Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Nestled in the hills of Mae Chan district, this working tea plantation offers visitors a genuine look at northern Thailand's tea-growing heritage alongside sweeping views of terraced green slopes. The journey itself — particularly by motorbike along winding mountain roads — adds to the overall experience, and the elevated setting provides fresh highland air and panoramic scenery that rewards the trip from Chiang Rai. The plantation functions as a full visitor destination, combining agriculture with leisure. Guests can walk through the hillside fields, observe the cultivation process, and sample or purchase teas grown directly on the property, including oolong varieties and specialty blends such as osmanthus flower-infused teas. A cafe, restaurant, and well-stocked shop are all on-site, and a short walk leads to small lakes on the property for those who explore beyond the main area. The food receives consistent praise from visitors, making it worth factoring into plans alongside the tea tasting and shopping. Popular dishes and tea varieties tend to sell out by mid-morning, so an early arrival is strongly advised to get the most from both the restaurant and the shop. The hillside terrain calls for sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for uneven paths, and sun protection is recommended. Plan for at least a couple of hours, as the combination of walking, tasting, eating, and browsing makes this a leisurely stop rather than a quick one. Opening hours are not confirmed online, so it is worth checking locally before making the trip.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Choui Fong Tea Plantation, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
Stunning views and a great ride! This tea plantation is absolutely beautiful and 100% worth the visit. The Drive: If you’re coming by motorbike, you’re in for a treat! The serpentine roads leading up here are so much fun to ride, offering great leans and even better views along the way. The Vibe: Once you reach the top, the scenery is breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot to snap some photos and soak in the greenery. The Café: There’s a lovely café at the summit where you can do a tea tasting. Nothing beats sipping fresh local tea while looking out over the endless rows of tea bushes. Highly recommend this as a half-day trip for anyone who loves great views and a fun drive!
The Choui Fong tea plantation was a great midpoint of our tour. I love tea so it was cool to see the plantation and then try a bunch of different teas that they grow. I really enjoyed the cute little cafe, Tea cafe 1&2 ไร่ชาฉุยฟง. I had a delicious iced jasmine oolong tea with a slice of coconut cake. Both were delicious. Would definitely recommend stopping by here if you are in the area and like tea! Now for my standard comments. Location is very well maintained. The cafe is modern and very clean. Bathrooms on site are clean and well kept.
Lovely place. Can easily spend few hours here so plan accordingly. Do walk up to the little lakes, it's beautiful. We got some oolong tea for home, the osmanthus flower infused one. Unfortunately for food and drinks they do not accept card, only cash. So we could try limited stuff and all of those were nice. Especially the brown sugar bubble green tea.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Also Popular in Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle
Where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge — a historically significant landmark above the Mekong River.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
A lively nightly market in central Chiang Rai with street food, shopping, and live entertainment.
Singha Park Chiang Rai
A vast tea plantation and farmland park outside Chiang Rai, offering cycling, golf carts, and scenic countryside views.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar
Riverside garden café and bistro in Chiang Rai serving creative international and Thai dishes all day.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Bangkok's most sacred temple sits within the Grand Palace complex, home to the revered Emerald Buddha.
Doi Suthep Temple
A sacred mountaintop Buddhist temple from 1383, offering a golden chedi and sweeping views over Chiang Mai.
The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
Pattaya Walking Street
Pattaya's iconic pedestrian nightlife strip, buzzing nightly with bars, clubs, seafood, and neon lights.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)