The first time I traveled to Thailand, I was such a clueless newbie that I mixed my coffee from instant coffee packets. It wasn’t great, but it gave me the caffeine kick I needed. I thought Thai people only drank tea and sweet sodas, and I was worried about unclean water.
Well, that was a pretty dumb mistake! Thailand grows some serious beans, and the local coffee scene is thriving.
From rich, chocolatey Arabica grown in the mountains to strong, punchy Robusta brewed on the street corner, Thai coffee has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best Thailand coffee brands, where to buy them, and how to enjoy them like a local. Let’s dive in—coffee first, questions later!
The Rise of Thai Coffee
Thailand wasn’t always a coffee country. Tea used to be the big thing here. But in the 1970s, everything changed. King Bhumibol Adulyadej launched the Thai Royal Project as a substitution crop to help farmers switch from opium production. Yes, coffee replaced drugs!
The cooler mountain regions in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Doi Tung turned out to be perfect for growing Arabica beans. The high altitude, rich soil, and tropical climate created smooth, flavorful coffee with hints of chocolate, nuts, and even fruit. Meanwhile, Robusta beans thrived in the south, especially in places like Chumphon, where the heat and humidity give the beans a bold, strong taste—perfect for a wake-up punch.
Fast forward to today, and Thailand is producing some seriously good coffee. Small farms focus on organic and sustainable growing methods. Specialty roasters are popping up everywhere. Thai coffee is no longer just a local secret—it’s making a name for itself worldwide. And we’re here for it.
Popular Thai Coffee Beans & Flavors
Not all coffee beans are the same, and Thailand grows two main types: Arabica and Robusta. If you love smooth, slightly sweet coffee, you’ll want Arabica. If you need coffee that kicks quickly, Robusta is your bean.
Arabica – The Smooth Operator
Grown in the cooler mountains of northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Doi Tung), Arabica beans are rich, smooth, and full of flavor. Thai Arabica often has notes of chocolate, nuts, and sometimes even tropical fruit. It’s the kind of coffee you sip slowly and actually taste (instead of gulping it down for survival).
Robusta – The Bold One
Robusta thrives in Thailand’s hot and humid south, especially in Chumphon. It’s strong, full-bodied, and packs way more caffeine than Arabica. This is the coffee you want if you’ve had zero sleep but still need to function. It’s often used in Thai-style iced coffee (Oliang)—dark, bold, and sweetened with condensed milk.
Best Thailand Coffee Brands to Try
Ready to sip some of Thailand’s finest brews? Here are top picks that’ll make your taste buds dance.
1. Akha Ama Coffee
Born in the hills of Chiang Mai, Akha Ama is more than just a coffee brand—it’s a community movement. Founded by Lee Ayu Chuepa, a member of the Akha hill tribe, this company empowers local farmers and promotes sustainable practices. Their beans are handpicked and roasted to perfection, offering flavors that range from fruity to nutty.
2. Doi Chaang Coffee
Hailing from the Doi Chang village in Chiang Rai, Doi Chaang Coffee is a pioneer in Thailand’s specialty coffee scene. Grown at elevations of 1,200 to 1,600 meters, their 100% Arabica beans boast a rich aroma and a smooth, full-bodied taste.
The company is farmer-owned, ensuring that profits benefit the local community. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them international acclaim.
3. Black Ivory Coffee
Ever heard of the world’s rarest and most expensive coffee? That’s Black Ivory Coffee. This ultra-luxury coffee is made using Thai Arabica beans that are naturally refined by elephants (yes, really). The beans pass through the elephants’ digestive system, where fermentation enhances their flavor profile, creating an incredibly smooth, chocolatey, and slightly floral cup with zero bitterness.
Due to its unique production process, only a small amount is produced each year, making it one of the most exclusive coffees in the world. If you’re after a one-of-a-kind coffee experience (and don’t mind splurging), Black Ivory is worth a try.
Disclaimer: I never promote anything that exploits animals. While this coffee brand claims to treat elephants ethically, I cannot guarantee their welfare. I encourage everyone to do their own research before supporting any animal-involved experiences.
4. Bluekoff
Bluekoff is a Bangkok-based specialty coffee roaster known for its unique blends and single-origin offerings. They source beans from various regions in Thailand, including the renowned Doi Chang area. Their medium roast beans are praised for their smooth and aromatic profile, with subtle hazelnut notes.
Bluekoff emphasizes fair trade practices, working closely with local farmers to ensure quality and sustainability.
5. Beanspire Coffee
Beanspire is a specialty coffee exporter that partners with smallholder farmers across Thailand. They focus on innovative processing methods, offering a range of unique flavor profiles. From natural yeast fermentation to anaerobic processing, Beanspire pushes the boundaries of traditional coffee production.
Their collaborations ensure that farmers receive fair compensation while coffee lovers enjoy exceptional brews.
Where to Buy Thai Coffee
So, you’ve got your heart set on some delicious Thai coffee. Now, where do you find it? Good news—whether you’re in Thailand or ordering from abroad, there are plenty of options!
1. Local Markets & Specialty Coffee Shops
If you’re in Thailand, the best way to buy fresh, locally roasted beans is from specialty coffee shops or weekend markets. You’ll find some of the best selections in:
- Chiang Mai – The heart of Thailand’s coffee culture, with cafes like Akha Ama selling their farm-to-cup beans.
- Bangkok – Bluekoff and other roasters have dedicated stores where you can sample before you buy.
- Local Farmers’ Markets – Many coffee-growing regions, like Chiang Rai, have farmers selling their beans directly.
2. Online Stores – Get Thai Coffee Anywhere
Can’t make it to Thailand? No problem. You can order Thai coffee online from:
- Coffee Culture Asia – Huge variety of Thai coffee brands, ground and whole bean options.
- Amazon – Some top brands like Doi Chaang and Bluekoff ship worldwide.
- The Exotic Bean – Great for organic and single-origin Thai coffee.
3. Supermarkets & Department Stores
If you’re in Thailand and just want a quick coffee fix, check out:
- Gourmet Market (Siam Paragon, EmQuartier, IconSiam) – Carries a variety of local and premium coffee brands.
- Big C & Tesco Lotus – More budget-friendly but still offers some decent local brands.
- 7-Eleven & FamilyMart – Great for instant Thai coffee mixes (not the freshest beans, but handy if you need a quick caffeine hit).
Thai Coffee Culture & Brewing Methods
Thailand’s coffee culture is a mix of old-school traditions and trendy third-wave cafés. Whether you love your coffee sweet, black, or with a shot of condensed milk, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional Thai Iced Coffee (Oliang)
If you’ve been to Thailand, you’ve probably seen Oliang (โอเลี้ยง)—the dark, strong, and slightly sweet iced coffee served in a plastic cup or bag with a straw. Yes, a bag.
Oliang is made from a mix of coffee, corn, soybeans, and sesame seeds (sounds weird, but trust the process). It’s brewed through a cloth filter, then poured over ice and sweetened with sugar or condensed milk. The result? A rich, nutty, and slightly smoky drink that keeps you cool in the heat.
Popular Brewing Methods in Thailand
Thailand has a growing specialty coffee scene, and you’ll find every brewing method under the sun. Some of the most popular include:
- Espresso – Standard in cafés, usually served as a bold shot or in a classic cappuccino.
- Pour-over – Loved by third-wave coffee shops for its clean, complex flavors.
- French press – Found in boutique cafés, often used for small-batch, specialty Thai beans.
- Oliang-style filtering – The traditional Thai method, using a fabric filter and a long pour.
Café Culture & the Best Coffee Shops in Thailand
Thailand’s café culture has exploded in recent years. Whether you’re into hipster-style cafés, traditional street vendors, or high-end roasteries, there’s a place for you. Some of the best spots include:
- Factory Coffee (Bangkok) – Consistently ranked as one of the best coffee spots in Thailand. If you love specialty espresso drinks, this is your place.
- Ristr8to (Chiang Mai) – A world-famous coffee shop that’s all about latte art and award-winning brews. This chain was my everyday go-to place when living in Chiang Mai. I loved the coffee and the skull-shaped glasses.
- Akha Ama (Chiang Mai) – A social enterprise café supporting local hill tribe farmers. Their single-origin beans are top-notch.
- Gallery Drip Coffee (Bangkok) – The go-to spot for pour-over coffee lovers, located inside the Bangkok Art and Culture Center.
Check out these amazing hotels in Bangkok, or use the map below. 👇
Thai Coffee vs. International Brands
How does Thai coffee stack up against big international names like Starbucks, Lavazza, or Blue Bottle? Surprisingly well! While Thai coffee might not yet have the same global fame, it has some serious strengths that make it stand out.
1. Sustainability Wins
Many Thai coffee farms focus on organic, shade-grown, and fair trade practices. Brands like Doi Chaang and Paradise Mountain Organic lead the way in producing coffee that’s good for both the environment and local farmers. Unlike some mass-produced international brands, Thai coffee often comes directly from small, family-run farms where quality beats quantity.
2. Unique Flavors
Thai coffee offers flavor profiles you won’t find in your usual supermarket brands. While many international coffees are heavy on chocolate and nutty notes, Thai Arabica beans often have tropical fruit undertones, thanks to the rich mountain soil. If you love trying new flavors, Thai coffee can surprise you with hints of mango, citrus, and even jasmine.
3. Fair Trade & Local Impact
Unlike some global brands that mass-produce coffee and pay farmers the bare minimum, Thai coffee companies are often farmer-owned (looking at you, Doi Chaang). This means more profits stay with the growers, leading to better wages, sustainable farming, and higher-quality beans. When you buy Thai coffee, you’re supporting local communities, not just a corporate giant.
Is Thai Coffee Better Than International Brands?
If you’re after a familiar taste, big brands like Illy or Starbucks will give you consistent but basic coffee. But if you want something small-batch, sustainable, and bursting with unique flavors, Thailand coffee brands are worth a shot (pun intended). Plus, supporting local farmers over giant corporations? That’s a win in our book.
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Final Thoughts on the 5 Best Thailand Coffee Brands
So, is Thai coffee worth trying? Absolutely. Whether you love strong, bold brews or smooth, fruity notes, there’s a Thai coffee brand for you.
Thai coffee is underrated, sustainable, and packed with flavor. It supports small farmers, promotes fair trade, and gives you a taste of Thailand in every cup.
So next time you’re stocking up on beans, skip the big-name brands and grab a bag of locally roasted Thai coffee. Your taste buds—and the farmers—will thank you.
Have you already tried Thai coffee? Which Thailand coffee brands or beans did you like most? Let’s chat in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQ on the 6 Thailand Coffee Brands You Need to Try
How does Thai coffee compare to Vietnamese coffee?
While Vietnamese coffee is often dark roast coffee made with Robusta, Thai coffee includes both Arabica and Robusta varieties. Thai coffee culture embraces everything from strong traditional Thai coffee (Oliang) to modern specialty brews.
What role does coffee play in Thailand’s economy?
Thailand’s coffee consumption has grown rapidly, with many farms focusing on high-quality and sustainable coffee production. Most Thai coffee is consumed locally, but joint ventures with international roasters are helping expand its reach.
Can I visit coffee farms in Thailand?
Yes! Many travel agents offer trips to coffee farms in northern Thailand. You can tour plantations, meet farmers, and enjoy a decent cup of coffee straight from the source.
Just a heads up: some links in the article “Thailand Coffee Brands” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
