Long celebrated for its cool-climate farming — think tea, fruit, and Arabica coffee — Chiang Mai is now gaining attention for something far sweeter: chocolate. Thanks to a wave of passionate, sustainability-minded entrepreneurs, Northern Thailand is positioning itself as a rising star in the global craft chocolate scene. And at the heart of it all is Chiang Mai’s own innovative ecosystem of cacao growers and bean-to-bar artisans.
From Soil to Bar: A New Crop for the North
While over 60% of the world’s cacao is still grown in West Africa, Thailand is rewriting the story. Agricultural initiatives and government support have helped introduce cacao as a viable crop, but the recent surge in Chiang Mai’s local food startups has propelled the bean-to-bar movement into the spotlight.
The region’s temperate highlands and fertile valleys make it an ideal location for premium cacao, and local brands are focusing on quality, flavor, and sustainable business practices over mass production.
Meet the Changemakers: Chiang Mai’s Chocolate Entrepreneurs
Siamaya Chocolate
A Chiang Mai icon, Siamaya creates Thai-inspired chocolate using local cacao and unique regional ingredients like Thai tea and lemongrass. The company is known for its ethical sourcing, factory tours, and standout packaging.
👉 Follow them on Instagram
Kad Kokoa (Chiang Mai branch)
An origin-focused brand working with Northern growers to showcase terroir and traceability. Their Chiang Mai presence underscores their commitment to single-origin Thai chocolate.
👉 Follow on Instagram
MarkRin Chocolate
Focused on organic methods and education, MarkRin promotes transparency from bean to bar. Their work supports both cacao innovation and community development.
👉 Explore more on Facebook
PARADAi Craft Chocolate
Though based in the south, PARADAi sources from Chiang Mai and other northern regions, highlighting the diverse flavors and genetics of Thai cacao.
👉 Follow @paradai_chocolate
Business with Purpose: Chiang Mai’s Ethical Edge
What sets Chiang Mai apart is its integration of conscious entrepreneurship into everyday business. ChatGPT said:
Chiang Mai’s chocolate makers are not just building brands; they are creating impact through agroforestry, fair wages, and community workshops.
This regional ethos echoes broader trends across Thailand’s chocolate industry. A recent South China Morning Post article (via Bangkok Post) highlights how small-batch producers and chocolate cafés like Choch in Bangkok are leading a chocolate revival. The article notes how Thai cacao farming, once marginalized, is now being reimagined through shade-grown, multi-crop farms, and bean-to-bar vertical integration that improves farmer income and protects biodiversity.
“Cacao grows really well when shaded and with a lot of other plants… It also helps to reduce the water consumption of the tree because the shade helps,” says Pridi Cacaofevier founder Daniel Bucher.
This mirrors Chiang Mai’s approach to sustainable cacao farming, as local growers integrate cacao into permaculture systems alongside mango, banana, and macadamia.
The Global Market is Watching
Thailand exported over 3,300 tonnes of cacao in 2023. Chiang Mai’s producers are being featured at global expos and in unique boutique hotels that value farm-to-table sourcing and sustainability.
With premium chocolate demand rising, Chiang Mai is uniquely poised to scale its export potential without sacrificing the authenticity that makes it special.
Where to Taste the Future: Chiang Mai Chocolate Hotspots
1. Rimping Supermarket
A Chiang Mai daily favorite with nine locations (including Nim City, Mee Chok, Nawarat, and more) offering premium local and imported products
- Why go? Stocked with award-winning local bars like Siamaya and other Rimping Select-certified artisanal products
- Tip! Visit the Nim City or Mee Chok branches for the widest chocolate selection.
- Explore: Rimping Supermarket website
2. Siamaya Chocolate Factory & Café
The flagship bean‑to‑bar experience at Weave Artisan Society: learn about craft chocolate, taste Thai‑flavored bars, and craft four bars to take home in a 90‑minute workshop.
- Pricing & bookings: Around 600–1,200 THB (~USD 32–38), small-group format.
- Bonus: Free parking; cozy café serving hot/cold drinks and fondue treats
- Book now: Siamaya Chocolate Workshop & Factory Tour
3. One Nimman Weekend Market
Held every Saturday & Sunday (7 AM–1 PM) at the One Nimman lifestyle complex — a vibrant gathering of local artisans, food stalls, and design pop-ups
- What to expect: Discover new chocolate brands, limited-edition bars, and direct interactions with makers in a cool, artsy setting.
- Explore more: One Nimman Market info
4. Bean-to-Bar Workshops (Beyond Siamaya)
For a deeper dive, Lifelong Learning Payap offers full “From Bean to Bar” excursions that include factory visits, hands-on making, and tasting of Thai-flavored craft bars (~800 THB)
- Pro tip: These often include trips to cacao farms and insights into sustainable agriculture practices.
Quick Comparison
| Spot | Experience | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rimping Supermarket | Pick your favorites from local shelves | 10–30 min | ~150–300 THB/bar |
| Siamaya Factory & Café | Tour, taste, make + café | ~1.5 hr | 600–1,200 THB |
| One Nimman Weekend Market | Meet makers, sample indie bars | 1–2 hr | Pay per item |
| Bean-to-Bar Workshops | In-depth guided crafting experience | 2–3 hr | ~800 THB |
Insider Tips
- Reserve early for workshops at Siamaya or Payap—spots go fast on weekends!
- Wear casual clothes—your hands will get chocolaty during hands‑on sessions.
- Buy extras: Limited-edition bars at markets and workshops often vanish quickly.
What’s Next?
As climate challenges reshape global agriculture, Chiang Mai’s adaptive, high-quality cacao model could be a blueprint for sustainable food economies. Blending tradition and innovation, the region continues to sweeten Thailand’s entrepreneurial story.
For partnerships, investment opportunities, or upcoming chocolate tours, contact the Chiang Mai Business Network.
