

Now my question to you is. Do you prefer seafood or vegetable plates? I see you eating a lot of salads or mainly veggie plates just curious bro. Hope life's great for you my dude

[@MrArslan6161]

mark thank you ım look your rai video and my old days came to mind my life ın turkey agein thank you

[@Paul.in.Ireland]

Black canyon coffee cafe will never quite seem the same after watching this! Hehehe :) Another great video and another idea for my bucket list! Thanks Mark! Ryan.

[@MarkWiens]

Ryan Darcy Haha, right about that!

[@KayanEnsan]

just amazing .. thats all i need to say

[@Shawnski69]

Hi Mark , I really enjoy all of your videos production . How tip services system work in Thailand may I ask?

[@KingPurcival]

It was $30 for the car itself or with the fuel combined? How many days did your rent it for?

[@pezao143]

I don't think the coffee you bought were expensive. Well, at least considering the scale of producers and the fact they are organic. Sometimes you can find comercial coffee for almost the same price as these (and a much lesser quality). Another cool video btw.

[@MarkWiens]

pezao143 Thank you very much. Yah, I think you're right, and especially with the work that goes into producing this great coffee, I think it's well worth it.

[@nhoem01]

Thank your video, nice trip my friend.....

[@MarkWiens]

Akon Lee Thank you Akon

[@naomiparsons1652]

really enjoyed seeing the nature and wildlife in this video- added bonus :)

[@MarkWiens]

Naomi Parsons Thank you very much Naomi

[@Lalunabreeze]

It may cost more but I find it about evens out. You don’t need as much for a great coffee.

[@bjmartinphotography]

Wow, great coffee and food. More coffee video please ;) Oh, I saw you on Kyle Le's site.

[@LoveisChiangRai]

ฝรั่งกินพริกเป็นเม็ดๆ โหดมากครับ สุดยอดเลย

[@ari3514]

You make me want to go there again .

[@andreamortem8725]

Awesome video Mark! Loved it

[@MarkWiens]

Andrea Toorres Thank you Andrea

[@yusimbaesvedberg]

You make me miss Thailand :)

[@1_Макарон4ик_1]

Very beautiful nature.

[@booneyify]

ร้านสะอาดน่านั่งจังค่ะ

[@terrypalmore7314]

Thank you for this video. It was different. Tell your wife she is a nice looking lady. :) The beetle was interesting (they eat them stuffed with chicken don't they?) You spent a bunch on coffee but we all know how you like it so much! The food was interesting as usual. I didn't know They drove on the English side of the road. Very interesting!

[@BigEaterMike]

I have to stop watching your videos now. I can't stand to see you eat all of this food and drink some real coffee. haha Keep it up, I will continue to watch of course....

[@juliegoodwin6850]

Is that anywhere near Doi Tung? Enjoyed that area, Royal Villa with its gardens is quite interesting

[@JadeCanada237]

I really enjoyed this whole video. Such a beautiful area and you seriously looked like a kid in a candy store the whole time :) The comment about being able to pick chili from your table cracked me up. So which coffee did you end up liking best?

[@kkz201]

my neighborhood cafe serves doi chang coffee! the cuppa joe is a great way to spend an afternoon!

[@MarkWiens]

kkz201 Ok nice to hear that. Where is that?

[@kkz201]

Mark Wiens in vancouver canada...we're a foodie city if you find yourself on the pacific west coast!

[@singy1980]

Young man, u can handle chilies very well. Am impressed!

[@012maj]

such a nice scenery.. more Yin on your vids pls.. you both look good together! ❤ keep up the good work Mark! I always watch your vids and your first travel was in the Philippines right? :) any plans to go back? God bless and Greeting from the Philippines! 👍👌😃

[@MarkWiens]

Maj Bodollo Thank you very much Maj. Yes I visited the Philippines way back about 6 years ago, and I really enjoyed it. I would love to come back again. Hope you have a wonderful day.

[@michaelamaestas4950]

Wonderful video ! thanks

[@MrVaitty]

Amazing Video thanks Mark to share your expirience .I love your Documentation thank you a lot :) :)

[@iamfugazi1969]

Mark, what are your thoughts on the "instant" Thai coffees we can get in the U.S. like the Oliang brand. I know they are two different animals, but finding whole bean or pure ground Thai coffee here is not easy OR cost effective.

[@MarkWiens]

iamfugazi1969 Hmmm, I can't say I've really tried instant Oliang coffee, but usually I'm not huge on it because it often includes sugar or sweetener mixed in. I would say just stick to whatever coffee beans you can get in the US - I think when I was there I got some good beans from Trader Joes, not Thai, but good coffee.

[@iamfugazi1969]

Sometimes it pays to just google in the first place...I actually found the Doi Chaang for mail order at $12.99 plus a reasonable shipping charge, but I wouldn't have known about this coffee without our favorite food vlogger!! Ok..a bit cheezy, but my wife and I watch your vids every week. Glad you are able to show us what we all would like to be doing!!

[@fuzzygreen3634]

do you prefer your coffee black mark? i really enjoy these vlogs, the coffee looks incredible

[@MarkWiens]

Atlas Slates Hey Atlas, yes most of the time I just like black and no sugar, sometimes I enjoy just a splash of milk.

[@llaregubjinks5080]

Thank you for such an informative vlog, good to see other aspects of Thailand. I must go there one day. I hope the coffee farmers make more money than the rice farmers.

[@sohhaina9319]

I tried the dark roast coffee bean. it has citrus flavour, really good body and after taste was sweet. I dont know why I gotten the sweet after taste even though it was a strong one O.O I'm surprised you bought 6 of 250g of coffee bean!