For decades, the Thai drinking experience was defined by a predictable trio: Singha, Chang, and Leo. These familiar lagers, while refreshing in the tropical heat, offered little variety for the curious drinker. But something has changed. Over the past several years, a quiet revolution has been bubbling beneath the surface, and today, Thailand’s craft beer scene is exploding with creativity, passion, and world-class flavour.
The journey hasn’t been easy. Thailand’s strict brewing laws, remnants of a bygone era, have historically made it difficult for small brewers to operate legally . Brewpubs must meet stringent requirements, including registered capital of 10 million baht and an annual production capacity of at least 100,000 litres, with all beer consumed on-site . Yet, despite these challenges—or perhaps because of them—a community of passionate brewers and bar owners has emerged, creating some of Southeast Asia’s most exciting drinking destinations.
Bangkok and Chiang Mai stand at the forefront of this movement. The capital dazzles with sleek microbreweries in gleaming malls and hidden warehouse conversions, while the northern capital charms with intimate taprooms tucked down quiet lanes, where the focus is on community and conversation. Whether you’re a dedicated hophead or a curious newcomer, this guide will lead you to the very best craft beer experiences Thailand has to offer.
Part 1: Navigating the Scene – A Quick Note on Thai Beer Laws
Before we dive into the bars, it helps to understand a quirk of the Thai craft beer landscape. Because of those restrictive brewing laws mentioned earlier, many Thai craft beers you’ll encounter are actually brewed in neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, or even further afield, and then imported back into Thailand . Some bars operate as “microbreweries” or “brewpubs,” brewing their own beer on-site, which is perfectly legal as long as it’s consumed on the premises .
The result is a wonderfully global scene. You might walk into a bar and find a Thai-owned brand brewed in Vietnam, a Kiwi IPA, a German-style lager brewed in Bangkok, and a Burmese craft beer—all on the same night. Don’t let this confuse you; embrace it. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and passion of the local craft beer community, and the beer tastes fantastic regardless of its origin .
Part 2: Bangkok – The Capital of Cool
Bangkok’s craft beer scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. From rooftop breweries with skyline views to hidden warehouses in the suburbs, here are the essential stops.
1. Tai Soon Bar – Old Town Charm with a Twist
Tucked away in the historic Phra Nakhon district, near the infamous Pratu Phi (Ghost Gate), Tai Soon Bar is a hidden gem that perfectly captures the spirit of Bangkok’s new wave of drinking establishments. Housed in a beautifully renovated three-story shophouse that was once a traditional Chinese pharmacy, the bar masterfully blends vintage character with contemporary style . Think red brick walls, Chinese lanterns, neon accents, and a dimly lit, atmospheric interior that’s made for slow sipping and good conversation.
The Beer: Beer lovers will be in heaven. Tai Soon boasts an impressive 18 rotating taps featuring a carefully curated mix of Thai and international craft brews . The selection is constantly changing, so there’s always something new to try. They also have a massive selection of cans and bottles, with some reviewers noting hundreds of options . For the adventurous, look out for their famously unusual offerings like matcha beer and Thai tea beer—a unique twist you won’t find everywhere . One reviewer also raved about a craft stout brewed with “Khao Lam” (sticky rice), describing it as rich, fragrant, and slightly smoky .
The Vibe: The atmosphere is cool, calm, and collected. The air conditioning is a welcome respite from Bangkok’s heat, and the music is kept at a comfortable level, making it perfect for a relaxed evening with friends . The staff are consistently praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to let you sample before you commit . They also serve a small menu of tasty Asian fusion snacks, with the char siu pork rice receiving special mention .
- Location: 190 Maha Chai Rd, Samran Rat, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok
- Hours: Daily, 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
2. Bootleg Brothers – Rooftop Brews with a View
For a completely different vibe, head to the luxury EmQuartier shopping mall in the Phrom Phong district. Here, on a breezy rooftop shared with the bar Escape Bangkok, you’ll find Bootleg Brothers, a slick microbrewery with serious style credentials .
The Beer: Bootleg Brothers brews its own beer on-site, with seven gleaming tanks feeding nine taps pouring fresh, flavourful creations. Their core range includes a malty brown ale called Naughty Nut, a hoppy lager named Island Hopper, and Boy Wonder, a super hop-forward pale ale . The beers rotate periodically, so regulars always have something new to anticipate. A pint will set you back 300 baht, with smaller glasses available for 150 baht .
The Vibe: The atmosphere is pure urban chic, with beachy Bali-inspired decor and cozy balcony spots offering views of the Phrom Phong skyline. Since it shares a space with Escape, you can order from their extensive food menu, which ranges from pizzas to Thai dishes, making it a perfect spot for a full evening out .
- Location: EmQuartier Shopping Mall, Phrom Phong, Bangkok
- Hours: Typically open from late afternoon (check with the venue)
3. Burbrit – A Taste of Myanmar
Bangkok’s craft beer scene is wonderfully international, and nowhere is that more evident than at Burbrit. A portmanteau of “Burmese” and “British,” this bar is the first international outpost of a popular Myanmar-based brewery, with locations already in Yangon and Naypyidaw .
The Beer: Burbrit specializes in craft beers from neighbouring Myanmar. You’ll find six beers on tap, including a light, easy-drinking Golden Ale (180 baht), a citrusy, banana-scented Padaung Weizen (230 baht), and their signature Ayeyarwady IPA (290 baht), a solid hop-forward brew .
The Vibe: Located on the edge of Sukhumvit 22, the bar occupies a spacious venue with a stylish modern British pub interior—think black marble floors, high ceilings, and retro beer posters . There’s also a large patio (with a roof under construction as of the latest reports) and a massive projector screen perfect for catching live sports with friends. The music is a lively mix of Burmese pop and Western classics. It’s a great spot to come with a group.
- Location: 1 Sukhumvit Alley 22, Khlong Toei, Bangkok
- Hours: Daily, 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
4. More Bangkok Gems
The capital’s scene extends far beyond these highlights.
- The Londoner Brew Pub: A true pioneer, The Londoner first opened in 1997 and is Bangkok’s oldest brewpub . Now located on Pattanakarn Road, this three-story British pub is a sprawling entertainment complex with its own microbrewery, serving house-brewed English-style IPA, Bavarian lager, and low-carb pilsner. It features a game room with pool, darts, and arcade games, plus giant screens for sports. Don’t miss their legendary “beer buffet”—three hours of unlimited beer for just 599 baht on Mondays and Tuesdays .
- Mitr Brewery: A true pioneer in the scene, run by Col. Wichit “Chit” Saiklao, one of Thailand’s craft beer founding fathers . Located in Nonthaburi (a bit north of central Bangkok), this brewpub is the home of multiple respected brands like Chit Beer and Devanom. The real draw? It’s next door to Thailand’s first hop farm, where they’re experimentally growing hops to use in their own brews. Live bands play on weekends .
- Saha Prachachuen: In the Chatuchak district, this spacious warehouse bar is a collaboration between beer distributor Group B Beer and the brewers behind local labels Sandport and Yod Beer . With 11 rotating taps featuring both common and rare Thai craft beers, plus tasty local bar bites like bacon-wrapped northeastern sausage, it’s a fantastic addition to the northern Bangkok scene .
Part 3: Chiang Mai – The Northern Soul
If Bangkok is the slick, modern face of Thai craft beer, Chiang Mai is its soulful, community-driven heart. The northern capital’s scene is characterized by intimate, passionate bars where you can chat with the owners, discover local breweries, and feel like part of a family.
1. The Grumpy Old Men (My Beer Friend Taproom) – A Must-Visit
Tucked away down a side street in the Chang Khlan area, you’ll find one of Chiang Mai’s most beloved craft beer destinations. Officially named “The Grumpy Old Men: My Beer Friend Taproom,” this is the second establishment from the respected My Beer Friend brewery, and it’s an absolute gem .
The Beer: The bar offers a rotating selection of eight beers, with two brewed in-house by My Beer Friend . Expect to find their excellent ESB and NE IPA, both of which receive rave reviews . The remaining taps feature guest brews from around the world, including New Zealand, American, and Vietnamese brewers, making it a great spot to sample a wide range of styles . They also offer six of their own beers in bottles, though availability varies .
The Vibe: This place is unique. From the outside, it’s understated, but step inside and you’re enveloped in a warm, quirky, and wonderfully eclectic atmosphere . The decor is a fascinating mix, and they even boast one of the largest CD collections you’ll see these days. The atmosphere is quiet, cool, and incredibly relaxing—an excellent escape from the bustle . The staff (and owner, if he’s around) are famously passionate, friendly, and knowledgeable, always happy to guide you through the selection . It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for four.
- Location: 164/39 Chang Klan Rd, Chang Khlan, Chiang Mai
- Hours: Thursday–Tuesday, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Closed Wednesday)
2. Namton’s House Bar – A Home Away From Home
If you want to feel like you’re drinking at a friend’s house—a friend with impeccable beer taste—head to Namton’s House Bar. Located on Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Road, this welcoming spot is a firm favourite on the local craft beer trail .
The Beer: The selection is seriously impressive. Namton’s boasts a dozen taps and five fridges packed with an ever-changing selection of local and imported brews . Whether you’re in the mood for a crisp lager, a funky sour, or a big, bold stout, you’re almost certain to find something to love.
The Vibe: True to its name, the atmosphere is wonderfully homely. The knowledgeable proprietor and friendly staff create an instantly welcoming environment . On a nice evening, grab a spot on the sun-dappled front porch, watch the world go by, and settle in for a long, relaxed session. It’s a perfect spot for an afternoon beer that effortlessly stretches into the evening.
- Location: 196/2 Chiang Mai-Lam Phun Rd, Wat Ket, Chiang Mai
- Hours: Thursday–Tuesday, 4:20 PM – 11:30 PM (Closed Wednesday)
3. Eight Days A Week Cool Muang – A Converted Lanna Gem
Housed in a beautifully converted traditional Lanna-style building, Eight Days A Week Cool Muang brings a touch of architectural charm to the Chiang Mai beer scene . This airy taproom opened its doors in late 2024 and has quickly become a local favourite.
The Beer: With ten valves pouring a rotating selection of predominantly Thai craft brews, this is a fantastic place to sample what the local scene has to offer . The selection covers a wide spectrum, from crisp lagers and bold IPAs to rich stouts and tart sours. The venue encourages a “try before you buy” approach, so don’t be shy about asking for samples to find your perfect pint .
The Vibe: The setting in a converted Lanna building is a standout feature, offering a uniquely Chiang Mai atmosphere. It’s airy, comfortable, and staffed by knowledgeable team members who are happy to guide you through the day’s offerings. A perfect blend of northern Thai heritage and modern craft beer culture.
- Location: 31 Thippanate Road, Haiya Sub-district, Chiang Mai
- Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
4. More Chiang Mai Favourites
The northern capital has so much more to explore.
- Renegade Craft Beer: Located by Thapae Gate, this sports bar and restaurant is a beer lover’s paradise with a jaw-dropping selection. They boast 10 rotating taps and over 300 different kinds of craft beer in bottles and cans . It’s a great spot to catch a game and work your way through an encyclopedic beer menu.
- Chit Hole CNX: A must for fans of the legendary Chit brewery from Bangkok. This Nimman-area bar features 16 rotating taps pouring exclusively Thai craft beer from Chit and other local heroes, covering everything from wheat beers to stouts and even the occasional mead . Their motto? “It’s Good Chit.” And it is.
- My Beer Friend Nimman: The first outlet from the My Beer Friend team, located on a peaceful residential street in the trendy Nimman area . Situated on the ground floor of No.9 Hostel, it offers a range of local and imported beers on tap, including their own in-house brews.
- Malt Bar at Think Park: For a quick and easy option, the Malt Bar at Think Park, near the popular Nimman area, offers an acceptable selection of bottled craft beers (about 30 options) in a pleasant, music-filled setting, with free WiFi . It’s a convenient stop if you’re exploring the neighbourhood.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Thailand’s craft beer revolution is one of the most exciting developments in the country’s modern food and drink scene. It’s a story of passion, perseverance, and a community that has refused to let restrictive laws dampen its spirit. From the sleek microbreweries of Bangkok’s gleaming malls to the intimate, soulful taprooms hidden in Chiang Mai’s quiet lanes, there’s a world of flavour waiting to be discovered.
So the next time you’re in Thailand, go beyond the familiar green bottles of Chang and Singha. Seek out these bars. Strike up a conversation with the passionate owners. Sample a funky Thai sour ale, a Burmese IPA, or a Vietnamese-brewed Thai pale ale. You’ll not only taste some fantastic beer, but you’ll also tap into a vibrant, welcoming community that is redefining what it means to drink in the Land of Smiles.
Cheers, or as they say in Thai, Chok dee!