The best beers from Thailand for an unforgettable experience
Rooted in Thai culture, beer is a true art of living, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. If you are planning a trip to this magnificent country, tasting the local beers is a must.
In Thailand, beer is much more than just an alcoholic beverage: it is appreciated as such. Whether you choose to relax on a beach or stroll through the markets, a fresh and refreshing beer is always within reach.
Table of Contents
Breweries in Thailand
Before discussing the best beer brands, it is worth looking at the main breweries in Thailand.
Two conglomerates dominate the Thai mass-market beer market.
They are also trying to introduce low-cost craft beers to win back Thai craft beer lovers and bring them back to one of their brands.
Boon Rawd brewery is the oldest and largest in Thailand. Founded in 1933, it produces Singha, Leo, and My Beer. It holds approximately 60% of the total beer market.
ThaiBev, brewer of Chang, Archa, and Federbrau beers, is the other major player, with approximately 35% market share.
Thai Asia Pacific Breweries is a large brewery, but it does not play in the same category as the others.
It brews foreign beers in Thailand – Heineken, Tiger, and Cheers – and holds approximately 4% market share.
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Did you know? Advertising for alcoholic beverages has been banned in Thailand since 2008. So, when you see a poster or billboard for Singha, Leo, or Chang, it's not actually advertising for beer, even if we subconsciously know it is. In reality, it's advertising for their own brand of drinking water or sparkling water, which simply features the same logo as the beer. |
List of the best beers in Thailand
In Thailand, you will find not only local beer brands like Chang, Leo, and Singha, but also imported beers served in restaurants. Here is an overview of the best beers in the country:
1. Singha Beer
When it comes to beer in Thailand, it's hard to do better than Singha, often considered the national beer.
Its name, adorned with a lion, is derived from the Sanskrit word meaning "lion". Present on the market for decades, it is the oldest beer brand in the country and the best blonde lager.
Singha's strength lies in its variety: it comes in several versions, including the original 5% alcohol version, a draft version, and a lighter version.
Its taste, both powerful and bitter, with a hint of acidity, is ideal for quenching thirst in hot weather.
Although more expensive, Singha is renowned for its smoothness and freshness. So, if you are looking for an authentic Thai beer, opt for Singha.
2. Leo Beer
Another brand you will likely encounter everywhere in Thailand is Leo. Although it is brewed by the same company as Singha, it is a little more affordable and ideal for a first tasting.
This full-bodied lager has 5% alcohol and has a smooth and fruity flavor. Unlike other beers, it is neither too bitter nor too strong, which makes it pleasant to drink for most people.
Leo is popular not only with tourists but also with locals, who appreciate it for its value for money.
It is often considered an economical version of Singha. If you are looking for a good Thai beer at an affordable price, Leo is an excellent choice.
3. Chang Beer
Singha's main competitor, Chang is one of the travelers' favorite beers.
Affordable and tasty, it is available in almost all bars and beach shops. Its light taste makes it ideal for cooling down in hot weather.
Previously, Chang was known for its high alcohol content, which caused a more pronounced effect.
Thanks to improved production and quality control, the brand has perfected Chang. Be careful though, it's not the mildest beer; consume in moderation.
| Note: Personally, Singha sometimes gives me a headache. I like Chang well chilled. But Leo is undoubtedly the mildest and easiest to drink. |
4. Kloster Beer
Although Kloster beer is brewed in Thailand, it is made using traditional German brewing methods, which gives it a different taste from local lagers. Its mild and malty flavor is highly appreciated.
Kloster stands out for its affordable price, making it accessible in small establishments and budget bars throughout Thailand.
Budget-conscious travelers who avoid excessive alcohol spending will find Kloster a wise choice, even if premium beer lovers might not consider it their favorite beer.
5. Phuket Beer
The first beer brewed in the region was marketed as Phuket Island Beer before becoming Phuket Lager.
Inspired by the relaxed atmosphere of the island, this beer offers a smooth and refreshing experience, with subtle notes of yeast. Phuket Lager provides a fresh sensation on the finish, ideal for lounging on the beach.
Lovers of strong beers will appreciate Phuket Lager. Thanks to its pleasant aromatic profile, it pairs perfectly with grilled seafood or Thai cuisine, and stands out for its spicy touch.
It's an excellent choice for those looking for an authentic local drink. Its colorful label with tropical motifs makes it a popular souvenir for tourists.
6. Thai Amarit Beer
Thai Amarit, a lager-type blonde beer, has a higher alcohol content and a blend of malty sweetness and slight bitterness.
If you are looking for the most affordable beer in Thailand, Archa Beer is for you. Its taste offers a unique experience, both mild and intense, different from all other beers on the market.
Due to high export demand, its availability in Thailand remains limited compared to other Thai brands. You may be lucky enough to find Thai Amarit in specialized shops and bars in Bangkok during your visit.
Despite many preferring Chang or Singha, Thai Amarit maintains its popularity among beer lovers. Those looking for stronger beers with complex aromas will be won over by this drink.
7. Archa Beer
You will find the cheapest beer in the country by tasting Archa Beer.
Thai Amarit offers a unique taste experience, halfway between lightness and strength thanks to its 5% alcohol content. Its mild aromatic profile is perfect for lovers of light drinks, including new consumers and occasional drinkers.
The particularity of Archa Beer lies in its ease of drinking, a major asset for consumers. Its mild and non-bitter taste makes it an excellent choice to perfectly accompany Thai cuisine. And no risk of headaches the next morning: so you can wake up without guilt.
Archa has recently gained popularity and is now available in local shops, street bars, and restaurants throughout Thailand.
A brief overview of the history of beer in Thailand
Until 1933, no Thai beer was produced locally.
It was at this time that Praya Bhirom Bhakdi created the country's first brewery: the Boon Rawd brewery. To this day, it still produces Singha Beer, a very popular beer in Thailand (affectionately nicknamed "Sing" by locals).
It is said that the entrepreneur discovered beer in 1929, during a meeting with a German business partner. From the first sip, he was convinced of the qualities of beer and the immense potential of the Thai market.
This prompted Bhakdi to undertake a trip to Europe to train and bring back to Thailand the expertise needed to create and launch a brewery.
He is now often considered the godfather of Thai beer, and Sing remains one of the most popular, if not the most popular, Thai beers.
Since Sing paved the way for the Thai brewing industry, other brands have emerged, notably Chang in 1995, which achieved rapid success thanks to significant marketing campaigns and selling a stronger beer at a lower price. Sing also created a second brand, Leo.
Other regional brands have also emerged, such as Phuket Beer (Phuket), Siam Beer, and Amarit Beer, to name a few. However, they are produced either for export or by foreign breweries, and their market share generally remains small.
The craft beer sector is incredibly restricted (but not non-existent!) due to local alcohol production laws that require considerably large production and sales volumes to qualify for a beer production license.
In summary, discovering Thailand also means savoring its iconic beers like Singha, Chang, or Leo. They are the perfect companions for spicy street food and tropical evenings. Nothing beats the pleasure of enjoying a refreshing cold beer right on the spot!
Want to toast under the sun of the Land of Smiles? Let Typic Travel organize your tailor-made culinary and cultural adventure in Thailand. Contact us today to plan your next unforgettable trip!
