I recently went on a coffee farm tour in Chiang Mai, and it was truly one of the best experiences I've had! From start to finish, the tour was informative and engaging. Our guide was incredibly passionate about coffee, nature, and the "sabai sabai" (easy-going) lifestyle. (“Good Vibes”)
He was very informative, he even told us the backstory of how the tour came to be, which added a personal touch.
One of the highlights was meeting one of the villagers who owns the land where we trekked through the jungle. He welcomed us into his daily life, showing us how he cares for his cows, grows other crops, and taught us how to pick coffee berries. We even had the chance to taste the fresh coffee cherries, which was a whole new experience for me.
The tour covered so much more than just coffee—it was a deep dive into the lifestyle of the community. We planted a coffee tree, learned how to process the beans (from stripping the skin to drying them), and had a delicious home-cooked lunch. Then, we got a mini coffee lesson, roasted our own beans (which was super cool and definitely a highlight!), and brewed a fresh cup of coffee.
The best part? We got to take our roasted beans home as a souvenir! Both the guide and the farmer were so helpful throughout the whole process, making it such an amazing learning experience.
The personal connection I felt with both our guide and the farmer was truly special. Their warmth and hospitality made the experience even more memorable. It was a humbling day, and I left feeling not only closer to the locals but with a much deeper understanding/appreciation of the entire coffee-making process, from farm to cup. If you’re in Chiang Mai, this tour is a must!!!!