In the hills around Chiang Mai, small coffee farms—often just a hectare or two—are cultivated by Akha, Lisu, Karen, and other indigenous Thai communities, collectively known as the chon phao phuen mueang. The coffee is typically grown under the shade of fruit trees and native hardwoods, creating a diverse and sustainable environment.

Arabica coffee was introduced to the region a few decades ago as part of programs aimed at replacing opium cultivation. The high elevation, cool climate, and fertile soils proved well-suited to the crop, and farmers incorporated it into traditional mixed-crop systems that maintain soil health and biodiversity.