GAYO - A Coffee of Hope from Doi Tung

GAYO — A Coffee of Hope from Doi Tung

The story of Doi Tung began with a remarkable transformation in 1988 through the establishment of the Mae Fah Luang Foundation under Royal Patronage and the Doi Tung Development Project. The initiative carried forward the royal vision of Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose mission was to address poverty, opium cultivation, and deforestation in Thailand’s highland regions.

In the past, Doi Tung was once known as an opium-growing area plagued by social problems. Forests had been heavily destroyed, leaving behind barren mountains, while local communities lacked access to education, stable income, and quality of life.

From this reality emerged the philosophy of “Reforesting People, Reforesting Forests” — a development approach that restored both “people” and “nature” together. Through sustainable livelihoods, education, and environmental awareness, the project was built upon a simple yet powerful belief:

“People can live with the forest, and the forest can live with people.”

One of the most important crops chosen for this mission was Arabica coffee. Coffee thrives naturally beneath the shade of large forest trees, making it ideal for restoring ecological balance while also creating long-term income for local communities.

Over the past 30 years, Doi Tung has transformed from barren hills into flourishing forests once again. Every coffee tree is now grown under 100% forest shade, creating one of Thailand’s premier coffee-growing regions. Today, coffee cultivation spans more than 4,700 rai and supports over 1,000 farming households.

This is a true model of sustainable coexistence between people and nature — and the beginning of a coffee story that carries far more meaning than flavor alone.

Doi Tung specialty coffee continues to evolve year after year, and one of the clearest symbols of this success is the development of “GAYO” — an Arabica coffee variety originally from the Gayo Highlands of Sumatra, Indonesia.

When introduced to Doi Tung and carefully researched under the unique ecosystem of Thailand’s watershed forests, the variety was reimagined into something entirely its own: GAYO DOITUNG.

Through meticulous farming practices and continuous refinement — from cultivation and processing to quality standards — GAYO DOITUNG has developed a distinct identity while earning recognition on the international stage.

Its quality has been proven through prestigious victories at the Thailand Cup of Excellence 2024 and Thailand Cup of Excellence 2025.

Today, GAYO DOITUNG is a COE-level coffee variety cultivated exclusively in Doi Tung.

Crafted through precision agriculture and world-class processing standards synonymous with the Doi Tung name, this coffee delivers an exceptionally refined and memorable experience.

Its elegant complexity reflects the legendary origins of Sumatra while expressing the unique terroir of the forests of Doi Tung, Chiang Rai.

Processed using the Fully Washed method, the cup reveals extraordinary clarity and cleanliness. Delicate white floral aromas intertwine with bright notes of orange, lemongrass, and oolong tea, creating a cup that feels vibrant, clean, and beautifully layered all at once.

GAYO