The popularity of beer as an alcoholic beverage surpasses its status as a mere beverage throughout Thailand. A crisp beer remains easily accessible when you choose to lie on a beach or wander through markets in Thailand.
A part of their culture, Thailand’s love for beer runs deep, and enjoyed by both locals and tourists. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful country, tasting the local brews is a must.
People who enjoy making beer at home can attempt both developing a tropical lager from scratch and explore Thai elements such as using lemongrass or rice in their recipes. Our selection includes the top beers that people prefer to drink in the country. So, travel to Thailand with Bookaway to help get from city to city and enjoy the best beers for the ultimate experience.
Best Beers In Thailand
In Thailand, you will not only find local beer brands like Chang, Leo, and Singha but also imported beer that is sold in restaurants. Here’s a rundown of the top beer choices in the country:
1. Singha
When it comes to the best beer brand in Thailand, it’s impossible to beat Singha, which is often considered the national beer in the country. Featuring a symbol of a lion, the name is derived from the Sanskrit word for “lion.” Having been around for decades, it is the oldest beer brand in Thailand and the best golden lager.
What’s exciting about Singha is, it is available in a few varieties, including the original version that contains 5% alcohol, a draught option, and a lighter version. As for taste, it is bold, bitter taste and has a bit of sourness that makes it a great match for the hot weather out there. Even though, Singha is more expansive, it is known for its smooth quality and crisp flavour. So, if you want a classic Thai beer, go for Singha.
2. Leo Beer
Another brand you will likely see everywhere in Thailand is Leo. Although it is made by the same company that produces Singha, it is a bit more affordable and ideal for first-timers. A full-bodied lager, it contains 5% alcohol and has a mild, fruity flavor. Unlike other beers, it is not very bitter or strong, so most people can drink it without discomfort.
Leo is not just popular among tourists, but locals also prefer it because of its quality and price. It is often considered the budget-friendly version of Singha. If you are in search of a decent Thai beer that is within your budget, Leo is a good choice.
3. Chang Beer
The biggest rival of Singha, Chang, is one of the most preferred options among travelers. It is not only affordable but also tastes great. It is because of this reason, that it is available in almost every beach bar or shop. While it doesn’t have a strong taste, it is perfect to drink on a hot day and cool off your body.
Previously, Change was known for its high alcohol content, which gave people a stronger buzz. But with improved production and quality control, the company has made Chang better. It is worth mentioning that it is not the smoothest beer, so choose it wisely.
4. Kloster Beer
Even though Kloster Beer is brewed in Thailand, it follows traditional German brewing and homebrewing standards that give it a different taste from local lagers. Drinking it fills your taste buds with a sweet, malty flavour that many find pleasant.
Kloster stands as an affordable option when compared to top beers because this makes it accessible in smaller and budget establishments across Thailand. Budget-conscious travelers who avoid spending extravagantly on alcohol will find Kloster beer as a suitable choice even though premium beer enthusiasts might not rank this beverage highly.
5. Phuket Lager Beer
The first produced beer in its regional area went to market under the name Phuket Island Beer before becoming known as Phuket Lager. The beer draws its concept from the island atmosphere’s relaxed essence, which creates a drink that provides a smooth and refreshing experience with subtle yeast notes. People who drink Phuket Lager get a smooth watery sensation toward the end of each drink, which suits lazy beach days.
People who avoid powerful or heavy beer beverages will appreciate Phuket Lager. Due to its welcoming flavor profile, Phuket Lager pairs effectively with seafood served at the grill or Thai food, and beer is seasoned with heat. The beer is an excellent choice for people searching for distinctive local beverages. With the colorful tropical-themed label, it makes a popular souvenir for tourists.
6. Thai Amarit Beer
A pale lager, Thai Amarit has higher alcohol content and has a mix of malty sweetness and light bitterness. If you are looking for the most budget-friendly beer in Thailand, Archa Beer is for you. The taste experience of this beer offers a smooth, punchy profile unlike any other beer brand on the market.
Due to high export demands of this beer it maintains limited domestic availability compared to other Thai beer brands. You have the chance to find Thai Amarit beer in Bangkok’s specialty stores and bars when visiting this city. Thai Amarit maintains popularity among beer lovers even though most people prefer Chang or Singha. People who seek stronger beers with complex notes will find this beverage to be an excellent selection.
7. Archa Beer
You will find the cheapest beer in the country by drinking Archa Beer. Thai Amarit delivers a beer experience that rests perfectly between drinkable lightness and robust strength because of its 5% alcohol percentage. Its mild flavor profile suits people who prefer light drinks, including new and occasional beer drinkers.
The distinctive feature of Archa Beer is its simple drinkability, which attracts consumers. Because this beer lacks a strong or bitter taste, it matches well with Thai cuisine. The beverage provides no morning-after headaches, which means you need not fear getting up with a pounding head. Archa has recently become more popular, and it is currently available in local stores and street bars as well and restaurants across Thailand.
