Enjoy the heart of Chiang Mai’s coffee culture on the Hilltribe Coffee Forest tour. This unique experience takes you on a 4×4 adventure to a lush plantation, where you’ll hike through vibrant coffee fields and get hands-on with planting, roasting, and brewing. Savor organic farm-to-table meals as you discover the intricate process behind your daily cup. With a focus on sustainability and limited group sizes, it’s an enriching journey that delves into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Good To Know
- Full-day small group tour to explore the Upstream Coffee Forest near Chiang Mai, including a 4×4 ride, hike, and hands-on coffee tree planting.
- Coffee roasting workshop and V60 brewing masterclass led by knowledgeable guides, providing a comprehensive coffee experience.
- Organic vegetarian lunch featuring local ingredients, offering a farm-to-table culinary adventure.
- Comfortable transportation and an intimate group size of up to 8 participants for an immersive and personalized tour.
- Suitable for adults, with recommendations to bring appropriate attire and personal items for the trek and coffee activities.
Tour Overview
This full-day small group tour (limited to 8 participants) offers visitors a chance to explore the Upstream Coffee Forest near Chiang Mai.
Over 8 hours, travelers will take a 4×4 ride to the coffee plantation, hike through the grounds, plant a coffee tree, and enjoy an organic vegetarian lunch.
The tour also includes a coffee roasting workshop and brewing masterclass.
Transportation, meals, and all necessary equipment are included.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this immersive coffee experience is a great option for visitors to Chiang Mai.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a 4×4 ride to the Upstream Coffee Forest.
After a 1.3-hour hike through coffee plantations, guests learn about local flora and plant a coffee tree to support sustainable farming. This hands-on experience allows them to contribute to the farm’s future growth.
Next, they enjoy an organic farm-to-table vegetarian lunch, savoring the freshness of local ingredients.
The afternoon concludes with a coffee roasting workshop where guests roast their own beans, followed by a V60 brewing masterclass for the perfect pour-over coffee.
The tour ends with a hotel drop-off around 5:30-6:30 PM.
Tour Features
The tour limits group size to 8 participants, ensuring an intimate experience. An English-speaking guide accompanies the group throughout the adventure.
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation, including a 4WD vehicle, takes guests off-road to the coffee forest. The tour includes an organic farm-to-table vegetarian lunch, as well as coffee, tea, and bottled water for brewing and tasting.
Participants also receive green coffee beans to roast during the workshop. With these thoughtful inclusions, the tour provides a well-rounded and hands-on exploration of Chiangmai’s unique coffee culture.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes and long pants are recommended for the trekking portion of the tour.
Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a sun hat can help protect you from the elements.
Don’t forget to bring a rain jacket in case of inclement weather.
Essential personal items like a camera, cash, sunglasses, and any necessary medication should also be on your packing list.
These items will ensure you’re prepared to fully learn about the coffee forest experience and capture memorable moments along the way.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews
Travelers have praised the Chiangmai Hilltribe Coffee Forest tour, awarding it an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 32 reviews.
Guests highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, Jack and Moonshine, who provide a hands-on coffee experience in a beautiful, peaceful setting. The memorable organic farm-to-table lunch and opportunity to plant a coffee tree are also tour favorites.
However, the tour may not be suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, or those with mobility issues.
More tours and activities we've covered in Chiang Mai
- Chiang Mai Coffee Tour: Trekking to Farm, Roast and Brew Workshop
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Journey to the Coffee Forest
Venturing deep into the lush Upstream Coffee Forest, visitors embark on a captivating exploration that awakens the senses.
The 4×4 adventure through winding roads unveils a verdant landscape dotted with coffee plantations.
During the 1.3-hour hike, travelers:
Immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of local flora, learning about the diverse ecosystem.
Plant a coffee tree, contributing to sustainable farming practices.
Savor an organic farm-to-table vegetarian lunch, connecting with the land and its bounty.
This immersive experience offers a profound appreciation for the journey from bean to cup, leaving visitors with a newfound respect for the craft of coffee-making.
Planting the Coffee Tree
As the hike through the coffee plantations nears its end, participants eagerly approach the planting station.
The guide demonstrates proper techniques, emphasizing the importance of sustainable farming. Each person is given a young coffee seedling to plant, carefully digging the hole, positioning the roots, and securing the soil.
Participants take pride in their contribution, knowing their tree will one day yield the precious coffee beans. The group snaps photos, commemorating the moment before continuing the tour.
This hands-on experience leaves a lasting impression, connecting the travelers to the coffee journey in a meaningful way.
Roasting and Brewing the Perfect Cup
After exploring the coffee plantations and planting their own trees, the group transitions to the next exciting segment of the tour – the roasting and brewing workshop.
Under the guidance of their expert guide, they learn the art of roasting green coffee beans to perfection. The group then gets hands-on experience with the V60 pour-over brewing method, discovering how to extract the best flavors.
This workshop empowers them to:
Appreciate the nuances of specialty coffee
Replicate the barista experience at home
Experiment with different roast profiles and brew techniques
The tour culminates in a delightful tasting, allowing the participants to savor the fruits of their labor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour offers an organic farm-to-table vegetarian lunch. However, it does not accommodate special dietary requirements beyond vegetarian. Participants with any other dietary needs should notify the tour operator in advance.
Can I Bring My Own Coffee Equipment?
Yes, participants can bring their own coffee equipment for the V60 brewing masterclass. The tour provides all necessary supplies, but guests are welcome to use their personal items if they prefer.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed during the tour. The tour guides encourage participants to capture the beautiful scenery, coffee-making process, and their experience. Guests are welcome to bring their cameras to document the day’s activities.
How Difficult Is the Hiking Trail?
The 1.3-hour hike through the coffee plantations is considered moderately challenging. It involves some uphill sections, but the trail is well-maintained, and the guide provides support. Proper hiking shoes and fitness are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Can I Purchase Extra Coffee Beans to Take Home?
Yes, you can purchase extra coffee beans to take home. The tour includes an opportunity to roast your own beans, and you’ll be able to buy additional bags of green coffee beans from the farm before your departure.
The Sum Up
The Chiangmai Hilltribe Coffee Forest tour offers a unique and enriching experience for coffee enthusiasts. From the scenic hike through vibrant plantations to the hands-on activities like planting a tree and brewing the perfect cup, this tour immerses participants in the world of sustainable coffee production. With a focus on organic farm-to-table meals and a limited group size, it’s a must-do for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Chiang Mai’s coffee culture.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Coffee Tours in Chiang Mai
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