Discover how this brown hue captures comfort, stability and timeless beauty through 10 places in Thailand.

To capture the global zeitgeist as usual, the Pantone Colour Institute has chosen Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, a warm, earthy brown that draws from the richness of coffee and chocolate for 2025. More than a shade, it is a reflection of the world’s longing for comfort, stability and sensory pleasure. In a time when the global landscape continues to shift unpredictably, Mocha Mousse offers an aesthetic and emotional embrace that connects us to the simple joys of tactile experiences, from the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to the reassuring weight of sun-warmed soil underfoot, echoing our desire for comfort.

Additionally, Mocha Mousse has an undeniable resonance, aligning with the rise of slow living, nostalgia for the analog and the renewed appreciation for craftsmanship and natural materials. Travel, at its core, is an extension of these themes, offering immersion into landscapes, histories and textures that reflect the qualities of Mocha Mousse. Thailand, with its rich cultural and natural heritage, provides a fitting canvas for this hue, a backdrop where shades of brown stand out—not as dull or forgettable, but as deep, layered and full of nuance.

1/10 Sam Phan Bok, Ubon Ratchathani

Dubbed the Grand Canyon of Thailand, Sam Phan Bok’s undulating rock formations take on a quality under the shifting light. The eroded sandstone, sculpted over millennia by the relentless movement of the Mekong River, mirrors the rich tonal variations of Mocha Mousse—warm, timeworn and full of depth.

2/10 Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram

Perched atop an extinct volcano, Prasat Phanom Rung is one of Thailand’s most significant Khmer temple complexes. The sandstone structure, bathed in golden light at sunrise, is a reflection of craftsmanship and the power of architecture to tell stories. Here, brown is both a colour and a vessel of history, infused with the spiritual weight of the past.

3/10 Tha Phae Gate, Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai’s Tha Phae Gate stands as a reminder of the city’s Lanna heritage, its ancient brick walls embodying the passage of time. Weathered yet steadfast, the earthy tones of the gate contrast against the city’s sky, making it an emblem of continuity amidst change.

4/10 Take a Breath Café & Eatery, Bangkok

Located in Phutthamonthon Sai 1, this Thai-Italian café is a contemporary reimagination of rustic aesthetics. Designed to evoke the tranquillity of nature, it employs wood and a subdued palette to create a space that invites unhurried moments. The wooden elements in the building rise tall, their smooth warm surfaces creating a sense of embrace, as if the structure is gently hugging those who step inside. The very essence of Mocha Mousse is embedded in its concept, a reminder that modernity and tradition can coexist.

5/10 Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai

Within mist-covered hills, Mae Kampong is the embodiment of slow living. The village’s wooden homes, aged to a deep mocha hue by years of exposure to the elements, stand in quiet defiance against the march of urbanisation. Here, brown is the colour of heritage and a way of life unspoiled by excess.

6/10 Oh Poi Market, Ratchaburi

A market that doesn’t chase after artificial vibrance, Oh Poi embraces its natural surroundings. Wooden stalls along with traditional baskets and handmade goods come together in a display of organic beauty. The air is filled with the earthy scent of fresh produce and the hum of local life, creating an atmosphere that celebrates simplicity.

7/10 Dinso Bridge, Ayutthaya

A relic from the Ayutthaya era, Dinso Bridge speaks of a time when craftsmanship was valued. Its aged bricks and weathered surface stand as silent witnesses to history, their muted brown tones carrying stories of a kingdom that once thrived.

8/10 The Sanctuary of Truth, Pattaya

An architectural marvel constructed entirely from wood, The Sanctuary of Truth is a cultural attraction and temple that serves as a living artwork. It is privately owned and operated, but it’s open to the public for tours and exploration. The intricate carvings, steeped in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy, capture the essence of Mocha Mousse, a combination of cultural richness, spiritual grounding and artistic mastery.

9/10 Phraya Nakhon Cave, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Sunlight filtering through the cavern’s opening illuminates the golden pavilion inside, casting a warm, earthy glow onto the surrounding rock. The interplay of light and shadow within the cave transforms its surfaces into a study of browns, reinforcing the idea that nature often crafts the most compelling palettes.

10/10 Wat Mahathat, Sukhothai

The ruins of Wat Mahathat, with their crumbling brick structures and weathered Buddha statues, serve as a reminder of impermanence. The deep, earthy tones of the temple complex underscore the idea that beauty often lies in the passage of time, in the patina that forms through decades of exposure.

The Meaning Beneath the Hue

In Thailand, where history and nature have long been intertwined, this colour finds a natural home, not just in objects and landscapes but in the ethos of places that have endured, adapted and thrived. The true test of a Colour of the Year is not how well it is marketed but how deeply it resonates. Mocha Mousse invites you to slow down, to immerse yourself in the details, and to appreciate the depth that exists beyond the surface. And perhaps that is what makes it truly timeless.