Beers to Drink in Thailand

Chang

This is everyone’s first choice because it’s the most popular. It’s the one you see others reaching for at 7-Eleven, ordering at the bar or proudly wearing the logo on a stained t-shirt.

It’s also the worst beer. It tastes like my hangover: like vomit inside a stale beer sitting in a warm room. I mean there’s a reason people call it a “Changover” the day after drinking too many.

Apparently the regulations for making this beer are little. I heard from word of mouth that there is no limit to how much alcohol is in each can or bottle hence why sometimes it takes longer to get drunk and why other times you’re on the table dancing in your puke. So don’t pay any attention to the alcohol percentage listed, it’s more of an estimation. Or just don’t pay attention to this beer at all, it sucks.

Singha

My favourite beer in Thailand is a fairly generic lager, better than Bud but not quite as delicious as European lagers. It’s got a strong malty flavour and goes well with a curry dish or with heavily salted/seasoned meals.

This quality, premium beer has a pleasant aftertaste and won’t make you feel like a fly on the wall the next day with a raging headache.

Leo

On equal measure with Singha, Leo is a non-premium beer and it’s cheaper than the first two. Though some refer to it as “swill” I believe it’s significantly better than Chang with a subtle sweet taste that’s smooth and kinda like Pabst Blue Ribbon.

NOTE: apart from these average beer choices, I would advise staying away from tequila in Thailand. It is nearly impossible to find a good quality tequila or even one that I would consider the worst back home. Each tastes equally harsh and bitter and burns the back of your throat for a full 24 hours so you regret each swig while squirming in your bed the next day. It’s cheap, it’s garbage.