13 Thai Drinks You Must Try on Your Trip to Thailand
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If you are only exploring Thai food and skipping the drinks, you’re missing half the fun.
Thailand’s drink culture is a sensory experience in its own right. From coconut water straight off the beach in Phuket to a smoky shot of lao khao in a Bangkok alley, Thai beverages blend tradition, tropical flair, and local ingredients to deliver something bold, sweet, and always memorable.
In this guide, we break down 13 must-try Thai drinks — both alcoholic and non-alcoholic — that will quench your thirst and help you discover the local flavors widely consumed throughout Thailand. Whether you’re visiting Thailand for a short trip or staying long-term on an ED visa, this list gives you a taste of the best Thai culture served in a cup.
Want to go beyond reading and see these Thai beverages in action?
At GEOS Thailand, we hosted a hands-on Thai drink-making event with our students, from Thai iced tea to nam manao, coconut water, and more. It was fun, educational, and a little bit messy (the good kind).
Check out the video below and discover how these iconic Thai drinks you must try are made, step by step.
1. Thai Iced Tea (Cha Yen)
Let’s start with the most iconic Thai beverage — cha yen, better known to travelers as Thai iced tea.
Made from black tea leaves and sweetened condensed milk, this refreshing drink is served over ice, giving it that signature orange glow. It’s perfect for first-timers trying beverages in Thailand, especially if you love something like Thai iced tea back home.
Why it stands out:
- Rich in flavor and sweetness
- A go-to drink at street food stalls and local Thai cafés
- Often sprinkled with brown sugar or topped with evaporated milk
2. Coconut Water
In Phuket, Chiang Mai, or anywhere across Thailand, you will see green coconuts being hacked open on the street. The clear liquid inside? That’s your natural sports drink.
Coconut water is the functional beverage of choice in tropical heat — hydrating, tasty, and full of electrolytes. It pairs especially well with spicy Thai dishes or salty street food in Bangkok.
3. Mekhong Whiskey
If you want to experience authentic Thai alcohol, start here.
Mekhong whiskey is actually a rice whiskey blend — infused with herbs and sugarcane. It’s been Thailand’s pride since the 1940s and is often paired with soda and lime, creating a Thai twist on the highball.
Locals call it the spirit of Thailand, and once you try it, you’ll know why.
4. Thai Milk Tea (Cha Nom Yen)
This sweeter Thai version of tea is thick, creamy, and best served with crushed ice and sometimes boba. It’s different from cha yen, offering more milk and sometimes flavored syrups.
Look out for Thai red tea and green tea variants. These soft drinks are especially popular drinks in Thailand among younger crowds.
5. Nam Bai Toey (Pandan Juice)
Nam bai toey is one of those local drinks that tourists rarely try — and absolutely should.
Made from pandan leaves, this traditional Thai drink is cooling, mildly sweet, and often served over ice. You’ll find it at temples, local homes, and markets.
6. Thai Beers: Singha, Chang, and Leo
Thai beers are essential to the nightlife scene. The big three:
- Singha beer – Crisp, dry, and the oldest
- Chang beer – Stronger, with a sweet malt base
- Leo – Smooth and easy for beginners
These are the best Thai lagers to sip while watching Muay Thai or devouring Thai cuisine by the roadside.
Bonus: All three pair perfectly with street food in Bangkok.
7. Oliang (Thai Iced Coffee)
Coffee fans, meet your new addiction. Oliang, Thailand’s iced coffee, is brewed using a unique metal filter and a mix of robusta beans, sesame, and corn.
It’s strong, bold, and often sweetened heavily before being served over ice. Perfect for surviving a humid afternoon in Bangkok.
8. Nam Manao (Lime Juice)
One of the most refreshing, simple Thai drinks you must try. Just fresh lime juice, water, and a hint of sugar or salt.
Nam manao is a natural palate cleanser — and one of the beverages like lemonade that you’ll crave with spicy Thai food.
9. Sangsom Thai Rum
Move over, Captain Morgan. Sangsom Thai rum is a must-try for backpackers and curious drinkers.
Made from sugarcane and aged in oak, Sangsom offers a local Thai twist on traditional rum. It is Thailand’s answer to party fuel, typically found at beach bars in Phuket or fire shows on the islands.
10. Grass Jelly Drink (Chao Kuay)
This is not your average soda. Grass jelly, or chao kuay, is a herbal jelly floating in sweetened syrup or soy milk.
Locals drink it to help with digestion and cool the body. It’s one of the local drinks you’ll often see in big metal barrels in markets.
11. Fresh Fruit Shakes
Thailand offers a massive variety of fruits, and almost everyone can be blended into a shake.
Favorites include:
- Watermelon shake (sometimes with lime and salt)
- Mango or passionfruit blends
- Coconut milk and banana (sometimes topped with coconut ice cream)
These shakes are best served cold and found at street vendors from Chiang Mai to the islands.
12. Tamarind Juice (Nam Makham)
This tangy-sweet drink is made from the pulp of tamarind pods. Tamarind juice, or nam makham, is rich, dark, and slightly sour but balances beautifully with a bit of sugar.
It’s considered one of the healthiest beverages in Thailand and is often served over ice after meals.
13. Red Soda (Nam Daeng) and Other Thai Soft Drinks
Thailand gets creative with soda.
Try these alcoholic or non-alcoholic options:
- Nam daeng (Thai red soda) — very sweet, bright red
- Sprite with salt and lime — yes, really
- Green Fanta — a weirdly good pineapple-ish flavor
These soft drinks are widely consumed and found in every 7-Eleven across Thailand.
Where to Try These Must-Try Thai Beverages
You can find these Thai beverages all over the country:
- Street vendors: Your best source for cha, nam manao, and fruit shakes
- Markets in Bangkok: Great for local drinks and traditional recipes
- 7-Eleven: A surprisingly good source for bottled Thai tea, juices, and even rice whiskey
- Bars and clubs: For Sangsom rum, Mekhong, and local beer
If you’re here on an ED visa or staying long-term, learning about Thailand’s drink culture gives you a fun and tasty window into everyday life.
Final Sip: Thai Drinks Are More Than Just Refreshments
Whether it’s iced tea to cool you down or a strong Thai whisky to heat up your night, Thai beverages are an essential part of the experience.
Next time you’re ordering a meal, ask for something beyond water. Go for a traditional Thai drink, explore the weird and wonderful choice of drinks on offer, and quench your thirst like a local.
Want to discover more about Thai culture, food, and language?
Join us at GEOS Thailand — learn Thai, explore the city, and make every meal and drink part of the adventure.
👉 Book a free consultation today to start your journey.
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