Welcome to Huay Mak (wah-ee mahk), a picturesque village nestled in the hills of Chiang Rai, Thailand. This idyllic village, with its elevation of 1200 meters and lush surroundings, is more than just a dot on the map. Huay Mak is where the rich history of coffee cultivation intertwines with the tapestry of an indigenous community's life.
In the Heart of the Coffee Haven
Over three decades ago, the resilient villagers of Huay Mak made a life-changing decision - to relocate. They sought a location with gentler slopes, perfect for the cultivation of a special crop - coffee. The village got its name from the ubiquitous betel nut trees in the area, symbolizing the abundant and diverse flora of this region.
Huay Mak has been a proud partner of the Integrated Tribal Development Foundation (ITDF) for two decades. During this time, the ITDF has worked tirelessly to improve the living conditions in Huay Mak and empower its residents. An early project to provide clean water still benefits the village today, demonstrating the enduring impact of sustainable community development.
From China to Thailand
The villagers of Huay Mak originally hail from China but have called Thailand home for a generation now. It is the geographical beauty of the region that drew them to settle in this community. The stunning mountainous terrain, thick forest canopy, and the flow of pristine rivers create an environment that nurtures not only the people but the precious coffee they grow.
Generations of Coffee Mastery
The Huay Mak village has a remarkable history of coffee cultivation that spans more than three decades. It all began when the first coffee trees were planted, marking the village's foray into this world of flavors. Today, Huay Mak is home to 25 houses, with 17 of them being active members of the coffee cooperative. The entire community is united under the banner of the Akha tribal group, a community that cherishes and honors its ancestral traditions.
The Essence of Huay Mak's Coffee
The heart and soul of Huay Mak lies in its coffee. The beans grown here undergo meticulous processing, from pulping to wet processing, right within the village. Once the initial stages are completed, the coffee is then delivered to the ITDF for further refinement, a process that involves dry processing and grading.
What sets the coffee from Huay Mak apart is its unique environment. Situated in the heart of Thailand's primary coffee growing region, the natural forest canopy provides the ideal shade for coffee plants, eliminating the need for irrigation. The soil itself is a treasure, rich in organic matter thanks to the continuous fall of leaves from the forest canopy. This rich soil, combined with a natural mulch of decomposing leaves, suppresses weed growth without the use of herbicides or chemicals.
Sip the Flavors of Huay Mak
Huay Mak's coffee is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, a union that has transformed this village into a coffee haven. Cultivated with love and care, each cup of Huay Mak's coffee carries the essence of an entire community, the flavor of hard work, and the promise of a better tomorrow.
Next time you enjoy a cup of Huay Mak coffee, savor not only its exquisite taste but the heartwarming story that has brought this coffee to your cup.
Join us in celebrating the rich legacy of Huay Mak and supporting the farmers behind this extraordinary coffee. As you sip the flavors of Huay Mak, you become part of a journey that goes beyond borders, creating lasting impacts and memorable experiences, one cup at a time.