Tea in Chiang Mai is a classy affair

Chiang Mai has many culinary riches: hearty bowls of khao soi, spicy sai oua sausage, excellent Arabica coffee. Increasingly, the northern Thai capital has started to take the cake for tea, too.

The sun-rich and often wet climate of famously mountainous northern Thailand makes it an ideal growing ground for the ancient Chinese bushes. It’s no wonder that the beating heart of the region, the bustling city of Chiang Mai, has become a hot spot for truly excellent tea houses and producers. 

While tea often comes from neighboring Chiang Rai, tea-drinking culture in northern Thailand doesn’t get any better than it does in the metropolis to the south. The quality of blends, venues and afternoon tea services to experience are some of the classiest in the country. 

To savor tea culture at its finest, add these places and experiences to your Chiang Mai itinerary.

The Inside House

This sumptuous boutique hotel on a pumping artery road within the old town gives another nod to beautiful Lanna era architecture with its modern take on the “gingerbread” house. Ornate gables and pastel colors decorate the exterior and interior courtyard. Aside from the decadent ensuite swimming pools, a favorite perk of staying here is the afternoon tea service included in the package. Lavish pastries and baked goods presented on a finely carved mini-stupa and tiered plates keep on flowing from the kitchen. Non-guests can also book the afternoon tea, though. Trust us – it’s worth it.

56 Samlarn Rd.; www.the-insidehouse.com 

Raming Tea House

Producing tea in the hills of Chiang Mai since 1941, the Wangwiwat family opened its Raming Tea House 20 years ago. This elegant cafe, located within a Lanna-style wooden “gingerbread” house, is a charming oasis in the heart of Chiang Mai. Just a few minutes by foot from Thaphae Gate, it boasts a huge garden with a delightful pond and flourishing trees and plants. The setting makes for a quaint place to tuck into brunch and sample some of Raming’s range of organic local teas, ranging from green to Assam and beyond. For something slightly different, try their craft tea range, which includes Siamese Earl Grey (black tea blended with kaffir lime and citrus) and Peach Echo (black tea with peach oil and beetroot). 

158, 162 Thaphae Rd; Open daily 9:30am-5pm

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort

The Chiang Mai outpost of the luxurious Anantara hotel chain opts for an elegant British theme for their magnificent afternoon tea service, in playful recognition of the history of their property. Loose leaf TWG or Monsoon brews are served in fine porcelain Wedgwood sets on the riverside verandah of the former British consulate, an impressive heritage building which dates back 100 years. The service begins with finger sandwiches and tarts, followed by freshly baked scones offered with Devonshire clotted cream. To cap it off, there’s a selection of divine sweets and cakes accompanied by homemade tropical sorbet, plus a glass of bubbles if requested. Advanced booking recommended.

123, 1 Charoen Prathet Rd.; www.anantara.com/en/chiang-mai/restaurants/afternoon-tea 

Monsoon Tea Wat Ket

Considering the popularity of their operation – many luxury hotels in Thailand stock Monsoon Tea – this teahouse is humble in size and rustic in design, full of retro features and industry tools. It is, however, absolutely packed full of variations of Monsoon’s delicious, “forest-friendly” tea. (All Monsoon teas are grown in harmony with their surroundings, without pesticides or fertilizers.)The company has been in the market for over five years, their tea coming in much-loved flavors like apple cinnamon, tropical sunset and multiple green tea blends. You can buy boxes of them at its other store at the One Nimman mall, but the Wat Ket teahouse gives you the full experience, sleek glass tea pots included.

328/3 Charoenrat Rd.; Open daily 10am-5pm

The Four Seasons Chiang Mai Resort

In the leafy peaceful suburb of Mae Rim, Chiang Mai’s branch of revered global chain The Four Seasons has been modeled on a northern Thai village, with rooms and suites dotted around a flourishing rice field. Afternoon tea enjoys the same verdant views. The resort’s two beautiful wood clad restaurants offer a decadent afternoon tea, with pastries created by Chef Thanakorn “Paul” Thongpa, who uses local and seasonal fruits in his cakes, macarons and scone-accompanying jams – all served with a Monsoon tea blend of your choice, and sparkling wine upon request. Advanced booking recommended.

502 Mu 1, Mae Rim-Samoeng Old Rd.; www.fourseasons.com/chiangmai/dining 

Araksa Tea Garden

A truly special experience for tea lovers, this peaceful, leafy plantation sits in the lush hills of the Mae Tang district, an incredibly scenic 45-minute drive north of Chiang Mai’s old city. Araksa’s Assam tea bushes are grown and maintained organically, with a skilled team of tea pickers on hand to give tours and even demonstrate how to roast the leaves to make the finest green tea. After wandering the garden, Araksa’s chic café space offers award-winning teas – their butterfly pea tea has won prizes in Paris, while the oolong and white teas are also exemplary. Don’t leave without sampling some of the rare local dishes served here, like the mouth-watering mee kati (thin rice noodles stir-fried in coconut milk and tamarind sauce). 

75 Mu 1 Bang Chang, Mae Taeng; www.araksatea.com

Ready for an endless tea party in Chiang Mai? Fly there with Thai Airways.