Updated Guide to 234 Thailand Durian Varieties

Note: Updated March 7, 2019. I keep adding more.

Eight years into the hunt and I still haven’t found all 234 Thailand durian varieties.

Many are rare to the point of extinction, thanks to Thailand’s huge commercial durian scene dominated by a single variety, Monthong. It’s a situation just asking for an agricultural plague, ala cavendish bananas, which is why many of these old varieties are making a come back.

Once the hugely influential Princess Sirindhorn made a plea to farmers to plant old non-commercial varieties, suddenly a huge diversity of Thai durians started coming out of the woodwork. It’s getting easier and easier to find durian variety in Thailand, but it’s still no Malaysia.

If you want to taste more than 3 varieties of Thai durian, it’s going to take a little effort on the hunt.

Here is your durian hunting checklist for Thailand ↓ ↓ 

Where I Found This List

It took me quite a while to find this list because the information available in English is both really hard to find (locked away in libraries and exasperated official’s office drawers) and also incomplete. Some mention 81 or 85 varieties of durian. Others list 172 or 179 varieties. This last one lists 245 varieties, except 11 of them are repeats, making for only 234 durian varieties. That’s a pretty bad typo, guys.

This list is in the order I found it. I haven’t made it alphabetical, although I might do that soon because the current arrangement is driving me crazy. What do you think?

The Families of Thailand Durian

Basically, Thai durians can be broken down into 5 distinct families which have similar characteristics and a bunch that just get shuttled into the lonely “miscellaneous” category.  

Kop (also Gob, Cop) This family of over 50 durian varieties is often confused with Kob, a variety from the Philippines that descends from one of the original Kops. Which one is a mystery.

Luang A small family of 10 varieties, Luang includes the famous Chanee as well as the delicious Chomphu Si.

Ganyao (also Kanyao) Thailand’s most expensive durian variety is actually just one in a family of 7 or 8 durians.

Thong Yoi includes the wonderful Nokyib and Nokkachip (not to be confused)

Gampan (also Kampan, Gumpun) In a similar manner to Kob, Gampan has taken off in Australia and is probably more common there than in Thailand. Monthong is sometimes classed in this family, as is Chai Ma Fai.  

How to Taste Thai Durian Varieties

If you join me on the Thailand Durian Tour we taste a lot of these durians. Last year (2018), we tasted 46 varieties in one tour!

If you want to go durian hunting on your own, you’ll find all the maps, farm contacts, variety ID guides and more in The Durian Tourist’s Guide to Thailand.

Scroll all the way to the bottom for a Durian Hunting Map pinning farms and stalls and markets for your durian-hunting convenience. Just keep going down ↓ ↓

234 Thailand Durian Varieties

1. Kop  Kanlueang

2. Kop Konpan

3. Kop King Kang

4. Kop Kaeo

5. Kop Kung Pan

6. Kop Khaengsing

7. Kop Ngu

8. Kop Nouy

9. Kop Chao Khun

10. Kop Champa/Kop Chomphu

11. Kop Chai Nam

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, I’m Durian Shop 2018.

12. Kop Sonklin

13. Kop Talung

14. Kop Takham

Where: Suan La Ong Fah 2017

15. Kop Tachaem

16. Kop Tathao

17. Kop Thathuam/ Kop dam

18. Kop Tanuam

19. Kop Tanut

20. Kop Tapun

21. Kop Tapen

22. Kop Tamak

23. Kop Tamit

24. Kop Tamaen

25. Kop Taho

26. Kop Thongkon

27. Kop Thongkam

Where: Suan Itsaree, May 23 2018

The name refers to the gold, the metal, maybe for its burnished gold-orange color.

28. Kop Thongdi

29. Kop Thongpheng

30. Kop Thira

31. Kopbunnak

32. Kop Bao

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2016 and 2017

I didn’t like this durian either of the times I tried it. I thought it was watery and overripe in taste, despite being quite fresh. However others found it really intensely flowery and sweet and enjoyed it.

33. Kop Pravai

34. Kop Phonthep

35. Kop Ploy

36. Kop Phuang

37. Kop Pikul or Kop Pikun

Where: I’m Durian, 2018

Kop Pikul is an enormous durian with an elongated, pointy “nose.” It’s named for  the pointy origami-like Bullet Flower common in Thai carvings and decorations.

The pronunciation of the word “Pikul” is tricky though, because in the Thai language, if an “l” comes at the end of the word, it becomes an “n” sound. So while this durian’s name is spelled “Pikul” it should be pronounced like “Pikun.” Yay for phonetics.

This durian was very fleshy, but not all of the pods were filled, meaning that we paid for a lot of shell and the durian became expensive. The taste was a lot like a Chanee, but a little bit more vanilla.

38. Kop Mangkon

Where: Ploy’s Garden, May 10, 2018

39. Kop Mednai

40. Kop Maeehem

41. Kop Maethao

42. Kop Ratsami

Where: Suan Ban Rao, June 4, 2018

43. Kop Ratchanet

44. Kop Lam chiak

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2013 and 2017

This durian has a tendency to have small flat pods in the upper portion of the fruit and a bottom half that is just solid shell. Chatri called this his “diet durian” because it’s so low in sweetness — and to be honest, flavor. The day we tried it, we were unimpressed by it’s creaminess and not much else.

45. Kop Lep-yiao

Where: Suan Itsaree, 2017 and 2017;  Suan La Ong Fah, 2017

My Thailand Durian Tour Groups love this one every year. With it’s super soft, fiberless texture, subtle hints of wine and chocolate, and super creaminess, Kop Lep-yiao is always a group favorite. The name literally translates to “Hawk Talon.” People who have already been on the Malaysia Durian Tour usually compare it to Penang’s Red Prawn. Yes, it’s that good.

46. Kop Watklual

47. Kop Watphleng

48. Kop Wai

49. Kop Saonoi/Kop Kansan

50. Kop Si-nak / Kradum Si-nak

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2015, Suan La Ong Fah, 2018.

Like an extra good Kradumthong.

Tasting Notes:

• 2015: Very underripe.
• 2018: Nutty and sweet, but still underripe.

51. Kop Suwan

Where: Rayong’s Taphong Market

52. Kop Nasan

53. Kop Langwihan

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016, 2018

The name of this durian translates as “the Kob behind the Palace.”  I like imagining this tree growing just outside the walls of the royal grounds.T

54. Kop Hualan

55. Kradum Thong

56. Kradum

57. Krapuk Thong / Krapuk Thongdi

58. Krapuknak

59. Krapuk Talingehan

60. Kraprongthong

61. Klip Sa-mut

62. Konthong/ Thongkon

63. Kathoei Khuasan

64. Krathoei Nuea Khao

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016, 2017, 2018. I’m Durian, 2018.

Literally translates as the “pale-fleshed lady boy. ” 🤷

65. Krathoei Nuea Daeng

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018

This one is literally “red-flesh lady boy.” 🤷

Tasting Notes:

• June 3, 2018: Our was cut, so the flesh was on the firmer side but still very creamy. The group liked this one.

66. Kathoei Nuealueang

67. Ganyao

Where: Nonthaburi’s Most Expensive Durian In The World

68. Ganyao Baidang

69. Ganyao Phuang

70. Ganyao Wat Sak

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018

This durian probably originates somewhere along the Wat Sak canal in Nonthaburi. Today this area is still one of the few areas growing durian. There is a temple here as well.

According to local lore, Ganyao Wat Sak was discovered along the border with Burma during one of the many wars of the 17th century. One of the soldiers, returning home to Nonthaburi, brought the seed of this durian to the Wat Sak Temple as a thanks for his safe homecoming.

Tasting Notes:

• May 20, 2018: Dear God. Is that enough description? How about mouthfuls of the densest, richest, most chocolatey hazelnut cream pie.

71. Ganyao Si-nak

72. Kansan / Saonoi Ruean ngam

73. Karaket

Where: I’m Durian, sourced from Suan Ban Rao on May 30, 2018

Tasting Notes:

• May 30, 2018: Richer than Kradumthong, but similar. More caramel flavor notes.

74. Karaketdaeng

75. Karaket Tamean

76. Karaketpum

77. Karaketmatao

78. Karaket Si-nak

79. Kang Thong

80. Kang dang

81. Kampan Doem/ Kampan Khao

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

82. Kampan Daeng

Where: Suan Bao Rao, 2016

83. Kampan Nuealueang / Chaokrom

84. Gumpun Tapeang

Where: Chanthaburi Durian Festival

85. Gumpun Bangsithong

86. Gumpun Phuang

87. Gumpun Sinak

88. Kunthong

89. Khiaotamlueng
This variety is mentioned in the 1884 poem, Pan Pruek Sa Kub Sut Ta Va Pi Tharn, and later in Lady Plian’s 1908 cookbook. It’s named for a type of vegetable.

Mentioned in the poem.

90. Khiaosahad

91. Nha Chang

92. Noge

93. Chok Loi

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018, Rajamaitri Farm, 2019

The name Chok Loi literally translates to “Flooded Water Lettuce.”  It’s on the smaller size for Thai Durian, just over 1kg, but with enormous, bulbous pods. 

Tasting Notes:
It was creamy and milky, a little bitter but not much.May 20, 2018: Chocolate. Thick texture, very yellow in color. 

Read more about the Mother Tree of Chok Loi: A History of Chanthaburi in Durian Chok Loi

94. Jomyota

95. Champa

96. Jumpabailai

97. Jumpe

98. Chat

99. Chatkungrang

100. Chat Sithong

101. Chat Si-nak

Where: Sai Khao, Pattani

102. Chomphu Phan

103. Chomphu Si

104. Chanee

105. Chanee Kanyao

106. Chanee Kingmuan

107. Chanee Namtansai

108. Chai Mafai

109. Chai Mangkhut

Where: Suan La Ong Fah

The name means “Little Mangosteen Man”

110. Daokrachai

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

Daokrajai is the Thai name for a pink flower we know in English as “Starburst.”

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Thai Durian Tour described this durian as an intricate flavor, alternating between a heavy flower perfume, a hint of chive, and vanilla.

111. Daeng Changkhian

112. Daeng Tanoi

113. Daeng Taphuean

114. Daeng Tao

115. Daeng Ma Thao

116. Daeng Yai Me

117. Daeng Ratsami

118. Daeng Sok

119. Daeng Sao Noi

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2017, 2018. Suan Ban Rao, 2018.

This “Red Little Girl” isn’t very red inside — more like dark yellow with tinge of orange. It’s a smaller size durian, but very fleshy with a richness and heaviness that’s very filling. Seems to have a consistently pointy shape.

Tasting Notes: Strong menthol taste, really fleshy

• May 20, 2018: Gooey and caramel notes. Very thick, smooth, sticky texture. Loved the texture.

120. Tonyai

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016, 2018

The name means Big Tree Trunk

Tasting Notes:

• May 20, 2018: Similar in taste to Monthong

121. Ta Lahb Thong

122. Ta Lahb Nak

123. Tosamsao

124. Ta kai

125. Tako (Thong Daeng)

126. Taphapnam

Where: Chanthaburi Horticultural Research Station, 2013. Suan Ban Rao, 2018.

127. Thumthong

128. Thotsapin

129. Tudsakan

130. Thong Kreay

131. Thongkam Tapruan / Thongkam Pruat

132. Thong Daeng

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018

This durian certainly doesn’t live up to its name, “Gold Red.” Although it had a pale peachy cast, it was very pale. However it’s possible that, since we’ve only tasted the cut version of this durian (which tends to have a paler color than tree-dropped due to the PH) we have never seen this durian’s true colors shining.

Tasting Notes:

• May 20, 2018: This durian was so sweet it was like artificial candy — a little painful but addicting at the same time.

133. Thong Noppakhun

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018

This durian appears to have originated at Wat Thong Nopphakun, an ancient temple just across the river from Bangkok in Thonburi. Probably it was the monks who first noticed it and decided to cultivate it. The stem is unusually long and similar to a Ganyao; it’s possible this is a relative of that durian.

Tasting Notes:

• May 20, 2018: A pale peach color, the flavor was very flowery and perfumey, but the texture was on the mealy side, like sweet potato.

134. Thong Pho Sri

135. Thongmuan

136. Thong Yun

137. Thong Yoi Chat

Where: Songkhla, 2017

138. Thongyoidoem

139. Thongsuk

Where: Suan Ban Rao: 2016, May 20, 2018

This durian has very pronounced lobes, making it look like a kindergarden drawing of a daisy when the durian is viewed from above. The color is pale yellow with hints of pink, almost coral. The very densely-textured is smooth and slightly mushy, like a very soft sweet potato, with a rich nuttiness and almost cheesy flavor.

140. Thongyot

141. Thongyip

142. Thongmai

143. Tubtim

Where: Suan Ban Rao May 20 2018, Rayong Market

It’s one of the fleshiest durians, a mountain of really fatty, really rich yellow cream as thick and rich as a nut butter. One tour group described it as a heavy banana cream.

144. Thep Ram Peng

145. Thoraniwai

146. Nockachip

147. Nokyip

148. Nom Sod

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2015, 2016, 2017, May 15, 2018. Suan Ban Rao 2018.

Tree-dropped Nom Sod is consistently one of the most creamy, milky, bitter-smooth durians in Thailand. It’s not particularly sweet, but has a whipped texture and light caramel sugariness similar to a frozen yogurt or

149. Nomsawan

150. Nueana

151. Bangkhunnon

152. Bat Keave

153. Bat Thongkam/E-bat

154. Boran

155. Pla To Ho

156. Pinthong

Where: Suan Ban Rao, June 3, 2018

Tasting Notes:

• June 3, 2018: Wasn’t quite ripe, even though it was tree-dropped. A bit crunchy, like undercooked sweet potato. Very fruity flavor.

157. Petthop

158. Falang Tok Tek

159. Foi Thong

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2018

Tasting notes: Caramel and coconut

160. Pong Heang

161. Phuang Chat

162. Phuang Mani / Puangmanee

Where: Easy to find in Chanthaburi and Rayong

Just registered in 2018 by Mrs. Manee Chalermphong

For more of this durians’ history, check out Ms. Manee’s Garden.

163. Phuang Malai

164. Prasamut

165. Phuenmueang Ko Chang

166. Fak Khao

Where: Suan La Ong Fah

Tasting Notes: One of my favorites, sweet red bean paste flavor. Very thick.

Where: Suan Ban Rao

167. Fuk Thong

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

The name literally means golden pumpkin.

Tasting Notes:

168. Motdaeng

169. Ma-nao

170. Metnai Kradum

171. Metnai Kanyao

172. Metnai Kampan

173. Metnai Bangkhunnon

174. Metnai Yaiprang

175. Metnai Luang

176. Malet Phongphan

177. Malet Phian

178. Malet Lap-lae

179. Malet Som

180. Malet Ar-ri

181. Yak

182. Yammawat

183. Yampara

184. Yindi

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

The name of this durian means “Welcome.”

185. Luang Thong

186. Luang Keave

187. Luang Dang

188. Luang Pum

189. Luang Pomalet

190. Luang Marum

191. Lamud

192. Lungket

193. Lunglai

194. Luknak

195. Lumjeak

196. Sanan

197. Sa-ke

198. Sa Lak Thong

199. Saiyut

200. Sao-chom Fakthong/ Fakthong

201. Sao Chom

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, Suan Lung Jit

Notes: Admired Lady

202. Sao Noy Rean Nyam

203. Sao Savan

204. Saoyai

205. Salape

206. Sudsakon

207. Si Thong

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

Tasting Notes: a sharp citrus aroma and a flavor and fiberless smoothness like a lemon bar.

208. Sithao / Naichaluai / Hoikhong

209. Siprai

210. Sisavad

211. Monkhang

212. Monkdang

213. Mondoem

214. Monthong

Where: Markets all over Thailand.

Notes: Vanilla icing at best, slightly spoiled egg-tart at worst, this is the commercial durian available everywhere. 

215. Mon La Ong Fah

Where: Suan La Ong Fah, 2017, 2018

This is one of Chatri’s most prized durians, and his farm is named in honor of it. It’s expensive, and very much in demand, so make sure to place a reservation for it.

Tasting Notes: My favorite durian at Chatri’s in 2018, it was so sticky and rich, we would have bought all he had if they weren’t already sold.

216. Longlaplae

217. Linlaplae

218. Hangsin

219. Halukmaithuengphua

Where: Suan Ban Rao, May 20, 2018

Once upon a time a woman had 5 durians. She wanted to serve them to her husband, but the durian was so delicious every time she opened one, she ate the whole thing. The name literally means “5 durians none arrived to husband.”

Tasting Notes: We had it freshly tree-dropped. Very gassy, grassy smell, similar in taste and texture to a 604 from Penang, Malaysia. It has a thin white flesh, sulfurous and sweet, a little tingly/carbonated. W

220. Hem Marat

Where: Suan La Ong Fah 2013, June 1 2018

This beast of a durian is named for a mythical half-lion, half-swan creature.

Tasting Notes

221. He-ra

222. Rianthong

223. Lueangthong (Deceptive Gold)

Where: Suan Ban Rao

Luckily Lueangthong opened to a pretty golden-hued interior, to give us some variety. Unfortunately, this durian got lost in the onslaught of opening, and I didn’t write any notes about it.

224. Lueang Pra Sert (maybe the same as Ganyao Wat Sak)

225. Inthorachit

226. E-ngon

227. E-tui

Where: Suan Ban Rao, 2016

228. E-yak

229. E-la/ E-nak

Where: Suan Ban Rao: 2018

E-nak translates as “you’re heavy” — which is apparently a somewhat mean way to tell someone “you’re fat” in Thailand.

An elongated durian with small, closely clustered thorns, E-nak is really big. The flesh is pale yellow with the same watery/margerine texture as Monthong. The pods seem to form into elongated, slightly flat shape. Had some signs of calcium deficiency on the seeds (burn spots).

Tasting notes: Similar to Monthong in taste, but not as sweet. It seems possible that E-nak is the grandparent tree of Monthong.

230. E-lipnaitip

231. E-lip

232. E-eueng

233. Eaikhe / Ta-khe

234. I Nga
Nga means Ivory.

Thailand Durian Hunting Map

Ready to go durian hunting? Here is your treasure map. Each pin is connected a blog post on this website with information about where to go, where to stay, and how to have the perfect durian expedition.