After skipping a week due to a hiking trip in the mountains (which also involved beer, a post about that is coming), this week’s #BeerSaturday is about Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan in Thailand. Surprisingly, you can find some great craft beer here!
Baan Tai Night Market
In the center of Koh Pha Ngan, you’ll find some nice craft beer bars (more on that later), but if you head south (where I stayed at a great beachside spot) you’ll come across a lively Night Market. Tucked away in one corner, there’s a bar with four large fridges (three filled with Chang) hiding some amazing Thai craft beers.
The food at the market is fantastic, and if you're lucky, you might even catch some live music from local musicians.
SOHO Bar Phangan
If you’re waiting for the ferry back to the mainland or to the next island, SOHO Bar in the center of Koh Pha Ngan is a great spot for a craft beer. They have a solid selection of regional and international beers, though the prices are definitely on the higher side.
It’s a true sports bar with multiple screens, mostly showing football. The front of the bar is completely open, making it a perfect place to relax while overlooking the quiet street. Upstairs, you can play a game of pool or just chill on the balcony. Be sure to check the fridge at the back left of the bar: that’s where the real gems are hidden.
Lucky to be Alive
In Fisherman’s Village on Koh Samui, it’s surprisingly hard to find a good craft beer spot. Most places are either upscale restaurants or full-on party bars. But there’s one spot I can definitely recommend: Lucky to be Alive. It’s an outdoor bar with seating on the square, offering a solid selection of local craft beers.
They have eight taps, which, when I visited, featured only Thai craft beers. The fridge holds even more great options. There are a few snacks available, but since you're sitting outside on the square, you can easily grab food from other nearby stalls and bring it over.
Whether you're enjoying a chilled Thai craft beer at a local bar or exploring hidden gems at the Night Market, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Samui offer more than just beautiful beaches. If you're ever in the area, make sure to check out these spots for a refreshing taste of the local brews.
Do you have any other gems? Let me know in the comments!