Yellow Cart Coffee and Clock Tower, Chiang Rai

Yellow Cart Coffee and the Clock Tower in Chiang Rai

When talking about Chiang Rai, many might think of the beautiful Wat Rong Khun or Doi Chang, famous for its coffee. But for me, mr.hotsia, true travel often begins with the small details found in the city I visit. This time, the “Yellow Cart Coffee” beside the clock tower in Chiang Rai is one experience I will not easily forget.

Before reaching the Yellow Cart Coffee shop, I asked locals, “If I want to drink authentic traditional coffee in the morning, which place should I go to?” The answer became a clear destination – the Yellow Cart Coffee shop located by the roadside next to the Chiang Rai clock tower, the city’s vibrant central hub bustling all day long.

The Yellow Cart Coffee shop is not only known for its distinctive name. The bright yellow color of the cart and the vintage atmosphere make you feel like you’ve traveled back to the era of traditional coffee, rare to find nowadays. I ordered an “Oliang without sugar” with ice, a traditional strong coffee with a bittersweet taste following Chiang Rai’s original recipe. If ordered without ice, it’s called “Oyua.”

Besides the fragrant coffee, the shop also offers a very tempting pan-fried egg dish. I watched the vendors prepare it up close and even recorded a clip. However, since I was already full from the nearby pork blood soup earlier, I couldn’t bring myself to try the pan-fried eggs that day.

The atmosphere around the Chiang Rai clock tower is equally charming. I once stayed at Suknirand Hotel, located right next to the clock tower. Just stepping out the back of the hotel leads you to the Yellow Cart Coffee shop. It’s also close to the morning and evening markets, as well as the “Kad Chiang Rai Ramleuk” walking street held every Saturday, perfect for those who want to stroll, taste local food, and shop for souvenirs at a relaxed pace.Suknirand Hotelis a recommended choice for travelers seeking comfort at an affordable price.

The Chiang Rai clock tower is not just a meeting point for locals but also a design masterpiece byAjarn Chalermchai Kositpipatthe renowned creator of Wat Rong Khun. The clock tower was unveiled in 2008 and has become a lively landmark with light and sound shows at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM daily, attracting tourists to enjoy and photograph the spectacle.

Chiang Rai, from mr.hotsia’s perspective, is not only about major tourist attractions but also a city where you can stroll, experience local life, and savor deeply delicious home-style food. Sipping traditional coffee at the Yellow Cart while watching the clock tower’s lively movements is a small joy I invite everyone to experience.

If you have time and want to expand your Chiang Rai travel experience, I recommend visitingWat Rong Khunwhich is beautiful and rich in stories, or take a drive toDoi Changa famous coffee-growing area with a cool climate and stunning views.

For those who enjoy evening strolls, don’t miss the walking street in downtown Chiang Rai, or “Kad Chiang Rai Ramleuk,” held every Saturday. It’s close to the clock tower and Yellow Cart Coffee shop, offering a great chance to experience Chiang Rai’s lifestyle and taste many delicious local foods.Strolling in downtown Chiang Raiwill make your visit to this city even more complete.

Finally, sitting and sipping a cold Oliang at the Yellow Cart Coffee shop while watching the Chiang Rai clock tower’s lights change to the rhythm of music is a memory I, mr.hotsia, will always cherish. I believe if you visit Chiang Rai and open your heart to this small coffee shop, you will find that travel is not just about reaching a destination but truly experiencing and feeling the essence of Chiang Rai.