The best bars and cafés Thailand

Timetable

Cafés are open during the day and close in the late afternoon in small towns and late evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the early afternoon and close between 1am and 5am depending on the authorisation they have. Beach bars are open from morning to night.

Budget & Tips

The prices for an espresso or cappuccino type coffee in the major stores in the big cities are more or less the same as in France. Prices are significantly lower in street stalls or some small shops.

Rates for alcoholic beverages vary depending on the type of establishment and your location. A large local brand beer costs less than 50 baht in a shop and between 70 and 120 baht in bars and restaurants.

Age restrictions

Alcohol is prohibited for sale and consumption until the age of 20. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. However, it is not uncommon to see people under that age in bars and clubs..

What's very local

Thai people are crazy about bubble tea, pearl tea. This drink originating from Taiwan has conquered the hearts of the Thais and you will find it all over the country. Several varieties: the tea is flavoured, accompanied by milk or not, ice cubes, sugar (lots of sugar!) and the drink is sprinkled with small tapioca pearls.

Smokers

It is worth mentioning again that smoking is strictly forbidden in public places. However, many establishments tolerate cigarette smoke on terraces, especially in tourist resorts or even in Bangkok. If some tourists or foreign expatriates are flexible, it is not the same for Thai people. Beware, the tolerance is not the same in the night markets (Night Markets), there you'll have to get out of the walk to be able to grill one. Watch out for the fine!