Sip Coffee at Pha Hee Valley @ Doi Pha Hee, Chiang Rai

Sip Coffee at Pha Hee Valley @ Doi Pha Hee, Chiang Rai

When talking about Chiang Rai, many people probably think of Wat Rong Khun or the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. But for mr.hotsia, the “coffee” here is also an irresistible charm, especially “Pha Hee Valley Coffee” located on Doi Pha Hee, a small mountain near Chiang Rai city, which I had the chance to experience myself this time.

Doi Pha Hee is not just an ordinary mountain but a famous coffee growing area in Chiang Rai. I have also driven around Doi Chang nearby (read atDriving Around Doi Chang). But Doi Pha Hee gives a different feeling, closer to nature. The route up the mountain is simple, just a 30-40 minute drive from Chiang Rai city.

Upon arriving at the viewpoint and Pha Hee Valley Coffee shop, I, mr.hotsia, immediately felt the refreshing cool air and the aroma of coffee wafting to my nose. Sipping the rich coffee freshly roasted and ground from beans grown on this mountain while enjoying the lush green mountain views made the moment even more special.

I like the relaxed atmosphere of this coffee shop, which is not as busy as those in Chiang Rai city. If you stay in the city, such as at Suknirand Hotel near the Chiang Rai Clock Tower (recommended readingAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang Rai), and want a peaceful place to enjoy good coffee in the morning or afternoon, driving up to Doi Pha Hee is a perfect idea.

Besides coffee, I also saw locals growing organic vegetables and fruits, making the surroundings lively and warm. It feels like experiencing the real mountain lifestyle, not just a tourist spot but a community preserving nature and culture.

If you love nature and coffee travel, I recommend walking around the coffee garden here to see the actual coffee plants blooming. During my visit, I even saw locals picking fresh coffee beans themselves, a rare sight in city coffee shops.

After sipping coffee, I also stopped by a small market in Chiang Rai city (if interested, readStrolling Around Chiang Rai City). This market offers many local foods and snacks, such as mango sticky rice ice cream or the delicious northern dish braised beef basil at Roy Han restaurant, which I have tried.

The trip up Doi Pha Hee is easy. For those driving from Chiang Rai city, it is recommended to take the main road and turn onto the mountain route, which is clearly signposted. On the way up, you can see layered mountain views and light morning mist, adding a romantic touch to the journey.

For those who enjoy traveling in Chiang Rai, don’t forget to visitWat Rong Khundesigned by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Or if you like the nighttime atmosphere, be sure to see the light and sound show atChiang Rai Clock Towerwhich has performances every night at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM. It’s another impressive experience that mr.hotsia highly recommends.

For me, sipping Pha Hee Valley coffee on Doi Pha Hee gave me a deeper understanding of Chiang Rai than I had before — the fragrant coffee, fresh air, and locals preserving traditional lifestyles, along with the convenience of a day trip from Chiang Rai city without difficulty.

If you plan to visit Chiang Rai, don’t miss the chance to try coffee at Doi Pha Hee Valley. I guarantee you will fall in love with the peaceful and warm side of Chiang Rai, beyond typical tourism, just like mr.hotsia did.

And if you want to see the real atmosphere of Pha Hee Valley Coffee, mr.hotsia has a video clip for you to watch atSip Coffee at Pha Hee Valley @ Doi Pha Hee, Chiang RaiClick to watch and you’ll feel like you’re sitting there with us.