Beer in Pattaya: A Guide to Local Favorites

When visiting Thailand, understanding the local beer scene is essential. 3 Thai brands dominate bars, restaurants, and convenience stores across the kingdom along with a few regional favorites.

Chang: The Undisputed King

Market Position: Most popular Thai beer by far (60% market share) Alcohol Content: 5.0% Taste Profile: Light, easy-drinking lager with minimal bitterness and slight sweetness. Perfectly designed for Thailand’s hot climate.

Why it rules: Cheapest option, available everywhere from 7-Elevens to beach bars. The large 630ml bottles offer excellent value, making it the working-class favorite and tourist go-to.

Singha: The Premium Choice

Market Position: Original Thai beer (established 1933), premium positioning Alcohol Content: 5.0% Taste Profile: Full-bodied with malty sweetness and slightly bitter finish. More complex than Chang.

Where you’ll find it: Upscale restaurants, hotels, and tourist areas. The golden lion logo represents Thai heritage and commands higher prices.

Leo: The Smooth Newcomer

Market Position: Made by Singha. Mid-market, gaining popularity with younger crowds Alcohol Content: 5.0% Taste Profile: Smoothest of all Thai beers with very low bitterness. Light and refreshing.

Appeal: Heavily marketed at nightlife venues and music festivals, giving it a hip, younger image.

Tiger: The International Import

Market Position: Singaporean beer with strong Thai presence Alcohol Content: 5.0% Taste Profile: Crisper and more bitter than Thai beers, with pronounced hop character and drier finish.

Popularity: Favored in tourist areas like Pattaya’s Walking Street and Bangkok’s expat districts for its familiar international taste.

San Miguel and San Miguel Light (aka “San Mig”)

Market Position: While technically a Filipino import, San Miguel has carved out significant market share in Thailand’s competitive beer scene. This crisp lager appeals to both locals and international visitors seeking a clean, refreshing alternative to heavier Thai beers.

Profile: San Miguel delivers a golden, crystal-clear appearance with a light, foamy head. The taste is clean and crisp with mild hop character and a balanced finish that’s less sweet than Chang or Leo. At 5.0% ABV, it provides moderate strength without overwhelming the palate.

Why it Rules: San Miguel excels at food pairing, particularly with spicy Thai dishes where its clean profile doesn’t compete with bold flavors. The beer’s widespread availability throughout Pattaya – from 7-Elevens to upscale restaurants – makes it a reliable choice. Its familiar taste attracts international visitors while its refreshing quality has won over many Thai beer drinkers.

The lighter variant has gained strong traction among health-conscious drinkers and those preferring lower alcohol content. It’s become increasingly popular in Pattaya’s expat community.

Quick Facts for Travelers

Price range: 35-50 baht at convenience stores, 80-120 baht at bars
Served with ice: Don’t be surprised – Thais often add ice to beer

Chang dominates: If you try only one, make it Chang – it’s what locals drink.

It’s legal to drink beer in public. Do what many others enjoy: purchase a few cold ones from 7 Eleven and head to one of Pattaya’s best beaches. Or sample local beers at one of Pattaya’s best night markets.