Best Beer In Thailand That Are Perfect To Sip While Chilling By The Beach!

₹ 14,000 onwards View Packages
Thailand, the haven for backpackers, is known for some of the best and cheapest beer in Southeast Asia. What better than sunbathing in Koh Samui or Koh Phi Phi heat with a tall glass of cold beer? Originally introduced by the Europeans, since 1933 Thais have been brewing their own beer.

The big local brands of beer in Thailand: Singha, Leo and Chang, have been dominating the market. You can find imported beer in restaurants too, but these three are a local and tourist favourite.

1. Singha

singha
Singha Beer (Source)
Derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘Lion’, Singha beer is the oldest, and in most people’s opinions, the best Thai lager. Sold in standard (5 per cent ABV), light (4.5 per cent ABV) and draught versions, Singha is a little more expensive than the other Thai beers. The highest exported beer of Thailand, the Thais are pretty proud of Singha. It has a bitter and sour taste in equal proportions and is perfect for a hot and lazy day in Thailand. Even though it’s not a popular choice among the budget travellers that prefer Chang and Leo, Singha is still considered the number one beer in Thailand for its taste and quality.

Made by: Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
Singha Beer In Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 50 (INR 110 for 330 ml); At bars - THB 60-120

2. Chang

chang
Chang Beer (Source)
Singha’s biggest competitor, Chang beer is the best bargain for budget travellers in Thailand. It doesn’t possess any extraordinary taste, smell or colour that make it ‘stand out’, but its low price is what attracts people to consider it over Singha. Not as thick as Singha, this loose watery beer is perfect for some refreshment on a sunny day. Many travellers even prefered Chang over others because of the ‘high’ it gave them was exciting, due to its previous high ABV percentage. After some quality control, the Chang Classic beer today has an ABV of 5.2 per cent.

Made by: Thai Beverages (ThaiBev), Bangkok
Chang Beer In Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 40 (INR 90 for 330 ml); At bars - THB 50-100

3. Leo

leo
Leo Beer (Source)

Produced by the same parent company as Singha, Leo is a mid-range beer popular among many locals and tourists in Thailand. With a fruity flavour which is not very extraordinary, Leo is well priced and has an ABV of 5 per cent. Like Singha, Leo means ‘lion’ and is just an inexpensive version of Singha. When Chang had the reputation of giving major hangovers, travellers turned to Leo for the promise of better quality.

Made by: Boon Rawd Brewery, Bangkok
Leo Beer In Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 45 (INR 100 for 330 ml); At bars - THB 60-100 (INR 130 - INR 210 for 330 ml)

4. Phuket Lager Beer

Phuget Lager Beer
Phuket Lager Beer (Source)

The first regional beer of Thailand, the Phuket Lager is known for being fresh, yeasty, a little bitter and watery. It was formerly named Phuket 'Island' Beer. If you really want to taste authentic Thai brew, then this one is for you. 

Made by: Phuket Beer Thailand Company Limited
Phuket Lager Beer in Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 50 (INR 110 for 330 ml)

5. Thai Amarit Beer

Thai Amarit
Thai Amarit Beer (Source)

A pale lager with an ABV of 6.5 per cent. It tastes a little malty sweet and bitter. To find this one, ask a local as this particular brand is manufactured for export. It is available mostly in Bangkok.

Made by: Boon Rawd Brewery.
Thai Amarit Beer in Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 50 (INR 110 for 330 ml)

6. Kloster Beer

Kloster Beer
Kloster Beer Source
The Kloster beer is a malty sweet flavoured beer. Known to be mouth-drying, this beer is not usually prefered, unless you’re a budget backpacker. Although its made in Thailand, the beer is made with German standards. 

Made by: Boon Rawd Brewery
Kloster Beer in Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 50 (INR 110 for 330 ml)

7. Archa Beer

Archa Beer, Thailand
Source

A smoother beer with only 5% ABV content, this is a new favourite among beer drinkers that like less alcohol and prefer having many beers at once, without getting that crazy hangover.

Made by: Beerthip Brewery and Beer Thai
Archa Beer in Thailand Price: At 7/11 - THB 60 (INR 130 for 330 ml)

8. International Brands

beer glass
Source

Budweiser, Carlsberg, Heineken, John Smiths, Boddingtons, San Miguel and Tetleys are some of the best international brands of beer in Thailand. However, the government of Thailand, in order to protect the local breweries, has imposed import duty up to 60%, making the cost of these beers high. Besides, tourists that come to Thailand, come to taste the local flavours which taste authentic and are comparatively much cheaper. Many visitors usually find the taste of these imported beers to be bland and not of great quality. These imported beers can be found widely across most bars in the country and many supermarkets too.

Today, craft beer is trying to build up in Thailand, but due to strict home brewing laws and high import taxes, it’s been difficult. Besides, the tourists always prefer the local beer in Thailand over anything else because of the low cost, unique flavour and its refreshing quality on a hot day with some spicy Thai curry on the side!

This post was published by Meha Dedhia

Share this post on social media

Thailand Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

9 Must-Try Dishes of Northern Thailand

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Vegetarian Restaurants in Bangkok

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Halal Food in Thailand: 12 Must Try Dishes to Explore a New Side of Thai Cuisine

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Mangoes in Thailand - Your Guide To The Famous Thai Ma-Muang!

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Coffee in Thailand - 10 Places in Thailand for the Perfect Blend

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

24 Street Food in Thailand That You Must Try

Experiences

Experiences

Offbeat Culinary Experiences In Thailand That Will Amaze You

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

20 Thai Desserts to Try on Your Next Trip to Thailand

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Thailand Visa on Arrival - Tips, Tricks and Guidelines for Indians

Family Holidays

Family Holidays

Phuket or Pattaya - Which Location To Visit on Your Next Thai Holiday?

Adventure

Adventure

Surfing In Thailand - An Upcoming Surfing Paradise

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Songkran Festival - A Guide to the Water Festival in Thailand

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

18 Festivals in Thailand That You Must Experience!

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Chinese New Year in Thailand 2024 - All You Need to Know

Adventure

Adventure

7 Best Places for Kitesurfing in Thailand - The Complete Guide

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Loy Krathong - Thailand's Festival Of Lights

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

Elephants in Thailand - Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries In Thailand

Wildlife & Nature

Wildlife & Nature

Whale Sharks in Thailand - Best Diving Spots To See Whale Sharks

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

14 Temples in Thailand You Have to Visit

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Ruins of Thailand: Stories of Ancient Glory

Beaches & Islands

Beaches & Islands

34 Islands In Thailand - Experience The Best The Country Has To Offer

Experiences

Experiences

6 Health Retreats in Thailand for a Truly Relaxing Holiday

Stay

Stay

Phuket vs Krabi: Where Should You Head Over To On Your Next Holiday?

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival in Thailand

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Poy Sang Long Festival 2024 - What, When and Where

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Phi Ta Khon Festival - When The Dead Come Back To Life

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Muay Thai Kickboxing - Thailand's Martial Art of Eight Limbs

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Naga Fireball Festival - Thailand's Most Mysterious Festival

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Khao Phansa - Festival of 'Buddhist Lent' in Thailand

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Royal Ploughing Ceremony 2024 - Planting Thailand's Seeds of Hope

Comments on this post

View Packages